Manager DLRF

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Institution South Dakota State University

Working Title Manager DLRF

Posting Number NFE02399P

Department SDSU-Dakota Lakes Field Station-AES

Physical Location of Position (City) Pierre

Posting Text 

The South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station at South Dakota State University (SDSU) is seeking a 12-month, benefit-eligible, non-faculty exempt, full-time Manager of the Dakota Lakes Research Farm (DLRF). This is an exciting position with opportunities to conduct cutting-edge production research and work with farmers to improve economic and environmental sustainability. The Dakota Lakes Research Farm is owned by a nonprofit association of farmers and is operated by SDSU personnel. It is focused on strengthening the agricultural economy in ways that sustain or regenerate soil health. This position is located in Pierre, South Dakota.

The Dakota Lakes Research Farm is 1,000 acres located adjacent to Lake Sharpe on the Missouri River owned by a not-for-profit (501 C-3) corporation created by area farmers, businesses, and commodity groups. A portion (250 acres) of the Main Station is irrigated using three lateral-move and one center-pivot irrigator. The remainder of the land is managed without irrigation and is used for diverse crop production or pastures. The entire operation has been under low-disturbance, no-till practices since its inception in 1990 and is recognized as a leader in developing the techniques used in what is now known as regenerative agriculture. The facility has a modern maintenance facility, newly refurbished office spaces, a small dry laboratory, an area for sample processing, a storage building, and numerous grain storage structures. The machinery line is modern and used to conduct field-scale research and manage all farm areas. A beef cattle herd has been integrated into the operation since 2015. Small plot seeders and harvesters are brought to the property by individual project leaders. This resource is supplied to South Dakota State University for research purposes. SDSU supplies the Research Manager, three technicians, and a secretary to support the research projects. The DLRF Corporation web site is http://www.dakotalakes.com/.

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to benefit from and participate in education, research, and service. It is especially interested in candidates who 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 DLRF Manager provides the vision, leadership, and oversight to ensure that the research farm meets the South Dakota (SD) Agriculture Experiment Station and SDSU Extension objectives of conducting locally relevant agricultural research and transferring that new knowledge to South Dakota users. The DLRF Manager further works in cooperation and close communication with the Board of Directors of the DLRF to ensure that the farm’s scientific and outreach program responds to the needs and objectives of area stakeholders.

This position has two major roles: first, responsibility for overall farm operations to see that DLRF provides a good environment for SDSU scientists to complete their research projects successfully; second, to establish their own research program utilizing regenerative agriculture methods to strengthen the agricultural economy of the region and participate in extension efforts related to their research. The Manager has supervisory responsibility for all the staff at the farm and operates under the supervision of the SD Agricultural Experiment Station Director. This position is the liaison between the DLRF and SDSU Research and Extension personnel. The incumbent will develop science-based, region-specific information for agricultural producers, crop specialists, and natural resource managers, enabling climate-smart decision-making supporting optimum crop yields, soil health, and environmental stewardship.

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 according to the 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 a relevant field completed by first day of employment;
• Ability to obtain a PhD within first 6 years of employment;
• At least one year of subsequent relevant experience;
• Verbal and written communication skills; and
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. in the area of Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science or a closely related discipline.

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 06/12/2024

Closing Date 

Open Until Filled Yes

First Consideration Date 07/19/2024

Advertised Salary Salary is contingent upon education and experience.

Duration of the Term 12 months

If Other, describe duration 

Appointment Percent 100

Work Hours 

Variable, 40-60 hours per week.

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 

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, offering abundant attractions and activities.

Equal Employment Opportunity StatementSouth 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 InformationFor questions on the position, contact search committee chair, Dr. Peter Sexton, 605-563-2989, Peter.Sexton@sdstate.edu.

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

Please check the appropriate response for this position’s use of the following protective clothing or equipment. Ear Protection (including earplugs), Eye Protection

If other protection is used please identifyNone.

Please designate the physical requirements of this position Standing for sustained periods of time, Use Both Hands, Use of Either Hand, Independently, Walking, Balancing, Bending, Stooping, Twisting, Carrying, Driving, Grasping, Lifting Above Waist, Lifting Below Waist, Lifting moderate, Reaching

Describe any of the conditions selected The successful candidate will work under field conditions while executing research and educational programs.

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

Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that this position may encounter during the course of the work day. Exposure to Dust, Exposure to Noise, Walking/Standing on rough or uneven surfaces (gravel, rocks, etc), Animal Handling, Changes of Temperature, Electrical Current, Extreme Weather Conditions (wind, rain, snow, humidity), Working Around Machinery

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

The successful applicant will work under field conditions that will create dust, noise and uneven field situations.

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

N/A

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