"Assistant Manager-Seed Certification"

Posting Details

Institution
South Dakota State University

Working Title
Assistant Manager-Seed Certification

Posting Number
NFE02910P

Department
SDSU-Ag Experiment Station-AES

Physical Location of Position (City)
Brookings

Posting Text

Internal search is limited to current, regular South Dakota State University employees.

South Dakota State University is seeking an Assistant Manager for Seed Certification to support programs that ensure the quality and integrity of seed production across the state. This position provides inspection and audit services to seed producers and the seed trade, helping maintain genetic and varietal purity for both public and private crop varieties. The Assistant Manager also contributes to improving program efficiency by researching, testing, and implementing record-tracking systems that align with current technologies. This position is located in Brookings, South Dakota and is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position.

As part of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, the mission of Agriculture Experiment Station (AES) is to find solutions to current problems, as well as opportunities for tomorrow. The new knowledge created from our research enhances the quality of life in South Dakota through the beneficial use and development of human, economic and natural resources. Our research mission is one of the cornerstones of a land grant university. In addition to enhancing the quality of life in our state, our research directly supports the teaching programs offered by the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, the College of Education and Human Sciences the College of Natural Sciences and the educational program delivered by SDSU Extension.

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

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage daily operations of the Seed Certification office, including seed report review, documentation, membership renewals, and website and publication updates.
• Support the Executive Director with SDCIA and Seed Certification Division activities and serve as Recording Secretary or Acting Director as needed.
• Oversee seasonal field inspection services, coordinating with growers, private companies, and certifying agencies.
• Inspect and approve Certified Seed Conditioners and Bulk Retail Facilities to ensure compliance.
• Maintain and promote certification-related programs and communicate policies with growers.
• Represent SDCIA at state, regional, and national meetings and collaborate with partners to support seed producer initiatives.

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:

• Bachelor’s degree in agricultural of biological sciences in plants or crops or closely related field;
• At least three years of experience in seed certification, seed testing, agronomy or related field.
• Experience in seed testing and varietal purity testing.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills;
• Effective interpersonal skills;
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree;
• Experience in seed production;
• Experience in training and supervising others;
• Computer database management; and
• Certified crop advisor credentials.

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
12/01/2025

Open Until Filled
No

Advertised Salary
The minimum starting salary for this position is $73,656.

Duration of the Term
12 months

Appointment Percent
100

Work Hours
8-5 Weekdays, seasonal requirements for longer hours and some weekends may be required.

Appointment Type
Regular

Faculty Status
No

Scope of Search
Internal

If internal, define scope of search
Internal search is limited to current, regular South Dakota State University employees.

This position requires
Travel, Overnight stays, Weekends/Holidays, Valid Drivers License

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 Kyle Gustafson at kyle.gustafson@sdstate.edu or 605-688-5909.

Working Conditions

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

Protective Clothing/Equipment
Ear Protection (including earplugs), Surgical Mask

Physical Requirements
Balancing, Bending, Stooping, Twisting, Carrying, Climbing Ladders, Climbing Stairs, Crawling, Crouching, Driving, Fine Finger Manipulation (keyboarding, pipefitting, bench work, etc), Kneeling, Lifting Above Waist, Lifting Below Waist, Lifting moderate, Pushing/Pulling, Reaching, Repetitive Motion, Standing for sustained periods of time, Stretching, Use Both Hands, Walking

Describe any of the conditions selected
This position walks seed fields for inspection purposes. Dexterity and balance are required when conducting inspections on approved conditioners and bulk retail facilities.

Sensory Requirements
Color Vision, Depth Perception, Distant Vision, Hearing, Speaking, Vision (With and without corrective lenses), Near Vision

Working Conditions & Exposures
Atmospheric Contaminants (includes odors & fumes), Changes of Temperature, Chemical Hazards, Exposure to Dust, Exposure to Noise, Extreme Cold, Extreme Heat >100F, Extreme Weather Conditions (wind, rain, snow, humidity), Radiation, Walking/Standing on rough or uneven surfaces (gravel, rocks, etc), Walking/Standing on wood, metal or concrete, Work in narrow aisles/passageways, Working Around Machinery, Working from scaffolding and high places

Please describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked above
Inspection of seed conditioning plants may require the individual to climb ladders, stairways, in dusty and dimly lit locations.

Working Environment
Farm or Grassland Environment, Mechanical Facility, Office Environment

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Where did you hear about this position?
   • LinkedIn
   • SDBOR Employment Site
   • South Dakota Department of Labor
   • Employee Referral
   • Department Announcement / Inside State
   • Handshake
   • Job Board (Indeed, Monster, ZipRecruiter) - Please specify
   • Industry Conference
   • Search Engine - Please specify
   • Employment Agency - Please specify
   • Newspaper - Please specify
   • HigherEdJobs.com
   • Chronicle of Higher Education
   • Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) - Please specify
   • Radio - Please specify
   • APLU
   • List Servs - Please specify
   • Alumni
   • Other - Please specify

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Reference List

Optional Documents