Agricultural Economics Extension Field Specialist I

Posting Details

Posting Details

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Institution
South Dakota State University

Working Title
Agricultural Economics Extension Field Specialist I

Posting Number
NFE02501P

Department
SDSU-Agriculture Program-Ext

Physical Location of Position (City)
Unspecified

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.

Posting Date
10/07/2024

Closing Date

Open Until Filled
Yes

First Consideration Date
11/01/2024

Advertised Salary
$60,000-$65,000 depending on experience.

Duration of the Term
12 months

If Other, describe duration

Appointment Percent
100

Work Hours

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
This position will be located in one of the regional offices in: Sioux Falls, Mitchell, or Watertown.

Department Description and Cultural Expectations

South Dakota State University is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $60 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. We offer a rich academic experience in an environment of inclusions and access. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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 identity, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, or any other status that may become protected in the offering of all educational programs and employment. 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. Phone: (605) 688-4128 .

Contact Information

If you have questions about the position, contact Heather Gessner, Search Chair, at (605) 782-3290 or heather.gessner@sdstate.edu .

Working Conditions

Cognitive Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the cognitive requirements for this position.
Analyzing, Comprehend, Frequent Change, Intense Customer Interaction, Logic, Memory, Multiple Priorities, Multiple Stimuli, Pace-fast, Perform calculations, Reading, Reasoning, Verbal Communication, Written Communication

Protective Clothing/Equipment

Please check the appropriate response for this position's use of the following protective clothing or equipment.

If other protection is used please identify

Physical Requirements

Please designate the physical requirements of this position
Balancing, Bending, Stooping, Twisting, Climbing Stairs, Driving, Fine Finger Manipulation (keyboarding, pipefitting, bench work, etc), Lifting moderate, Reaching, Repetitive Motion, Sitting for sustained periods of time, Use Both Hands, Walking, Wrist Movement (twisting or rotating)

Describe any of the conditions selected

The position involves using a computer, searching for information via the internet and other connected databases. Creating presentations from analysis performed and other education materials., translating research into accessible articles. Some education programs will be with groups in accessible locations, other interaction may be one-on-one on farms and in agribusiness processing locations.

Sensory Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory requirements for this position.

Working Conditions & Exposures

Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that this position may encounter during the course of the work day.
Exposure to Dust, Walking/Standing on rough or uneven surfaces (gravel, rocks, etc), Working Around Machinery

Please describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked above

Conditions on working farm and agribusiness operations where the incumbent could be asked to provide education is likely to involve uneven ground, farm or processing machinery and equipment and dusty conditions.

Working Environment

Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the environment in which the primary function of the position is performed.
Classroom Environment, Office Environment, Outdoors Environment

If you have indicated Other Environment, if work tasks involve one or more of the above, or if further explanation is necessary, please use the space provided.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Where did you hear about this position?
   • SDBOR Employment Site
   • South Dakota Department of Labor
   • Employee Referral
   • Department Announcement / Inside State
   • Handshake
   • Job Board (Indeed, Monster, ZipRecruiter) - Please specify
   • Industry Conference
   • Search Engine - Please specify
   • Employment Agency - Please specify
   • Newspaper - Please specify
   • HigherEdJobs.com
   • Chronicle of Higher Education
   • Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) - Please specify
   • Radio - Please specify
   • APLU
   • List Servs - Please specify
   • Alumni
   • Other - Please specify

Documents Needed to Apply
Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Reference List

Optional Documents