"Extension Native Plant Field Specialist I"

Posting Details

Institution
South Dakota State University

Working Title
Extension Native Plant Field Specialist I

Posting Number
NFE02911P

Department
SDSU-Agriculture Program-Ext

Physical Location of Position (City)
Brookings

Posting Text

South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension is seeking a Field Specialist to advance native plant education and outreach across the state. In this role, you’ll deliver research-based information and build strong partnerships that connect people, communities, and organizations to the benefits of native plant use and conservation. This position will be located on campus 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 in an area germane to native plant production and/or restoration, such as plant ecology, native plant horticulture, ecological restoration, or greenhouse management of native plants completed by start date;
• Must be authorized to work in the United States. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Knowledge of native plant production and ecological restoration.
• Experience growing native plants in greenhouses or native seed production fields.
• Willingness to collaborate and conduct applied research at SDSU Research Stations and on-farm sites with individual growers.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a team member.
• Effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Effective organizational and time management skills.
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. completed by first date of employment in Agronomy, Natural Resource Management, Plant Science or closely related field.
• Previous Extension experience.
• Potential ability to identify and develop funding proposals to support new and/or enhanced programming within and/or across capstone areas as PI or Co-PI.
• Experience in publishing extension materials and/or peer reviewed journals.

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 Extension Native Plant Field Specialist I is $60,000 - $65,000 depending on experience.

Duration of the Term
12 months

Appointment Percent
100

Appointment Type
Regular

Faculty Status
No

This position requires
Valid Drivers License

Contact Information
For questions on the position, contact Dr. 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