Extension Weed Ecologist Field Specialist II

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Institution South Dakota State University

Working Title Extension Weed Ecologist Field Specialist II

Posting Number NFE02480P

Department SDSU-Agriculture Program-Ext

Physical Location of Position (City) Unspecified

Posting Text 

At South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension, we pride ourselves on developing strong communities using cutting-edge, research-based programming to support state-wide emerging issues. We are seeking to hire our next Extension Weed Ecologist Field Specialist II that will work cooperatively with a team of SDSU Extension field specialists, university faculty and researchers, agribusiness industry, and commodity groups to develop and deliver high impact, quality agronomic educational programming. This position can be located in one of the regional offices in: Aberdeen, Brookings, Lemmon, Mitchell, Pierre or Watertown, South Dakota and is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position. 

As the outreach arm of our state’s land grant, South Dakota State University, SDSU Extension is able to provide farmers, ranchers, agri-business people, communities, families and youth with the research-based information they need to succeed. SDSU Extension meets the changing needs of South Dakotans with progressive outreach services, ranging from one-on-one interaction and forums to 24/7 online access through our website, extension.sdstate.edu. SDSU Extension organizes program outreach across 4 program areas: Agriculture and Natural Resources, Food & Families, Community Vitality and 4-H Youth Development.

This position will be accountable to our department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science, which 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 robust applied and basic research programs that consistently rank 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. The Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science department 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 Extension Weed Ecologist Field Specialist will be responsible for development and dissemination of programming and educational resources on weed control for specialty crops, urban lawns and gardens, pasture and rangelands, and alternative strategies for organic producers. The incumbent will also act as a resource for training Master Gardener groups throughout South Dakota. The successful candidate will travel extensively to build strong relationships with producers and stakeholder groups, businesses, city governments, and state and federal governmental agencies to identify ongoing and emerging needs affecting producers and homeowners.

Additional Duties Include:

• Develop, market, and evaluate educational programming to enhance sustainable weed control and management strategies for specialty crops, urban lawns and gardens, pasture and rangelands, and organic production systems in South Dakota. This includes writing scholarly and Extension publications or other similar educational materials.
• Develop a team approach with the intent to create inter- and intra-state collaborations that address weed control/management based on integrated pest management philosophies and/or compliant with organic production practices.
• Use technology as appropriate to deliver research-based information through outreach platforms such as social media, the SDSU Extension Web platform, podcasts, video, etc.
• Conduct an annual train-the-trainer program for Master Gardeners and resource professionals.
• Provide leadership to one or more demonstration trials in collaboration with SDSU Horticultural or Agronomy staff.
• Develop and implement effective evaluation tools to measure and report program impact.
• Develop relationships with stakeholders to continually assess programmatic opportunities and identify needs.
• Participate as appropriate in critical constituent events, including Winter Farm Shows, Dakota Fest, State Fair, and AES Field Station tours.

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:

• Master’s degree required in Agronomy, Plant Science, Natural Resource Management, Weed Science or other closely related field completed by start date;
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S Sponsorship is not available for this position;
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in weed management;
• Ability to conduct innovative applied field-based studies on specialty crop production systems, garden and lawns, pasture and rangelands, or organic production systems;
• Demonstrated ability to plan, implement, and evaluate educational materials and deliver effective programs;
• Demonstrated ability to work as a team member;
• Effective written communication skills;
• Effective verbal communication and interpersonal skills; and
• A valid driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. completed by first day of employment in Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Science, Weed Science or other closely related field;
• Previous Extension experience;
• Certified Crop Advisor Certification;
• Working knowledge of Great Plains crop production systems in field and horticulture crops, specialty crops, or turf;
• Potential ability to identify and develop funding proposals to support new and/or enhanced programming within and/or across capstone areas as PI or Co-PI;
• Working knowledge of Great Plains crop production systems in field and horticulture crops, specialty crops or turf; and
• Experience in publishing extension materials and/or peer reviewed journals.

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 09/11/2024

Closing Date 

Open Until Filled No

First Consideration Date 10/11/2024

Advertised Salary The salary range for this position is $59,640-$71,610, depending on experience.

Duration of the Term 12 months

If Other, describe duration 

Appointment Percent 100

Work Hours 

40-50 hours per week on average

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 can be located in one of the regional offices in: Brookings, Aberdeen, Lemmon, Mitchell, Pierre, 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 

For questions on the position, contact search committee chair, Connie Strunk at Connie.Strunk@sdstate.edu or 605-782-3290.

Please check the appropriate response that describe the cognitive requirements for this position. 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. Eye Protection, Latex Gloves, Protective Clothing

If other protection is used please identify 

Please designate the physical requirements of this position Balancing, Bending, Stooping, Twisting, Carrying, Driving, Grasping, Kneeling, Lifting Below Waist, Lifting light, Pushing/Pulling, Sitting for sustained periods of time, Standing for sustained periods of time, Use Both Hands, Use of Either Hand, Independently, Walking

Describe any of the conditions selected

The employee may be required to perform small- and large plotwork and apply herbicides.

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

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

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

This position is required to conduct on-farm demonstrations, thus walking in field environments.

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

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. 

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