Posting Details
Posting Details
Logo
Institution
South Dakota State University
Working Title
Crop Performance Trial Program Manager
Posting Number
NFE02340P
Department
SDSU-Agronomy, Horticulture & Plant Science
Physical Location of Position (City)
Brookings
Posting Text
The Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science at South Dakota State University (SDSU) is seeking a research trial manager to assist the department with implementing a successful Crop Performance Testing (CPT) program and Advanced Crop Yield Trials. This position is located in Brookings, South Dakota and is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position.
The Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science includes over 40 faculty whose expertise spans the fields of Agronomy, Entomology, Genetics, Horticulture, Plant Breeding, Plant Pathology, Precision Agriculture, Seed Science, 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.
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 mission of access.
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Execution of Crop Performance Trials: Oversee and implement high-quality field trials across South Dakota, ensuring the delivery of reliable results. Lead efforts to continuously enhance the procurement process for multiple crop variety entries, making the program regionally competitive.
• Management of Support Team: Lead and support a dedicated support team responsible for planning, planting, maintaining, and harvesting crop performance trials for corn, soybean, sunflower, and wheat. Foster a collaborative environment to ensure successful program implementation.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Interact with a diverse range of stakeholders, including researchers, industry groups, agricultural commodity organizations, and other stakeholders. Develop internet-based data applications and other communication channels to facilitate information distribution.
• Supervision of Program Activities: Supervise and conduct the Crop Performance Testing (CPT) program, leveraging entry fees and fee-for-service activities. Develop trial designs, protocols for field sampling, and data management strategies to ensure the integrity of research outcomes.
• Real-Time Feedback and Reporting: Provide timely feedback on data and field observations to stakeholders and faculty, facilitating informed decision-making and continuous improvement of the program.
• Collaboration and Leadership: Collaborate effectively with peers and faculty across multiple departments to support the success of the program. Manage SDSU's Seedhouse operations on behalf of the Agronomy, Horticulture, and Plant Science department head, ensuring efficient operation and resource utilization.

This role demands strong leadership, collaboration, and project management skills to drive the success of the Crop Performance Trial Program and contribute to the advancement of agricultural research and innovation.
BENEFITS:
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. Relocation benefits are available per university's guidelines. 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.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, General Agriculture, or closely related field completed by date of application;
• Valid driver's license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire; and
• In-depth understanding of Great Plains agriculture.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in Plant Science or Biology or closely related field.

APPLICATION PROCESS:
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 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, successful completion of 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.
Posting Date
04/26/2024
Closing Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
First Consideration Date
05/30/2024
Advertised Salary
The minimum starting salary for this position is $47,000.
Duration of the Term
12 months
If Other, describe duration
Appointment Percent
100
Work Hours
Extended work hours during the cropping season.
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, Valid Drivers License
If other, please indicate
Department Description and Cultural Expectations
South Dakota State University is the state's largest, most comprehensive university with over $60 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. We offer a rich academic experience in an environment of inclusions and access. 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 offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave.
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 affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits discrimination on, the basis of, sex, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran's status, or any other status that may become protected in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodation 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, Adam Varenhorst, at Adam.Varenhorst@sdstate.edu.
Working Conditions
Cognitive Requirements
Please check the appropriate response that describe the cognitive requirements for this position.
Analyzing, Comprehend, Logic, Memory, Multiple Priorities, Multiple Stimuli, Pace-average, 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.
Ear Protection (including earplugs)
If other protection is used please identify
Physical Requirements
Please designate the physical requirements of this position
Bending, Stooping, Twisting, Carrying, Fine Finger Manipulation (keyboarding, pipefitting, bench work, etc), Lifting Above Waist, Lifting light, Lifting moderate, Use Both Hands
Describe any of the conditions selected
This position handles 50 lb. bags of seed that must be lifted above the waist. It also works with computers for data analysis.
Sensory Requirements
Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory requirements for this position.
Hearing, Near Vision, Peripheral Vision
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, Chemical Hazards, Vibrations, Walking/Standing on rough or uneven surfaces (gravel, rocks, etc), Working Around Machinery
Please describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked above

• Field work is required.
• Operating equipment is required.

Working Environment
Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the environment in which the primary function of the position is performed.
Farm or Grassland Environment, Office 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 (*).

* Where did you hear about this position?

• 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

Resume

Cover Letter

Reference List

Optional Documents