NDSU CREC Soil Scientist

Description & Details:

The soil scientist, which is a 100% research appointment, has leadership responsibility for developing, implementing, and reporting outcomes of the soil science research program at the Center. In addition, the scientist will lead the soils research program at CREC and serve within the broader soil health research groups within NDSU. The scientist actively participates in the development and implementation of research projects that address the soil resource and develop applied solutions to regional agricultural concerns. Research activity will include defining soil fertility regimes for optimum crop nutrition, prevention and mitigation of soil salinity, soil management impacted by residue and tillage systems, and work on other outreach and research efforts related to reducing erosion and depletion of topsoil. The soil scientist is expected to compete successfully for extramural funding to assist in funding the diverse research program. The successful candidate is expected to coordinate and collaborate with other NDSU, regional and national project leaders on joint research projects appropriate for the Center; analyze and disseminate information from research programs; participate in outreach efforts; interact closely with farmers, extension staff, agribusiness representatives and crop commodity organizations. The soil scientist also has supervisory responsibilities for support staff and reports to the Center Director.

Work Schedule:

Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with additional hours as necessary

Hiring Range:

Commensurate with experience.

Pay is based on several factors, including budget, labor market, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and/or certification and other business considerations.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A PhD or currently obtaining your PhD in soil science or closely related field.
• Knowledge and experience working with applied research related to soil fertility, salinity, health, conservation, and/or management.
• Documented experience in experimental design and analysis.
• Familiarity with Northern Great Plains cropping systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to deliver information via modern media technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to foster and maintain strong collaborations with other researchers, extension personnel, and stakeholders.
• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Documented collaborations with scientists of other disciplines of agriculture (agronomy, plant pathology, animal science, entomology, precision agriculture, weed science, etc).
• Documented experience in production agriculture across a diversity of crops
• Operation of plot research and/or farm scale equipment.
• Documented experience in preparing grant proposals and success in securing grant funds.
• Experience in the supervision of staff involved with field research.
• Evidence of positive producer interactions.

Core Competencies:

Commodity crop familiarity, effective verbal and written communication skills, collaborative nature, field management knowledge in Great Plains

Applicant Materials Required:

• Cover letter addressing each of the minimum and preferred qualifications
• Complete Curriculum Vitae
• A research plan (maximum 3 pages) that includes how the applicant’s experience and research philosophy will allow them to establish a successful research program at CREC, ideas for existing or potential funding, and areas of potential collaboration.
• Three professional references with contact information

Screening will begin: 3/25/26

About Us:

The Carrington Research Extension Center is one of seven out-state NDSU Research Extension Centers. The CREC is located near Carrington, a community centrally located about two hours or less from each of the four largest cities in North Dakota. Carrington is a thriving community of approximately 2,500 people in a widely diversified agricultural production region of east central North Dakota. Carrington is a vibrant rural community with progressive schools (K-12), modern medical services (clinic and hospital), and recreation opportunities including hunting, fishing, hiking, and birding. For further information visit http://www.carringtonnd.com/.

Our commitment to caring for our employees isn’t just words—it’s proven. In NDSU’s most recent Gallup Engagement Survey, our strengths centered on care and development. “My supervisor, or someone at work, cares about me as a person” and “I have the opportunities to learn and grow”, were noted as top drivers. This reflects the culture you’ll experience here.

NDSU OFFERS OUTSTANDING BENEFITS!

Join a workplace that invests in your well-being, your future, and your success.

Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits:

Health & Wellness

• 100% employer-paid health insurance premiums for single and family coverage
• Choice of PPO/Basic or High Deductible Health Plan with HSA
• Coverage begins the first of the month after your hire date
• Wellness incentives for healthy lifestyle participation

Exceptional Retirement Plan

• Employer retirement contributions ranging from 7.5% up to an impressive 12.26%, depending on position
  (One of the strongest retirement packages in the region!) - Your future is a priority, and it shows.

Time Away & Support

• Generous annual leave, sick leave, and 10 paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program for confidential support
• Supportive work-life balance

Education Benefits That Grow With You

• Tuition waivers for employees (up to three classes per calendar year)
• 50% tuition waiver for spouse/partner and dependents

Additional Optional Benefits

• Supplemental Life, Dental, Vision, Long-Term Care
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Health & Dependent Care)
• Supplemental Retirement Plans

Explore Full Benefit Details:

Benefits | Human Resources | NDSU

About Us:

North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university. We educate leaders who solve national and global challenges by providing affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment.

NDSU is in the highest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, R1, granted to the top research institutions in the country.

NDSU has offices across the state of North Dakota, and the main campus is in Fargo, on the Minnesota border. Along with Moorhead, Minnesota, Fargo forms one of the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle. The community is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live.

NDSU is committed to fostering a community where differences are recognized as strengths. Rooted in our land-grant mission, we work together to meet the needs of North Dakota and its communities through education, research and outreach.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

NDSU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable. Direct inquiries to: Vice Provost, Title IX/ADA Coordinator, Old Main 201, NDSU Main Campus, Fargo, ND, 58108, 701-231-7708, ndsu.eoaa@ndsu.edu.

No Smoking Notice:

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.

Veteran’s Preference Notice:

This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran’s Preference requirements.

Reasonable Accommodation Information:

North Dakota State University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, please contact Human Resources at 701-231-8961 or ndsu.hr@ndsu.edu.