"Agricultural Economics Extension Field Specialist I"

Posting Details

Institution
South Dakota State University

Working Title
Agricultural Economics Extension Field Specialist I

Posting Number
NFE02912P

Department
SDSU-Agriculture Program-Ext

Physical Location of Position (City)
Unspecified

South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension is hiring a Field Specialist to serve as a trusted resource for producers and agribusiness professionals. This position focuses on commodity marketing and risk management education—building relationships, sharing applied research, and helping producers strengthen the financial sustainability of their operations. This position will be located in one of our regional extension centers located in either Aberdeen, Sioux Falls, or Watertown, 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.

The Ness School of Management and Economics shares a commitment to imagination, engagement and ambition that is reflected in our curriculum and in the preparedness of our graduates. We conduct research and participate in outreach, playing a vital role in the life of the university and in the state. Many of our personnel engage in research funded by the federal and state governments, regional commodity groups and other external stakeholders with the aim of improving the economic conditions and quality of life for the citizens of South Dakota.

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

KEY 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 the website.
• 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Master’s degree in Agriculture Marketing, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Business, Business Administration, Applied Economics, or another closely related field by start date.
• Knowledge of the marketing aspects of commercial agricultural production in the North Central region.
• Knowledge of the business aspects of commodity agriculture production in the North Central region.
• Desire to work and interact with agricultural producers, allied industry professionals, colleagues, and staff.
• Strong people skills.
• Ability to work as a team member.
• Ability to learn innovative technology in managing and delivering educational programs.
• Effective written, verbal, and online communication skills.
• Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate educational materials and direct effective programs.
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 3 years of experience in agriculture economics, commodity marketing, or risk management.
• Demonstrated experience with the business aspects of crop and livestock systems in the North Central Region.
• Demonstrated experience with the marketing and risk management aspects of crop and livestock systems in the North Central region.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, implement, and evaluate educational materials and direct effective programs.
• Demonstrated leadership and teamwork with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated collaboration in developing funding proposals to support new and enhanced programming.
• Experience publishing extension or outreach materials.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

SDState accepts applications through an on-line 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 SDState Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 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, successful completion of a criminal background check.

SDState 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
11/20/2025

Closing Date
01/05/2026

Open Until Filled
No

Advertised Salary
The salary range for the Agricultural Economics Extension Field Specialist I is $60,000 to $65,000 depending on experience.

Duration of the Term
12 months

Appointment Percent
100

Appointment Type
Regular

Faculty Status
No

Scope of Search
External (includes Internal)

This position requires
Travel, Overnight stays, Valid Drivers License

If other, please indicate
This position will be located in one of the regional offices in: Sioux Falls, Mitchell, Aberdeen, or Watertown.

Department Description and Cultural Expectations

SDState is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $94 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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 equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes 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.

Contact Information

For questions on the position, contact Dr. Alexander “Sandy” Smart at alexander.smart@sdstate.edu or 605-688-4940.

Working Conditions

Cognitive Requirements
Analyzing, Comprehend, Frequent Change, Intense Customer Interaction, Logic, Memory, Multiple Priorities, Multiple Stimuli, Pace-fast, Perform calculations, Reading, Reasoning, Verbal Communication, Written Communication

Physical Requirements
Balancing, Bending, Stooping, Twisting, Climbing Stairs, Driving, Fine Finger Manipulation (keyboarding, pipefitting, bench work, etc), Lifting moderate, Reaching, Repetitive Motion, Sitting for sustained periods of time, Use Both Hands, Walking, Wrist Movement (twisting or rotating)

Describe any of the conditions selected
The position involves using a computer, searching for information via the internet and other connected databases. Creating presentations from analysis performed and other education materials., translating research into accessible articles. Some education programs will be with groups in accessible locations, other interaction may be one-on-one on farms and in agribusiness processing locations.

Working Conditions or Exposures
Exposure to Dust, Walking/Standing on rough or uneven surfaces (gravel, rocks, etc), Working Around Machinery

Please describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked above
Conditions on working farm and agribusiness operations where the incumbent could be asked to provide education is likely to involve uneven ground, farm or processing machinery and equipment and dusty conditions.

Working Environment
Classroom Environment, Office Environment, Outdoors Environment

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents
1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Reference List