"Extension Food Processing Field Specialist I"

Job Details

Posting Details

Institution
South Dakota State University

Working Title
Extension Food Processing Field Specialist I

Posting Number
NFE02896P

Department
SDSU-Agriculture Program-Ext

Physical Location of Position (City)
Brookings

Posting Text

Help shape the future of South Dakota’s growing dairy industry. South Dakota State University (SDSU) is seeking a knowledgeable and collaborative professional to support dairy processors through hands-on training, outreach, and technical assistance that strengthen food safety and processing practices statewide. This position is located in Brookings, SD 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.

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 iGrow.
• 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:

• Master’s degree obtained by first day of employment with at least one degree in Agriculture with an emphasis in food processing or closely related degree;
• Knowledge of dairy food manufacturing;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences;
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work as a team member;
• Demonstrated use of technology in managing or delivering educational programs;
• Demonstrated ability or potential to plan, implement, and evaluate educational materials and direct effective programs;
• and
• Willingness to travel and valid driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in food processing.
• Experience in dairy foods manufacturing.
• Previous Extension experience.
• Demonstrated experience of conducting impact programming based on local needs assessment.
• Previous leadership in developing or leading learning communities.
• Experience in leadership and teamwork with stakeholders.
• Demonstrated collaboration in developing funding proposals to start new and/or enhanced programming.

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
11/04/2025

Closing Date
12/01/2025

Open Until Filled
No

Advertised Salary
The salary range for the Extension Food Processing Field Specialist I is $55,339- $66,407 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, Valid Drivers License

Contact Information

For questions on the position contact Alexander (Sandy) Smart at alexander.smart@sdstate.edu or 605-688-4940.

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Reference List