RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Extension Climate Field Specialist I will provide climate resiliency programming for agricultural producers in both cropping and livestock production systems. The Field Specialist I is expected to collaborate with other Extension personnel to produce appropriate communications to help producers navigate seasonal weather-related events and long-term climate shifts; and develop and promote climate decision support tools for crop pest protection, livestock stress reduction, economic risk protection, and enhance sustainability of natural resources. This position will conduct producer meetings, workshops, and field tours; assist with on-farm research projects; and develop educational materials. Active interaction with local producers, agricultural grower groups, state and federal agencies, and other non-governmental organizations is expected. This position will travel extensively to build strong relationships with producer groups, agribusinesses, and governmental agencies to identify ongoing and emerging needs in regard to range and grassland management. This includes:

• Implement statewide proactive, problem-solving approaches to identified stakeholder issues, needs, and topics.
• Exercise communication and facilitation skills in working with appropriate discipline and topic focused organizations and groups.
• Create and deliver technological outreach through the Extension web portal https://extension.sdstate.edu.
• Develop and interact with learning communities.
• Develop and implement presentations, workshops, and training to a variety of audiences.
• Develop and implement evaluation tools for measuring and reporting program impact.
• Utilize and implement program business plans to manage projects and programs.
• Develop grants and/or cost recovery mechanisms to assist with program sustainability.
• Establish strong collaborative partnerships.