Careers

South Dakota State University (SDSU) Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering Department is offering an exciting career opportunity as a Field Research and Outreach Coordinator. We are looking for a creative and innovative professional to join us in coordinating high impact field research projects working across disciplines and with many non-university collaborators.  This position will collaborate with research and extension faculty, technical staff and collaborating producers, field specialists, agency personnel and industry stakeholders for field sampling and applied research related to water management and water quality. Specifically, this position will coordinate field research including soil sampling, and monitoring soil moisture for the Willow Creek Watershed Project (mitigating soil moisture risk, too much or not enough, at the field and watershed scales), sampling of subsurface drainage (tile) in Eastern South Dakota (30+ tile outlets), and assessing the capacity of small communities to manage stormwater and runoff. This position will also assist in developing extension products including training materials, online extension articles, and other outreach programming.

This is a 100% time, benefit eligible position. This position is supervised by the Water Management Engineer State Extension Specialist. 

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.

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

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Position will be responsible for: sound research project protocol and experimental procedures; project implementation; ensuring research data is accurate, reliable, and uninterrupted; ensuring graduate and undergraduate students are well trained in research protocol and safety; proper equipment maintenance; and ensuring research sites and labs are presentable and safe. This position requires some office work, laboratory work, and field work. Willingness to work in outdoor environments in all South Dakota weather conditions. Work with Water and Weather Outreach Coordinator, faculty, and extension personnel to produce online articles and training.

SALARY:

Base salary is $45,747.    

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.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 

Position is open until filled with full consideration given to applications received by September 23, 2022. 

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, resume, 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 John Maursetter at John.Maursetter@sdstate.edu or (605) 688-5141.

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 identity, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, or any other status that may become protected in the offering of all educational programs and employment. 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.  Phone:  (605) 688-4128.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s Degree in Agricultural Engineering, Biosystems Engineering, Civil Engineering, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, or related major by first day of employment;
• At least one year of previous relevant water related research and/or research coordination experience;
• Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences;
• Ability to develop standard operating procedures, databases, and operational manuals for research equipment;
• Must be able to use advanced reasoning skills to solve complex data collection challenges with limited information;
• Must be willing to work in field conditions;
• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills;
• Ability to work as a contributing team member;
• Valid driver’s license, or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire, and willingness to travel.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of environmental or water resources;
• Demonstrated experience with organizing and coordinating conferences, symposia, and workshops;
• Demonstrated collaboration in developing funding proposals to support new and/or enhanced programming;
• Demonstrated ability to organize and coordinate;
• Experience in publishing extension materials and peer reviewed journal articles.