Description & Details:
The NDSU Agricultural Experiment Station (NDAES) is seeking applicants to serve as the Director of the Langdon Research Extension Center (LREC). The Director will provide strategic and visionary leadership for the LREC in meeting its established mission and the needs of stakeholders in northeastern North Dakota and across the state. The Director oversees the daily functions of the LREC, manages the Center’s budget, provides supervision of personnel, oversees administrative and operational procedures, and manages external communications and stakeholder relations. The Director will work closely with NDSU main campus in Fargo and with the other Research Extension Centers across North Dakota. This position reports to the Assistant Director for Field Operations of the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station.
The Langdon Research Extension Center conducts applied agricultural research and outreach with a focus on the crops, cropping systems and production problems specific to northeastern North Dakota. Areas of research include agronomy, crop diseases, pests and protection, weed control, and variety evaluations. Crops that are the focus of LREC research include hard red spring wheat, winter wheat, canola, flax, soybeans, dry edible beans, field peas, barley, sunflowers, and others. The LREC also operates an active program for increasing Foundation Seedstocks to support the regional agricultural community and NDSU plant breeders.
Work Schedule:
The Langdon Research Extension Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm.
Minimum Qualifications:
- M.S. in an agricultural discipline closely aligned with the Center’s research programs from an accredited institution.
- 3+ years of experience in planning, designing, and implementing research or Extension programs related to fields aligned with the mission of the Center.
- Organizational skills and experience with management of projects, budgets and resources.
- Record of creativity, initiative, and entrepreneurial approach to garnering funds to support research or Extension programming.
- Experience managing and supervising employees in a collegial fashion, fostering a teamwork environment and a culture of collaboration.
- Experience managing large operational budgets with transparency and accountability.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with diverse agricultural clientele, agri-business, community groups, and local and state policy makers.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with scientists, agricultural producers, and other clientele associated with agriculture and natural resources.
- Demonstrated and effective use of technologies for leadership, communication and/or research.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in an agricultural discipline closely aligned with the Center’s research programs from an accredited institution.
- Experience and accomplishments in research in an area related to applicable research needs for North Dakota agriculture.
- Experience as a leader of multi-disciplinary research and outreach programs and a record of accomplishment leading multidisciplinary teams and groups.
- Skill in communicating effectively to diverse groups including researchers, administrators, local farmers, agribusiness, elected officials and state legislators.
- Commitment to the core mission of a land-grant university, experience and understanding of administration and project development at a land-grant university, and the application and use of information technology to further that mission.
- Ability to manage large complex budgets.
- Ability to work across distances to accomplish research and Extension mission with the main station and other Research Extension Centers.
- Experience or knowledge of crop-based seedstock production practices.
Core Competencies:
- Ability to manage people, lead, team build, and effectively delegate.
- Ability to manage complex budgets.
- Ability to obtain extramural funding, and ability to develop strong collaborative research with other scientists, Research Extension Centers and/or agencies and organizations
- Ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with diverse agricultural clientele, agri-business, community groups, and local state policy makers.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing with scientists, agricultural producers, and other clientele associated with agriculture and natural resources.
- Effective use of technologies for leadership, communication, and/or research.
Compensation:
The position offers a competitive salary that is commensurate with experience. Housing and utilities are provided at the station for the director and family. The university offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a retirement plan and full coverage for family health insurance. More information on the benefits package can be found at https://www.ndsu.edu/hr/benefits/.
Application Deadline
The initial screening of applicants will begin on May 21st 2026, and continue until a suitable candidate is selected. Applications received by the screening date will be fully considered.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Applications should be submitted online via the NDSU recruitment page and should be received by close of business on Wednesday May 20th, 2026 for full consideration.
Applications should include:
1. A brief cover letter describing relevant experience, leadership approach, and vision for the position
2. Current curriculum vitae
3. Names and contact information (name, phone number, email and institutional address) for three professional references
Questions regarding the position may be directed to Dr. Shana Forster, the search committee chair, at ([email protected]) or to Dr. Marlen Eve, NDAES Assistant Director for Field Operations, at ([email protected]).
Our commitment to caring for our employees isn’t just words—it’s proven. In NDSU’s most recent Gallup Engagement Survey, our strengths centered on care and development. “My supervisor, or someone at work, cares about me as a person” and “I have the opportunities to learn and grow”, were noted as top drivers. This reflects the culture you’ll experience here.
Join a workplace that invests in your well-being, your future, and your success.
Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits:
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100% employer-paid health insurance premiums for single and family coverage
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Choice of PPO/Basic or High Deductible Health Plan with HSA
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Coverage begins the first of the month after your hire date
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Wellness incentives for healthy lifestyle participation
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Employer retirement contributions ranging from 7.5% up to an impressive 12.26%, depending on position
(One of the strongest retirement packages in the region!) - Your future is a priority, and it shows.
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Generous annual leave, sick leave, and 10 paid holidays
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Employee Assistance Program for confidential support
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Supportive work-life balance
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Tuition waivers for employees (up to three classes per calendar year)
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50% tuition waiver for spouse/partner and dependents
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Supplemental Life, Dental, Vision, Long-Term Care
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Flexible Spending Accounts (Health & Dependent Care)
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Supplemental Retirement Plans
About Us:
North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university. We educate leaders who solve national and global challenges by providing affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment.
NDSU is in the highest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, R1, granted to the top research institutions in the country.
NDSU has offices across the state of North Dakota, and the main campus is in Fargo, on the Minnesota border. Along with Moorhead, Minnesota, Fargo forms one of the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle. The community is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live.
NDSU is committed to fostering a community where differences are recognized as strengths. Rooted in our land-grant mission, we work together to meet the needs of North Dakota and its communities through education, research and outreach.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
NDSU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable. Direct inquiries to: Vice Provost, Title IX/ADA Coordinator, Old Main 201, NDSU Main Campus, Fargo, ND, 58108, 701-231-7708, [email protected].
No Smoking Notice:
As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.
Veteran’s Preference Notice:
This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran’s Preference requirements.
Reasonable Accommodation Information:
North Dakota State University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, please contact Human Resources at 701-231-8961 or [email protected].
