Fabrication Technician

This position will contribute to the Agricultural Experiments Station’s mission of maintaining a high level of integrity with regards to research conducted at the Dakota Lakes Research Farm. The main contributions from this position will be fabrication, repairs and maintenance of farm and research equipment. The functionality of this equipment is paramount in the day-to-day operations conducted at the Dakota Lakes Research Farm. Dakota Lakes Research Farm is located 17 miles east of Pierre, SD immediately adjacent to the Missouri River. It has a robust crop and livestock integration research program and is well-known in the field of regenerative agriculture. The shop facilities are modern and comfortable. Job Responsibilities:  Member of the operations team at the Dakota Lakes Research Farm who will design, fabricate, test, maintain, repair and modify equipment used for research and production projects including livestock, field, research, precision agriculture and irrigation equipment.   Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Knowledge of:  Equipment fabricationResearch protocolsPrecision agriculture, hydraulics, mechanical, electrical, and electronic components of equipmentComputer software (Microsoft Office)Skill & Ability to:   Construct prototypes of new or modified pieces of equipmentOperate, maintain, repair and modify agricultural equipment including tractors, combines, sprayers, irrigators, etc.  Evaluate operation of machines and recommend modifications.Perform welding, mechanical, electronic, and electrical repairs on a wide variety of research, irrigation and field equipment.Care for livestock including feeding, watering, administering medications and moving the herd.Record data and maintain accurate records.Operate seeding, harvest and spraying equipment.Apply herbicides, fungicides, and fertilizer with self-propelled sprayer.Maintain adequate supplies and parts. Required License:  Valid driver’s license. Commercial Driver’s License with endorsements or ability to obtain one within six (6) months and Pesticide Applicator’s License or ability to obtain one within six (6) months of hire is required.  Comments:  Employee will be subject to pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, follow-up and return-to-duty drug and alcohol testing.  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 the university’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14. Employment is contingent upon a successful background check.