Job No. 154902
- Job Title:
- Agricultural Economics Extension Field Specialist I
- Employer:
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South Dakota State University
- Location:
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Brookings , SD
- Posting Date:
- 12-Feb-2025
- Description:
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Posting Text
South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension is offering an exciting career opportunity as an Agricultural Economics Extension Field Specialist I-Commodity Marketing. This role, based in one of our regional extension centers in Sioux Falls, Mitchell, or Watertown, SD, offers a unique chance for professional growth. It’s a 12-month, full-time, benefit-eligible, non-faculty exempt, 100% Extension appointment. 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.
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.
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
PURPOSE OF POSITION:
Extension Field Specialists are responsible for disseminating new research and best management practices to farmers, ranchers, and allied industry professionals. This position will develop and disseminate programming on commodity marketing and risk management resources. These topics could include crop and livestock market basis, cash/futures price, basis, crop/livestock insurance, and production cost management. To accomplish the position’s goals, the Field Specialist will travel to build strong relationships with producer groups, agribusinesses, and governmental agencies to identify agricultural producers’ ongoing and emerging business needs. Collaboration on projects with faculty and other research and extension staff across South Dakota will help the Field Specialist. This position is affiliated with the Ness School of Management and Economics and is supervised by the Agriculture and Natural Resources Program Leader.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Develop and evaluate a needs assessment of SD farmers and ranchers to determine programming efforts.
Utilize needs assessment information to develop programming direction.
Collaborate with researchers to determine what research has been done and how to share that information with farmers and ranchers.
Collaborate with researchers to develop new research projects.
Create programs, articles, resource materials, and other resources for farmers and ranchers.
Develop a cohort of industry professionals to serve as an advisory board and advocate for programming efforts.
Provide support for current Extension programs.
Prepare required quarterly and year-end reports to Extension Administration.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
A Master’s degree in Agriculture Marketing, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Business, Business Administration, Applied Economics, or another closely related field by start date.
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Knowledge of the marketing aspects of commercial agricultural production in the North Central region.
Knowledge of the business aspects of commodity agriculture production in the North Central region.
Desire to work and interact with agricultural producers, allied industry professionals, colleagues, and staff.
Strong people skills.
Ability to work as a team member.
Ability to learn innovative technology in managing and delivering educational programs.
Effective written, verbal, and online communication skills.
Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate educational materials and direct effective programs.
Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
3 years of experience in agriculture economics, commodity marketing, or risk management.
Demonstrated experience with the business aspects of crop and livestock systems in the North Central Region.
Demonstrated experience with the marketing and risk management aspects of crop and livestock systems in the North Central region.
Demonstrated ability to plan, implement, and evaluate educational materials and direct effective programs.
Demonstrated leadership and teamwork with colleagues and stakeholders.
Demonstrated collaboration in developing funding proposals to support new and enhanced programming.
Experience publishing extension or outreach materials.
BENEFITS:
South Dakota State University offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines. 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:
The system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should address how the candidate meets the qualifications outlined in the advertisement, resume, official transcripts (attached as ‘other’ document, and a reference page with the contact information for four 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 verifying credentials and other information required by law and university policies, including a criminal background check.
South Dakota State University is a tobacco-free environment.
The university’s policy is to maintain a drug-free environment and 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.
- Contact information:
- South Dakota State University
- Brookings, SD 57007
- United States
- Employer's Website:
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