South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension is seeking a collaborative and visionary professional to join our team. The successful candidate will specifically address native plants and native plant seed supply in the Northern Great Plains through the Native Plant Initiative (NPI) at South Dakota State University.  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. This position is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position and is located in Brookings, South Dakota.

SDState is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $84 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities.

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 focused on issues and needs. SDSU Extension organizes program outreach across 4 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.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S.  Sponsorship is not available for this position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Promote SDSU Extension programming through strategic outreach and communication efforts.
• Conduct needs assessments and use findings to inform program development.
• Build and sustain relationships with stakeholder groups and partners.
• Support learning communities by facilitating group processes, connecting partners, and strengthening local leadership.
• Provide communities with research-based resources, including educational tools and funding opportunities, to address identified needs.
• Share program outcomes and community impacts through clear, accessible reporting.
• Leverage technology and web-based platforms to enhance program delivery and reach underserved audiences.
• Engage and support volunteers to expand program capacity and impact.

SALARY RANGE:

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

BENEFITS:

SDState 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. 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. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in an area germane to native plant production and/or restoration, such as plant ecology, native plant horticulture, ecological restoration, or greenhouse management of native plants completed by date of application;
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.  Sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Knowledge of native plant production and ecological restoration.
• Experience growing native plants in greenhouses or native seed production fields.
• Willingness to collaborate and conduct applied research at SDSU Research Stations and on-farm sites with individual growers.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a team member.
• Effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Effective organizational and time management skills.
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. completed by first date of employment in Agronomy, Natural Resource Management, Plant Science or closely related field.
• Previous Extension experience.
• 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.
• Experience in publishing extension materials and/or peer reviewed journals.