Assistant or Associate Professor of Crop Production and Extension Specialist

Posting Details

Posting Details

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Institution
South Dakota State University

Working Title
Assistant or Associate Professor of Crop Production and Extension Specialist

Posting Number
F01543P

Department
SDSU-Agronomy, Horticulture & Plant Science

Physical Location of Position (City)
Brookings

Posting Text

Join our vibrant academic community at South Dakota State University ( SDSU ) as we seek a dynamic individual to fill the role of Assistant or Associate Professor of Crop Production and Extension. This position reports within our department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science and offers a unique opportunity to provide leadership for an innovative statewide Extension and research program focused on addressing critical issues in crop production. Supervised by the department head of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science, this is a 9-month, tenure-track, full-time, benefits-eligible position located in Brookings, South Dakota .

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, Seed Science, 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 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.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES :
The successful candidate will provide leadership for an innovative statewide Extension and research program that addresses important issues in crop production utilizing the integration of cultural practices, soil science, nutrient management, and integrative precision agriculture techniques to enhance the economic potential and sustainability of crop production in the Great Plains. The successful applicant will focus on the application of digital agriculture technologies and data analytics on the intensification of sustainable crop production techniques and improving soil health.

This Extension and applied research program will work collaboratively with existing Extension programs to discover new knowledge, educate, and inspire farmers and stakeholders, statewide. Expectations include the development and dissemination of science-based information to producers, technical service providers, and government agency personnel using information delivery technologies most appropriate for the intended audience.

The successful applicant is expected to develop a vigorous, externally funded, high impact, applied research program that supports graduate students and publishing in peer-reviewed scientific literature. This position will lead efforts to enhance and deliver an effective statewide Crop Performance Testing program in collaboration with SDSU plant breeders and Agribusiness.

SALARY RANGE :
The salary is commensurate with qualifications, minimum of $80,000. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines.

BENEFITS :
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. South Dakota State University offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

• Ph.D. in Agronomy, Plant Science, or closely related discipline.
• Potential to develop and deliver meaningful Extension programming.
• Potential to design and execute field research projects.
• Demonstrated excellence in verbal and written communication skills, and excellent interpersonal skills.

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, Curriculum Vitae, research vision statement (attached as work sample), Extension and Outreach vision statement (attached as other), most recent transcripts, 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, successful completion of 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
10/10/2024

Closing Date

Open Until Filled
Yes

First Consideration Date
11/15/2024

Advertised Salary
Commensurate with qualifications, minimum of $80,000.

Duration of the Term
9 months

If Other, describe duration

Appointment Percent
100

Tenure Status
Tenure Track

Proposed Rank
Assistant Professor

Work Hours

40 to 50 hours per week

Typical Hours Worked Per Week
40

Appointment Type
Regular

Scope of Search
External (includes Internal)

If internal, define scope of search

Department Description and Cultural Expectations

South Dakota State University is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with more than 200 academic programs, an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students, and over $60 million annual research expenditures.

South Dakota State University 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 of thought, and excellence through continuous improvement.

As the state’s 1862 Morrill Act land-grant institution, the work of South Dakota State 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.

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. Brookings is listed as an ideal community for families, students, young professionals and retirees, and is rated 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.

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

For questions on the position, contact Dr. Kristopher Osterloh, Search Chair, Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science Department, SDSU, Box 2108, Brookings, SD 57007, (605) 688-4605 or Kristopher.Osterloh@sdstate.edu .

Working Conditions

Cognitive Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the cognitive requirements for this position.
Analyzing, Comprehend, Logic, Memory, Multiple Priorities, Pace-average, 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.
Ear Protection (including earplugs)

If other protection is used please identify

Physical Requirements

Please designate the physical requirements of this position

Describe any of the conditions selected

Sensory Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory requirements for this position.
Color Vision, Depth Perception, Distant Vision, Hearing, Peripheral Vision, Speaking

Working Conditions & Exposures

Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that this position may encounter during the course of the work day.

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

Working Environment

Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the environment in which the primary function of the position is performed.
Classroom Environment, Farm or Grassland Environment, Greenhouse Environment, Lab Environment, Office 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. Cover Letter
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Work or Writing Sample
4. Other
5. Doctoral Transcripts
6. Reference List

Optional Documents