Extension Livestock Production and Stewardship Specialist I

South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension is offering an exciting career opportunity as an Extension Livestock Production and Stewardship Specialist I. Possible locations are in Aberdeen, Mitchell, or Pierre, dependent on the successful candidate’s preference. This position is a 12 month full-time, benefits-eligible position.

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.

South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension is a key outreach arm of the university, delivering research-based information and educational programs that address the needs of South Dakotans. Working in partnership with academic departments and the Agricultural Experiment Station, SDSU Extension focuses its efforts in four core areas: Agriculture and Natural Resources, Food & Families, Community Vitality, and 4-H Youth Development. This position is part of the Agriculture and Natural Resources program area and will collaborate closely with the Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science, a diverse academic unit with over 40 faculty specializing in areas such as agronomy, plant breeding, precision agriculture, soil science, and more. The department supports leading research initiatives, strong undergraduate and graduate programs, and a robust Extension network, creating rich opportunities for cross-disciplinary work and statewide impact

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

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Deliver impactful Extension programming informed by needs assessments.
• Develop and implement program materials using emerging technologies.
• Lead or contribute to learning communities that support ongoing education and outreach.
• Collaborate with colleagues and partners on emerging issues within the livestock and agriculture sectors.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with producers, industry partners, and other key stakeholders.
• Secure programmatic funding to support Extension initiatives and priorities.
• Conduct program evaluation to assess effectiveness and guide continuous improvement.
• Engage with the public by translating research into practical, accessible applications.
• Work under the direction of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Program Leader.
• Collaborate closely with the Animal Science Department, Competitive Livestock Field Specialists, State Specialists, and other departmental faculty.

SALARY RANGE:

The salary range for this position is $60,000 to $65,000 depending on experience.

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:

• Master’s Degree, completed by first day of employment in Animal Science or other closely related field by start date.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Experience with beef production systems.
• Knowledge of ruminant nutrition including coursework.
• Knowledge of the Beef Quality Assurance program.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences.
• Strong oral communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work as a team member.
• Demonstrated use of technology in managing and/or delivering educational programs.
• Demonstrated ability or potential to plan, implement, and evaluate educational materials and direct effective programs.
• Effective written communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license, or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire, and willingness to travel.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D., completed by first day of employment in Animal Science or other closely related field.
• Demonstrated ability or potential to solve management and nutrition challenges in beef production systems in the northern Great Plains.
• Constructed impactful programming based on local needs assessments.
• Demonstrated leadership in developing or leading learning communities.
• Demonstrated leadership and teamwork with stakeholders.
• Demonstrated collaboration in developing funding proposals to support new and/or enhanced programming.
• Experience in publishing extension materials and peer reviewed journals.
  

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Position closes 04/03/2026.

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.

For questions on the position, contact search committee chair, Dr. Alexander “Sandy” Smart at alexander.smart@sdstate.edu.

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