Precision Livestock Extension Field Specialist I

Participates in externally funded projects led by Extension State Specialists or Field Specialist colleagues within and/or across capstone areas.

Uses cutting-edge research-based information and data in programming and collaborates on state emerging issues.

Develop relationships with all pertinent stakeholders and/or groups and influence decision making of stakeholder groups on state-wide emerging issues. Provides specialized subject matter support.

Utilizes and adapts technology in program development and delivery

Recruit and utilize volunteers to enhance educational outreach. Identify potential industry leaders to help accomplish learning community and industry goals.

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.

QUALIFICATIONS
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

• M.S. degree in animal science or closely related field by start date.
• Demonstrated experience working with precision technology for livestock systems.
• Ability to communicate effectively with varied audiences.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Experience with computer and information technologies.
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire, and willingness to travel.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :

• Experience with ruminant livestock systems;
• Experience in and/or knowledge of data security;
• The ability to generate grants and other outside funds;
• Experience translating precision technologies and/or precision data to livestock producers.

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, curriculum vitae, 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
08/03/2026

Closing Date
09/15/2026

Open Until Filled
No

First Consideration Date

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

Duration of the Term
12 months

If Other, describe duration

Appointment Percent
100

Work Hours

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

If other, please indicate

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 search committee chair, Dr. Jamie Brennan jameson.brennan@sdstate.edu or 605-394-2236

Working Conditions

Cognitive Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the cognitive requirements for this position.
Analyzing, Comprehend, Frequent Change, Intense Customer Interaction, Logic, Memory, Multiple Priorities, Multiple Stimuli, Pace-fast, Perform calculations, Reading, Reasoning, Verbal Communication, Written Communication

Protective Clothing/Equipment

Please check the appropriate response for this position's use of the following protective clothing or equipment.

If other protection is used please identify

Physical Requirements

Please designate the physical requirements of this position
Balancing, Bending, Stooping, Twisting, Carrying, Driving, Fine Finger Manipulation (keyboarding, pipefitting, bench work, etc), Grasping, Lifting Above Waist, Lifting Below Waist, Lifting light, Reaching, Sitting for sustained periods of time, Standing for sustained periods of time, Stretching, Use Both Hands, Use of Either Hand, Independently, Walking, Wrist Movement (twisting or rotating)

Describe any of the conditions selected

Keyboarding, using motor vehicle, lifting educational materials/boxes, sitting at desk ad while driving, standing for presentations.

Sensory Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory requirements for this position.
Speaking, Vision (With and without corrective lenses)

Working Conditions & Exposures

Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that this position may encounter during the course of the work day.
Changes of Temperature, Extreme Weather Conditions (wind, rain, snow, humidity), Walking/Standing on rough or uneven surfaces (gravel, rocks, etc)

Please describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked above

Indoors/outdoors

Working Environment

Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the environment in which the primary function of the position is performed.
Office Environment, Outdoors Environment

If you have indicated Other Environment, if work tasks involve one or more of the above, or if further explanation is necessary, please use the space provided.

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