About the position
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, Aberdeen, 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.
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.
Requirements
- 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.
Nice-to-haves
- 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.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and flexible benefits.
- Retirement plans with 6% matching.
- 10 hours of annual leave each month.
- 9.34 hours of sick leave each month.
- Eleven paid holidays.
- Relocation benefits available per university's guidelines.
- Access to internal and state-sponsored training.
- Reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions.
