South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension is searching for a Diversified Agriculture Extension Field Specialist I. This is a 12-month, full-time, benefit-eligible position available in one of our regional extension centers located in either Aberdeen, Mitchell, Pierre, Sioux Falls, or Watertown. The position is supervised by the Agriculture and Natural Resources Program Leader and is affiliated with the either the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, the Department of Agronomy, Horticulture, and Plant Science, or the Department of Animal Science depending on the successful applicant’s field of expertise. The successful candidate will specifically address climate resiliency issues agricultural producers face in the northern Great Plains. This position supports the SDSU Extension mission, strategic vision, and planning assumptions, complies with applicable federal and state laws and regulations, and all University policies, including Affirmative Action, and commits to the inclusion of variety of South Dakotans.

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant mission of access.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Diversified Agriculture Extension Field Specialist I will provide climate resiliency programming for agricultural producers in both cropping and livestock production systems. This position is expected to collaborate with other Extension personnel to produce appropriate communications to help producers navigate seasonal weather-related events and long-term climate shifts; and develop and promote climate decision support tools for crop pest protection, livestock stress reduction, economic risk protection, and enhance sustainability of natural resources. Diversified Agriculture Extension Field Specialist I will conduct producer meetings, workshops, and field tours; assist with on-farm research projects; and develop educational materials. Active interaction with local producers, agricultural grower groups, state and federal agencies, and other non-governmental organizations is expected. They will travel extensively to build strong relationships with producer groups, agribusinesses, and governmental agencies to identify ongoing and emerging needs in regards to crop and livestock production systems. This includes:

• Implement statewide proactive, problem-solving approaches to identified stakeholder issues, needs, and topics.
• Exercise communication and facilitation skills in working with appropriate discipline and topic focused organizations and groups.
• Create and deliver technological outreach through the Extension web portal https://extension.sdstate.edu.
• Develop and interact with learning communities.
• Develop and implement presentations, workshops, and training to a variety of audiences.
• Develop and implement evaluation tools for measuring and reporting program impact.
• Utilize and implement program business plans to manage projects and programs.
• Develop grants and/or cost recovery mechanisms to assist with program sustainability.

Applicants need to visit: https://YourFuture.sdbor.edu, search for your vacancy, view it, and click on "apply for this posting" to apply for the position.  The link directly to your vacancy is https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu/postings/34779.

• Establish strong collaborative partnerships.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• S. degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Animal Science, Natural Resource Management, Range Management, or other closely related field by start date;
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position;
• Knowledge of cropping and livestock production systems in the Northern Great Plains;
• Ability to work and interact with agricultural producers, allied industry professionals, colleagues, staff, students, and clientele;

• Excellent oral and strong interpersonal skills;
• Excellent written communication skills;
• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills;
• Knowledge of planning implementing and evaluating educational materials and directing effective programs;
• Ability to work as a contributing team member; and
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire, and willingness to travel.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Certified Crop Advisor certification;

• Previous Extension experience;
• Potential ability to identify and develop funding proposals to support new and/or enhanced programming within and/or across capstone areas as PI or Co-PI;
• Experience in publishing extension materials and/or peer reviewed journals;
• Experience with data analysis using meteorological or hydrological data; and
• Computer programming in Python, R, or other data visualization/analysis software.

About South Dakota State University

SDSU Extension - SDSU Extension is one mode of outreach utilized by South Dakota State University. It brings educational programs and research-based information to the citizens of South Dakota. The mission of SDSU Extension is "Growing South Dakota". It works with academic departments and the Agricultural Experiment Station to provide unbiased, science-based knowledge focused on issues and needs. Extension has five capstone program areas: Competitive Crops Systems; Competitive Livestock Systems; Youth and Community Leadership; Food and Families; and Urban/Rural Initiatives which are part of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences and the College of Education and Human Sciences.

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