Pesticide Educator Extension Field Specialist I

South Dakota State University (SDSU) is searching for a Pesticide Educator Extension Field Specialist I located in Brookings, SD. This is a 12-month, full-time, benefit-eligible, non-faculty exempt, 100% Extension appointment. The successful candidate will be expected to develop and maintain a statewide pesticide safety education program in close collaboration with the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources to certify commercial and private pesticide applicators. 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 diverse 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.

PURPOSE OF POSITION: To provide strong statewide leadership in delivering pesticide safety education programming and work closely with South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources to certify commercial and private pesticide applicators. The incumbent will be responsible for creating and updating commercial and private certification exams, training staff at regional centers and county offices that proctor the certification exams, maintaining testing resources for proctors and ensuring exam security, creating and maintaining content for online recertification courses and face-to-face meetings, and developing resources (e.g., articles, press releases, fact sheets, and other publications) for commercial and private applicators. The incumbent will provide pesticide safety programming to the public, including but not limited to, Master Gardeners. They will participate in AAPSE (American Association of Pesticide Safety Educators) and other regional and national education stakeholder groups and professional societies. This position is supervised by the Agriculture and Natural Resources Program Leader and is affiliated with the Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science Department. Collaboration on extension projects with Extension faculty as well as other research and extension centers across South Dakota is encouraged. Graduate student training is available for the qualified incumbent.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• M.S. degree completed by first day of employment.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, implement, and evaluate educational materials and direct effective programs.
• Demonstrated knowledge of pesticide use in agriculture or urban settings.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a team member.
• Effective written communication skills.
• Effective verbal and interpersonal skills.
• Valid driver's license or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire, and willingness to travel.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D., completed by first day of employment in Agronomy, Plant Science, Entomology, or other closely related field.

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

Salary:$60,000-$70,000 depending on experience.

COMMUNITY:

Brookings is home to approximately 26,000 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.

ORGANIZATION:

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.

Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science - The Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science includes over 40 faculty whose expertise spans the fields of Agronomy, Entomology, Genetics, Horticulture, Plant Breeding, Plant Pathology, Precision Agriculture, Soil Science, and Weed Science. The Department has a robust research program that consistently ranks at the top of departments at SDSU. Discovery and dissemination of science-based knowledge are core missions of the department. Our faculty Extension Specialists and Field Specialists provide an effective structure for meeting this mission. In academic programs, the department provides nationally competitive training for undergraduate students leading to B.S. degrees in Agronomy, Horticulture and Precision Agriculture. Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science also offers a strong graduate training environment leading to M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Plant Science and Biological Sciences.

South Dakota State University - 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, 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 a NCAA Division I member, with membership in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, the Summit League and the Big XII for wrestling.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  

The position is open until filled, with full consideration given to applications received by June 5, 2023.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

SDSU accepts applications through an on-line 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, 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’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.

For questions on the position, contact Dr. Amanda Bachmann, Search Chair, Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science Department, SDSU Extension, Pierre, SD 57501, (605) 773-8120 or Amanda.bachmann@sdstate.edu.

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 HR@sdstate.edu. 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.