Extension Food Processing Field Specialist I

South Dakota Board of Regents • Brookings, SD

53d • Onsite

About The Position

Help shape the future of South Dakota's growing dairy industry. South Dakota State University (SDSU) is seeking a knowledgeable and collaborative professional to support dairy processors through hands-on training, outreach, and technical assistance that strengthen food safety and processing practices statewide. This position is located in Brookings, SD 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. Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Requirements

• Master's degree obtained by first day of employment with at least one degree in Agriculture with an emphasis in food processing or closely related degree;
• Knowledge of dairy food manufacturing;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences;
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work as a team member;
• Demonstrated use of technology in managing or delivering educational programs;
• Demonstrated ability or potential to plan, implement, and evaluate educational materials and direct effective programs; and
• Willingness to travel and valid driver's license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in food processing.
• Experience in dairy foods manufacturing.
• Previous Extension experience.
• Demonstrated experience of conducting impact programming based on local needs assessment.
• Previous leadership in developing or leading learning communities.
• Experience in leadership and teamwork with stakeholders.
• Demonstrated collaboration in developing funding proposals to start new and/or enhanced programming.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver innovative educational programs using technology and other effective teaching methods to support learning and behavior change.
• Set goals to engage under-served and under-represented audiences across South Dakota.
• Create and maintain dynamic web-based delivery systems and educational materials, including content for iGrow.
• Build and sustain relationships with community groups, volunteers, and partners at the local, state, tribal, and federal levels.
• Connect emerging and established leaders with resources, agencies, and organizations to strengthen community capacity.
• Secure grants and other resources to support educational and community development efforts.
• Assess community needs, share findings with stakeholders, and communicate program impacts to the public.
• Promote Extension programming to expand awareness and participation.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees