Job description
Brookings, SD
The Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science Department in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences at South Dakota State University is seeking a 9-month, full-time, benefits-eligible, tenure-track Assistant Professor in Precision Agriculture (100% Extension appointment). This position is supervised by the department head of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science. Candidates are sought that can link precision agriculture technologies, data management and data analytics to best practices in crop and soil management. Integration of the Extension program with research programs will enhance delivery of precision agriculture applications and technologies to increase agricultural productivity and efficiency.
SDSU is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to and/or coordinate Extension programming that addresses the experiences of underrepresented minorities in organizations, and actively seeks to increase social and intellectual diversity among its faculty and staff. Women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The successful candidate will develop a nationally recognized Extension program in precision agriculture technologies to complement current research programs in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. The incumbent will apply knowledge and expertise in data collection using precision technologies, data analytics, data mining and data visualization to translate data into decision aids that support crop, soil, and land use recommendations. The Extension program will develop precision agriculture technologies training for South Dakota’s agricultural producers, industry, and researchers to better manage and optimize crop production efficiencies in a sustainable and profitable manner.
Securing extramural funds is expected to support a highly effective and team-oriented Extension program which includes field demonstration of precision tools. The successful applicant is expected to establish and maintain close working relationships with university, industry, commodity groups, state, and federal agencies (esp. USDA-NRCS), and other organizations as appropriate. Publication of peer reviewed extension materials, popular press articles and refereed scholarly works is required. The successful candidate is also expected to contribute to graduate student training.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• Must be authorized to work in the United States. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Ph.D. in Agronomy, Crop Science, Soil Science, Agriculture Engineering, or closely related field successfully completed by the appointment start date.
• The successful candidate must be able to interact and communicate effectively (both verbally and in writing).
• Must have valid driver’s license, or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire and be willing to travel.
SALARY:
Commensurate with qualifications.
BENEFITS:
South Dakota State University offers a wide range of benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. 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.
UNIVERSITY AND THE BROOKINGS COMMUNITY:
Ranked as the No. 2 best place to work in South Dakota by Forbes, South Dakota State University is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with more than 200 programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students.
The Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science includes over 42 faculty whose expertise spans the fields of Agronomy, Entomology, Genetics, Horticulture, Plant Breeding, Plant Pathology, Precision Agriculture, Soil Science, and Weed Science. The Department has a robust research program that consistently ranks at the top of departments at SDSU. Discovery and dissemination of science-based knowledge are core missions of the department. Our faculty Extension Specialists and Field Specialists provide an effective structure for meeting this mission. In academic programs, the department provides nationally competitive training for undergraduate students leading to B.S. degrees in Agronomy, Horticulture and Precision Agriculture. Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science also offers a strong graduate training environment leading to M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Plant Science and Biological Sciences.
SDSU offers a rich academic experience in an environment of inclusion and access through inspired, student-centered education, creative activities and research, innovation and engagement that improve the quality of life in South Dakota, the region, the nation, and the world. Its employees embrace the university’s core values of being people-centered, expanding knowledge through creativity, embracing organizational and personal integrity, commitment to diversity, and excellence through continuous improvement.
As the state’s 1862 Morrill Act land-grant institution, the work of the university is carried out on its main resident campus in Brookings, at sites in Sioux Falls, Pierre, Rapid City, Aberdeen and through Extension offices and Agricultural Experiment Station research sites across South Dakota.
SDSU was recognized as one of 54 institutions in the United States as an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities in 2014. The university’s total research expenditures are greater than $60 million. SDSU is the state’s first High Research Activity institution as classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
Jackrabbits Athletics competes as a NCAA Division I member, with membership in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, the Summit League and the Big XII for wrestling.
Brookings is home to approximately 24,000 residents and is located 60 miles north of Sioux Falls and 200 miles west of Minneapolis. Livability.com rates Brookings as an ideal community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees. It considers Brookings among the safest and most vibrant cities in South Dakota.
The Brookings Public School District educates approximately 3,300 K-12 students and ranks among the state’s highest academic achieving school districts. The district includes three elementary schools, an intermediate school for fourth and fifth grade, one middle school and a high school.
The city also boasts an abundance of attractions and activities, including the Children’s Museum of South Dakota, Dakota Nature Park, South Dakota Art Museum, McCrory Gardens, South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum, Outdoor Adventure Center and the Brookings Summer Arts Festival.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Position is open until filled with full consideration given to applications received by July 10, 2020.
How to apply
SDSU 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, official transcripts, and a reference page with the contact information for four professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDSU 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, a criminal background check.
South Dakota State University 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.
For questions on the position, contact Dr. Sharon Clay, Search Chair, Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science, SDSU, Box 2207A, Brookings, SD 57007, (605) 688-4600 or ***********@sdstate.edu.
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