NDSU Extension is seeking a highly motivated individual to serve as the Extension Cropping Systems Specialist for southwest and greater North Dakota. The specialist is a member of a statewide Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources team with responsibilities of providing leadership for cropping systems for extension (90%) and applied research (10%). The successful applicant will be responsible for developing and implementing science-based outreach to Extension agents, a diverse clientele of producers, as well as industry, advisory groups, and technical service providers. Programming will focus primarily on production agriculture areas including crop inputs, crop pest management, plant nutrition, cultivar evaluation, cover crop systems, forage and feed production, and new technologies. The successful candidate is expected to coordinate and collaborate with other NDSU, regional, and national project leaders on joint outreach efforts appropriate for the Dickinson Research Extension Center (DREC); analyze and disseminate information from research programs; participate in research efforts; and interact closely with area agricultural producers.
This position will be located at the DREC, located near Dickinson, ND. The DREC Director will provide supervision for the position. This is a permanent, non-tenure track specialist position, and includes opportunities for promotion.
This position includes, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities:
Develop an innovative Extension program to include the identification, assesssment and delivery of educational programs that will facilitate the development of effective agronomic production systems.
Provide expertise and continuing education training to Extension agents, clients and technical service providers.
Provide leadership in applied research programs involving cropping systems.
Stay current in the production practices of crops grown withing the area of the DREC and greater North Dakota.
Develop individual and team-based Extension programs and publications that disseminate information to producers, industry personnel and Extension agents.
Seek extramural funding to support Extension programming and applied research.
Communicate with other Extension personnel, appropriate Research Extension Center personnel and producers about issues that need new or additional research. When appropriate, provide leadership for the development and demonstration of novel management strategies that ensure program relavancy and the ability to guide producer efforts to adapt to changing production systems.
Develop relationships and cooperate with Research and Extension faculty within the NDSU system.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Work Schedule:
Regular work schedule is Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. with some weekend and evening work required.
Master’s degree in agronomy or a closely related field.
Knowledge of crop production, including crop inputs, crop pest management, plant nutrition, cultivar evaluation, cover crop systems, forage and feed production and new technologies.
Ability to develop an effective Extension program.
Ability to develop an applied research program.
Evidence of effective written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to deliver information via modern media technologies.
A valid driver’s license and commercial pesticide applicators license (or ability to obtain).
Preferred Qualifications:
Ph.D. in agronomy or a closely related field.
Evidence of strong collaborations and on-going outreach/research with colleagues, departments, and agencies.
Documented experience in production agriculture outreach related to production agriculture; especially experience in Northern Great Plains crop production research and extension programs.
Experience in field research related to crop management.
Experience in the supervision of staff involved with research/outreach.
The Dickinson Research Extension Center is one of seven out-state NDSU research extension centers. The DREC main office is located in Dickinson. Dickinson is a city of nearly 30,000 in southwest North Dakota. Dickinson has a diversified growing economy with excellent health, educational, recreational and community facilities, and a regional airport. The area is noted for small grain, oilseed, livestock and energy production. More information is available at: https://dickinsonchamber.org
