Extension Specialist - Agricultural Machinery Systems

Position Information

North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension is seeking a highly motivated educator and applied researcher to serve in a 100% Extension position as an Agricultural Machinery Systems Specialist. NDSU Extension is an organization that values people who excel, adapt easily, exhibit passion for helping others, and are excellent communicators. This specialist is a member of a statewide Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources team responsible for providing leadership to create and deliver innovative learning experiences that empower North Dakotans to improve their lives and communities.

The Agricultural Machinery Systems Specialist is responsible for providing innovative Extension programming that will serve a diverse clientele, which includes Extension agents, producers, industry, and advisory groups. Programming will focus primarily on agricultural machinery. The secondary emphasis will be on topics such as agricultural chemical application technology, conservation tillage technologies, precision agriculture, machinery efficiencies and alternative energy applications in agriculture. The specialist will work closely with Extension agents and build collaborative relationships with stakeholders to achieve goals.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Develop an innovative Extension program that includes the identification, delivery and evaluation of educational programs that will strengthen the knowledge base of Extension agents, crop producers, landowners and managers, industry professionals and government entities.
• Provide Extension programming with a special emphasis on agricultural machinery selection and operation, including agricultural chemical application and precision agriculture technologies that will match the clientele needs.
• Collaborate with on- and off-campus Extension specialists, faculty, Extension agents, and Research and Extension Centers (RECs) personnel to deliver statewide machinery systems related programs.
• Develop individual and team-based Extension programs and educational materials that disseminate unbiased, research-based information to producers, industry personnel, and Extension agents.
• Communicate with Extension and RECs personnel, industry, and producers to identify issues that need new or additional research.
• Provide leadership for the development and demonstration of novel machinery management strategies to guide producer efforts to adapt to changing production systems.
• Secure extramural funding to support machinery systems Extension programming efforts.
• Develop relationships and cooperate with research and Extension faculty within the Department of Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering, other departments and RECs across NDSU in addition to regionally and nationally.
• Attend discipline-related professional development meetings and symposia.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Department Chair, Extension and College Administration.

Benefits

The position offers a competitive salary that is commensurate with experience. The university offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a retirement plan and full coverage for family health insurance. More information on the benefits package can be found at: https://www.ndsu.edu/hr/benefits/ .

Minimum Requirements

• M.S. in Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering, Agricultural Systems Management, Agricultural Education, Agronomy, Crop Science, or closely related field at the time of appointment.
• Broad knowledge and extensive technical expertise in agricultural machinery.
• Demonstrated ability to develop educational programs.
• Effective written and oral communication skills for various audiences.
• Experiences in computer applications and technology to meet position requirements.
• Availability and willingness to travel across the state and the region on a regular basis.
• Valid U.S. driver's license or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. at the time of appointment.
• Experience with the Northern Plains agriculture.
• Experience working effectively with university faculty, Extension personnel, crop producers, landowners and managers, industry professionals, government entities, media and the public.
• Demonstrated ability to establish rapport with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Experience providing educational programs for Extension agents, crop producers, landowners and managers, industry professionals and government entities.
• Extension or teaching experience or similar activity in industry.
• Demonstrated ability to publish Extension and research results in popular press and professional journals.
• Demonstrated ability to use social media and virtual delivery platforms.
• Demonstrated grant writing experience and record of successfully securing funding for research and Extension activities.
• Experiences in multiple educational instruction methods applied appropriately for a given audience.
• Technical expertise in conservation tillage, agricultural chemical application, and precision agriculture technologies; machinery efficiencies, and alternative energy applications in agriculture.

Applicant Materials Required

• Application letter showing how all minimum qualifications are met, and highlighting preferred qualifications that are met
• Statement of Extension philosophy (1-2 pages)
• Statement of research interests (1-2 pages)
• Detailed curriculum vitae
• Transcripts of coursework for all university degrees
• Names, titles, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses for three references

Screening will begin 8/13/21

Additional Information

No Smoking Notice:

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.

EO/AA Statement:

North Dakota State University is an Equal Opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable.

Veteran's Preference Notice:

This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran's Preference requirements.