Jobs at Member Institutions & APLU

South Dakota State University (SDSU) is offering an exciting career opportunity as an Assistant Professor/Extension Beef Specialist with an 80% Extension, 20% research appointment. This is a 9-month, benefits eligible, tenure-track position within the Department of Animal Science. This position is expected to develop statewide Extension programs in beef cattle production that address the educational needs and issues relevant to South Dakota beef producers. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with other Extension faculty and field specialists to develop effective interdisciplinary educator training and clientele programs.

South 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 mission of access.

Responsibilities:

The successful candidate is expected to develop a signature Extension program that gains state and regional recognition among stakeholders and colleagues. The position will draw upon his/her area of expertise to develop relevant, timely Extension programming that uses both traditional and innovative education technologies. The position will fill the role of state specialist for beef cattle and will have the opportunity to draw upon the assistance of other faculty and the team of Extension field specialists to maximize statewide stakeholder impact. The position will have statewide responsibilities, but will provide greater focus on beef production in the western part of the state. The successful candidate will develop new and expand existing collaborations in the region, and also develop, mentor and facilitate stakeholder learning communities.

It is expected that this position will engage meaningfully with producers and stakeholders including prompt response to inquiries, in-person visits, outreach activities and events, regular Extension articles, and social media presence. It is also expected that this position will develop a research program in his/her area of expertise that contributes to their Extension programming. The successful candidate is expected to develop independent and externally-funded research and Extension projects as well as lead and work with multi-disciplinary teams in the Department and College. The area of expertise within in Animal Science is open but preference will be given to genetics expertise.

The position will be located at the SDSU West River Research & Extension center in Rapid City, South Dakota. The West River Research & Extension center houses faculty, staff and students in the departments of Animal Science, Natural Resource Management, and Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Sciences. Distance technologies connect off-site faculty with the SDSU campus and other sites across the state.

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

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Earned Ph.D. in Animal Science or closely related field with emphasis in beef cattle production by the start of the appointment;
• Ability to develop nationally recognized Extension and research programs;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to engage and communicate (verbally and written) effectively with producers, stakeholder groups, researchers, students and other clientele
• Excellent organizational and time management skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work as a contributing team member;
• Successful publication and research record commensurate with experience;
• Valid driver’s license, or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire, and willingness to travel.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Expertise in animal genetics;
• Demonstrated experience with writing and submitting external grants;
• Demonstrated leadership in developing and leading learning communities;
• Experience communicating and/or working with stakeholders and producers;
• Experience with Extension (or similar) publications and presentations;
• Background in range beef cattle enterprises.

SALARY:

Commensurate with qualifications.

BENEFITS:

South Dakota State University offers a wide range of benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. 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.

UNIVERSITY/COMMUNITY:

South Dakota State University is the state’s largest, most comprehensive higher education instution, and serves as the Morrill Act land-grant university for South Dakota. This position will be housed at SDSU West River Research and Extension location in Rapid City, SD, which houses faculty, staff and students from the departments of Animal Science, Natural Resource Management, and Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Sciences who work in many multidisciplinary, collaborative teams to address the agriculture and resource needs of western SD and the state. Distance technologies connect off-site faculty with the SDSU campus and other sites across the state.

Located in the foothills of the scenic Black Hills mountain range, Rapid City is the State’s second largest city, with a population of approximately 70,000. The city has outstanding K-12 schools, major medical facilities, parks, and cultural, outdoor, and tourist amenities. Rapid City is located on the western border of South Dakota and is 400 miles west of the SDSU main campus in Brookings.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Position is open until filled with full consideration given to applications received by May 31, 2023.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

South Dakota State University accepts applications through an online employment site. To apply, visit: https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu, search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on “apply for this job.” 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, Curriculum Vitae, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact South Dakota State University Human Resources at 605-688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon 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 university policy 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.

For questions on the position, contact Kristi Cammack at kristi.cammack@sdstate.edu or 605-394-2236.

South 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 identification, transgender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status that may become protected under law against discrimination in the offering of all educational programs and employment opportunities. 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, 605-688-4128.