Manager -Dakota Lakes Research Farm

Posting Details

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Institution
South Dakota State University

Working Title
Manager -Dakota Lakes Research Farm

Posting Number
NFE01195P

Department
SDSU-Dakota Lakes Field Station-AES

Physical Location of Position (City)
Pierre

Posting Text

The South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station at South Dakota State University (SDSU) is seeking a 12-month, benefit-eligible, non-faculty exempt, full-time Manager of the Dakota Lakes Research Farm (DLRF). This is an exciting position with opportunities to conduct cutting edge production research working with farmers to improve the land in a profitable manner. The Dakota Lakes Research Farm is owned by a nonprofit association of farmers and is operated by SDSU personnel. It is focused on strengthening the agricultural economy in ways that sustain or regenerate soil health.

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

This position provides the vision, leadership, and oversight to ensure that the research farm meets the objectives of conducting locally relevant agricultural research and transferring that new knowledge to South Dakota users. The DLRF has a prestigious history of conducting applied research in the arena of regenerative agriculture advancing no-till cropping systems that incorporate use of cover crops and grazing. It is the intention of SDSU and the farm board that this effort will be continued and broadened as needs and opportunity dictate. The successful candidate is expected to manage the farm well and maintain a productive research program that identifies new knowledge of cropping systems and soil management techniques that assists growers in building soil health and agroecosystem resiliency in a profitable manner (50% managerial appointment / 30% research / 20% extension).

To identify research priorities and promote effective dissemination of results, it is expected that the DLRF Manager will work in cooperation and close communication with the DLRF Board and with SDSU personnel. Stationed at the DLRF in Pierre, SD, the Manager shall work in collaboration with SDSU Extension personnel to plan appropriate outreach activities that engage/showcase the unit's research and supports agronomic extension efforts in central South Dakota. This position will be under the supervision of the Director of the SD Ag. Experiment Station.

SDSU is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to and/or coordinate activities that address the experiences of underrepresented minorities or organizations. Women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

RESPONSIBILITIES: This position has two major roles: first, responsibility for overall farm operations to see that DLRF provides a good environment for SDSU scientists to successfully complete their research projects; second, to establish their own research program utilizing regenerative agriculture methods to strengthen the agricultural economy of the region, and participate in extension efforts related to their research. The Manager has supervisory responsibility for all the staff at the farm and operates under the supervision of the Director of the SD Agricultural Experiment Station. This position is the liaison between the DLRF and SDSU Research and Extension personnel. The incumbent will develop science-based, region specific information for agricultural producers, crop specialists and natural resource managers that enables climate-smart decision-making that supports optimum crop yields, soil health, and environmental stewardship.

QUALIFICATIONS: A Master's degree in Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science or a closely related discipline is required with at least 2 years of subsequent relevant experience by appointment date, but a Ph.D. is preferred. Experience with production-scale crop management would be highly valued. A person with a Master's degree would be expected to obtain their PhD within 6 years of starting the position. The successful candidate must be able to interact and communicate effectively (both verbally and in writing). A valid driver's license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire is required.

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 PROCESS: 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, official transcripts, and a reference page with a minimum of four current references. Please contact SDSU Human Resources at if you require assistance with this process.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university's verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to a criminal background check.

South Dakota State University is a tobacco free environment.

It is the policy of the University 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.

Posting Date
06/14/2021

Closing Date

Open Until Filled
Yes

First Consideration Date
07/12/2021

Advertised Salary
Commensurate with background and experience.

Duration of the Term
12 months

If Other, describe duration

Appointment Percent
100

Work Hours

Variable, 40-60 hours per week.

Typical Hours Worked Per Week

Appointment Type
Regular

Faculty Status
No

Scope of Search
External (includes Internal)

If internal, define scope of search

This position requires
Travel, Overnight stays, Valid Drivers License

If other, please indicate

Department Description and Cultural Expectations

UNIVERSITY/COMMUNITY: SDSU is a land grant institution and the state's largest institution of higher education. South Dakota State University is the state's largest, most comprehensive university with more than 200 programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students.

SDSU offers a rich academic experience in an environment of inclusion and access through inspired, student-centered education, creative activities and research, innovation and engagement that improve the quality of life in South Dakota, the region, the nation and the world. Its employees embrace the university's core values of being people-centered, expanding knowledge through creativity, embracing organizational and personal integrity, commitment to diversity, and excellence through continuous improvement.

As the state's 1862 Morrill Act land-grant institution, the work of the university is carried out on its main resident campus in Brookings, at sites in Sioux Falls, Pierre, Rapid City, Aberdeen, and through Extension offices and Agricultural Experiment Station research sites across South Dakota.

SDSU was recognized as one of 54 institutions in the United States as an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities in 2014. The university's total research expenditures are greater than $60 million. SDSU is the state's first High Research Activity institution as classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

Jackrabbits Athletics competes as a NCAA Division I member, with membership in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, the Summit League and the Big 12 for wrestling.

The Dakota Lakes Research Farm is owned by a not-for-profit (501 C-3) corporation created by area farmers, businesses, and commodity groups. The original mission statement of the corporation was and still is:

The Dakota Lakes Research Farm is to have as its primary mission the conducting of projects designed to research, identify, and demonstrate the best methods of stabilizing the agricultural economy through promoting agricultural diversity, increasing production efficiency, minimizing negative environmental effects, maintaining soil productivity, and developing techniques to mitigate biological stress effects.

The property consists of approximately 1,000 acres of owned and rented land located adjacent to Lake Sharpe on the Missouri River. A portion (250 acres) of the Main Station is irrigated using three lateral-move and one center-pivot irrigator. The remainder of the land is managed without irrigation and is used for diverse crop production or pastures. The entire operation has been under low-disturbance, no-till practices since its inception in 1990 and is recognized as a leader in developing the techniques used in what is now known as regenerative agriculture. The facility has a modern maintenance facility, newly refurbished office spaces, a small dry laboratory, an area for sample processing, a storage building, and numerous grain storage structures. The machinery line is modern and is used to conduct field scale research and manage all areas of the farm. A beef cattle herd has been integrated into the operation since 2015. Small plot seeders and harvesters are brought to the property by individual project leaders..... click apply for full job details