Agricultural Economics Extension Field Specialist I – Farm Business Management

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Institution South Dakota State University

Working Title Agricultural Economics Extension Field Specialist I – Farm Business Management

Posting Number NFE02509P

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 – Farm Business Management. We seek an individual to join us in one of our regional extension centers in Mitchell, Sioux Falls, or Watertown, SD. This is a 12-month, full-time, benefit-eligible position. 

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. It also works with academic departments and the Agricultural Experiment Station to provide unbiased, science-based knowledge on issues and needs. SDSU Extension organizes program outreach across four program areas: Agriculture and Natural Resources, Food & Families, Community Vitality, and 4-H Youth Development, which are part of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, and College of Education and Human 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:

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 and management resources focused on farm business management. These topics could include financial statements and trends, tax and farm policy, economic trends, interest and inflation, annual crop budgets, crop marketing, crop progress reports, and crop insurance and risk 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 FS. This position is affiliated with the Ness School of Management and Economics and is supervised by the Agriculture and Natural Resources Program Leader.

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

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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Master’s degree in 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 business aspects of commodity agricultural production in the North Central Region.
• Knowledge of crop and livestock production in the North Central region.
• Desire to work and interact with agricultural producers, allied industry professionals, colleagues, and staff.
• Strong people skills and 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:

• Demonstrated experience with the business aspects of crop and livestock production 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.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

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, 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 10/21/2024

Closing Date 

Open Until Filled Yes

First Consideration Date 12/02/2024

Advertised Salary The salary range for the position is $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, Weekends/Holidays, Valid Drivers License

If other, please indicate This position will be located at one of our regional extension centers located in Mitchell, Sioux Falls, 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 [email protected]. 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 search committee chair, Heather Gessner, at 605-782-3290 or [email protected].

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-average, Perform calculations, Reading, Reasoning, Verbal Communication, Written Communication

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

If other protection is used please identify 

Please designate the physical requirements of this position Driving, Fine Finger Manipulation (keyboarding, pipefitting, bench work, etc), Lifting Above Waist, Lifting Below Waist, Lifting light, Reaching, Repetitive Motion, Sitting for sustained periods of time, Standing for sustained periods of time, Stretching, Use Both Hands, Use of Either Hand, Independently, Walking, Wrist Movement (twisting or rotating)

Describe any of the conditions selected

Standard computer usage with keyboard.

Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory requirements for this position. Color Vision, Distant Vision, Hearing, Near Vision, Peripheral Vision, Speaking, Vision (With and without corrective lenses)

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 

Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the environment in which the primary function of the position is performed. Office Environment, Other Environment (Please explain below), 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. 

Work in these environments happens when working with the public and stakeholders in educational settings, facilitating meetings, and building relationships and partnerships.

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