Working Title Extension Field Specialist I-Range
Posting Number NFE00950P
Department SDSU-Natural Resource Management
Physical Location of Position (City) Lemmon
Posting Text
SDSU Extension/Natural Resource Management Department is offering an exciting career opportunity as an Extension Field Specialist I – Range. We are looking for a creative and innovative professional who will provide leadership to the development and dissemination of research-based programming and resources in support of multi-species range and grassland management. This is a 12 month, full-time, benefit-eligible position based at the Lemmon Regional Extension Center. This position is supervised by the Department Head of Natural Resource Management at SDSU in collaboration with the Ag and Natural Resources Program Director with SDSU Extension.
SDSU is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to the experiences of underrepresented minorities in organizations. Women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Extension Field Specialist I – Range will be responsible for development and dissemination of research-based programming and resources in support of multi-species range and grassland management, including but not limited to grazing systems, soil health, ecology and other related topics across South Dakota. They will travel extensively to build strong relationships with producer groups, agribusinesses and governmental agencies to identify ongoing and emerging needs in regard to range and grassland management. This includes:
- Implement 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.
- Commit 20% of work time and effort to creating and delivering technological outreach through the Extension web portal https://extension.sdstate.edu.
- Develop and interact with learning communities related to range and grassland management.
- Commit to regional and statewide program delivery strategies and the intent to create enthusiastic implementation among state and local stakeholders.
- Develop and implement presentations, workshops, and training to diverse 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:
- Master’s degree from an accredited university or college; academic preparation and demonstrated scholarly mastery in a discipline relevant to range science, biological science, agricultural science, natural resource management or other related disciplines completed by the first day of employment.
- Demonstrated experience in application of rangeland management principles.
- Demonstrated ability to plan, implement, and evaluate educational materials and deliver effective programs.
- Demonstrated use of technology in managing and/or delivering educational programs.
- Demonstrated ability to work as a team member.
- Demonstrated effectiveness in oral and written communications.
- Valid driver’s license, or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire, and willingness to travel.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Previous Extension experience.
- Demonstrated leadership in developing or leading learning communities.
- Demonstrated leadership and teamwork with stakeholders.
- Demonstrated collaboration in developing funding proposals to support new and/or enhanced programming.
- Experience in publishing extension materials and/or peer reviewed journals.
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.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
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 SDSU Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.
Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, a criminal background check.
South Dakota State University is a tobacco free environment.
It is the policy of the University 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.
Posting Date 09/30/2020
Closing Date
Open Until Filled Yes
First Consideration Date 10/30/2020
Advertised Salary Commensurate with qualifications
Duration of the Term 12 months
If Other, describe duration
Appointment Percent 100
Work Hours
8am – 5pm but flexible when out meeting with producers and conducting outreach.
Typical Hours Worked Per Week
Appointment Type Regular
Faculty Status No
Scope of Search External (includes Internal)
If internal, define scope of search
This position requires Travel, Overnight stays, Valid Drivers License
If other, please indicate
Department Description and Cultural Expectations
UNIVERSITY/COMMUNITY:
Ranked as the No. 2 best place to work in South Dakota by Forbes, South Dakota State University is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with more than 200 programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students.
SDSU offers a rich academic experience in an environment of inclusion and access through inspired, student-centered education, creative activities and research, innovation and engagement that improve the quality of life in South Dakota, the region, the nation, and the world. Its employees embrace the university’s core values of being people-centered, expanding knowledge through creativity, embracing organizational and personal integrity, commitment to diversity, and excellence through continuous improvement.
As the state’s 1862 Morrill Act land-grant institution, the work of the university is carried out on its main resident campus in Brookings, at sites in Sioux Falls, Pierre, Rapid City, and Aberdeen, and through Extension offices and Agricultural Experiment Station research sites across South Dakota.
SDSU was recognized as one of 54 institutions in the United States as an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University by the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities in 2014. The university’s total research expenditures are greater than $60 million. SDSU is the state’s first High Research Activity institution as classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
Jackrabbits Athletics competes as an NCAA Division I member with membership in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, the Summit League and the Big XII for wrestling.
Brookings is home to approximately 24,000 residents and is located 60 miles north of Sioux Falls and 200 miles west of Minneapolis. Livability.com rates Brookings as an ideal community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees. It considers Brookings among the safest and most vibrant cities in South Dakota.
The Brookings Public School District educates approximately 3,300 K-12 students and ranks among the state’s highest academic achieving school districts. The district includes three elementary schools, an intermediate school for fourth and fifth grade, one middle school and a high school.
The city also boasts an abundance of attractions and activities, including the Children’s Museum of South Dakota, Dakota Nature Park, South Dakota Art Museum, McCrory Gardens, South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum, Outdoor Adventure Center, and the Brookings Summer Arts Festival.
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 program areas: Competitive Crops Systems; Competitive Livestock Systems; Community Vitality, 4-H Youth Development; and Food and Families which are part of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences and the College of Education and Human Sciences.
Affirmative Action Statement
South Dakota State University is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity and the diversity of its faculty, staff, and students. Women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing HR@sdstate.edu. SDSU prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, gender, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran’s status or any other protected class in the offering of all educational programs and employment opportunities. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: (605) 688-4128.
Diversity Statement
We are committed to diversity of community and ideas. We believe in a supportive, diverse, collaborative, and cohesive environment with a focus on access. We actively seek collaboration with individuals with differing perspectives, backgrounds, and areas of expertise.
Contact Information
For questions on the position contact Krista Ehlert at 605-394-2236 or krista.ehlert@sdstate.edu.
