South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension is searching for an Organic 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, Lemmon, Mitchell, Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Watertown, or Winner. The position is supervised by the Agriculture and Natural Resources Program Leader and is affiliated with either 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 conduct educational programming and provide technical support to agricultural producers wanting to make the transition to certified organic production or implement regenerative organic agricultural production practices. 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 Organic Agriculture Extension Field Specialist I will provide educational programming and technical support to 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 and plan the transition to certified organic production or implement regenerative organic agricultural practices. The Field Specialist will conduct producer meetings, workshops, and field tours; assist with on-farm research projects; develop educational materials; and provide technical service for producers. Active interaction with local producers, state/regional/national organic agricultural 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 organic 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.
• Establish strong collaborative partnerships.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• M.S. degree in Agronomy, Animal Science, Horticulture, Plant Science 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 organic agricultural cropping, including specialty crops, and/or livestock production practices and standards;
• 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:

• Organic certification experience;
• Previous Extension or producer outreach/education 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.

SALARY:

$60,000-$65,000 depending on experience.

BENEFITS:

South Dakota State University offers a wide range of benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions.

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. It also works with academic departments and the Agricultural Experiment Station to provide unbiased, science-based knowledge focused on issues and needs. SDSU Extension organizes program outreach across 4 program areas: Agriculture and Natural Resources, Food & Families, Community Vitality and 4-H Youth Development, which are part of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, and College of Education and Human Sciences.UNIVERSITY/COMMUNITY: SDSU is a land grant institution and the state’s largest institution of higher education, with an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. SDSU is located in Brookings, South Dakota, a community of approximately 23,657 near the east-central border of South Dakota on Interstate 29. This position is available in Aberdeen, Lemmon, Mitchell, Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Watertown, or Winner.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Position is open until filled with full consideration given to applications received by May 1, 2024.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

South Dakota State University accepts applications through an online employment site. To apply, visit: https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu, search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on “apply for this job.” This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact South Dakota State University Human Resources at 605-688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.

South Dakota State University is a tobacco free environment. It is university policy to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.

For questions on the position, contact Chris Graham (605) 394-1722 or at [email protected].

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 access mission. SDSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits discrimination on, the basis of sex, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, gender identification, transgender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status that may become protected under law against discrimination in the offering of all educational programs and employment opportunities. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing [email protected]. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007, 605-688-4128.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Ability to Relocate:

• Sioux Falls, SD: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person