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South Dakota State University is searching for a Soil Health Extension Field Specialist I in one of our regional extension centers located in either Aberdeen, Lemmon, Mitchell, Pierre, or Watertown, SD. This is a 12-month, full-time, benefit-eligible, non-faculty exempt, 100% Extension appointment and is accountable to the Agriculture and Natural Resources Program Leader and is affiliated with the Department of Agronomy, Horticulture, and Plant Science. The successful candidate will have statewide responsibility to provide soil health programming on both croplands and rangelands. The Extension Field Specialist I 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 diverse South Dakotans.

SDSU is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to and/or coordinate Extension programming that addresses the experiences of underrepresented minorities in organizations, and actively seeks to increase social and intellectual diversity among its faculty and staff.  Women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

 PURPOSE OF POSITION:
To provide strong regional and statewide leadership in delivering research-based programming in the Agriculture and Natural Resources capstone area. The incumbent will be responsible for the development and dissemination of soil health research-based programming and resources in support of agronomy and livestock production across South Dakota. The incumbent will travel extensively to build strong relationships with producer groups, agribusinesses, and governmental agencies to identify ongoing and emerging needs of crop and livestock producers. This position is supervised by the Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Program Leader and is affiliated with the Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science Department. Collaboration in research and extension projects with faculty from Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Sciences as well as other research and extension centers across South Dakota is encouraged.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be authorized to work in the United States. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
• M.S. degree in Agronomy, Soils, or other closely related field completed by first day of employment.

• Certified Crop Advisor certification or ability to obtain within two years of employment.

• Excellent oral communication skills
• Excellent written communication skills.
• Knowledge of soil chemical, physical, and biological properties.
• Knowledge of cropping systems in the Northern Great Plains.
• Knowledge of livestock production in the Northern Great Plains.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a team member.
• Potential ability to plan, implement, and evaluate educational materials and direct effective programs.

• Ability to conduct innovative applied field-based studies on row crop, horticultural-crop, rangeland production systems utilizing small-plot research techniques and citizen scientists.

• Valid driver's license or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire, and willingness to travel.
  
  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• D. degree in Agronomy, Soils, or other closely related field completed by first day of employment.
• Strong interpersonal skills.

• Demonstrated use of technology in managing or delivering educational programs.
• Previous Extension experience.
• Experience in publishing extension materials and peer reviewed journals.
• 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.

To apply please follow this direct link 
https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu/postings/33069.

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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