What are the responsibilities and job description for the Extension Native Plant Field Specialist I position at South Dakota Board of Regents?
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Posting Details
Posting Details
Logo Institution South Dakota State University Working Title Extension Native Plant Field Specialist I Posting Number NFE02911P Department SDSU-Agriculture Program-Ext Physical Location of Position (City) Brookings Posting Text
South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension is seeking a Field Specialist to advance native plant education and outreach across the state. In this role, you'll deliver research-based information and build strong partnerships that connect people, communities, and organizations to the benefits of native plant use and conservation. This position will be located on campus in Brookings, SD and is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position.
As the outreach arm of our state's land grant, South Dakota State University, SDSU Extension is able to provide farmers, ranchers, agri-business people, communities, families and youth with the research-based information they need to succeed. SDSU Extension meets the changing needs of South Dakotans with progressive outreach services, ranging from one-on-one interaction and forums to 24/7 online access through our website, extension.sdstate.edu. SDSU Extension organizes program outreach across 4 program areas: Agriculture and Natural Resources, Food & Families, Community Vitality and 4-H Youth Development.
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Key Responsibilities
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.
Minimum Qualifications
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.
Posting Date 11/20/2025 Closing Date 01/05/2026 Open Until Filled No First Consideration Date Advertised Salary The salary range for the Extension Native Plant Field Specialist I is $60,000 - $65,000 depending on experience. Duration of the Term 12 months If Other, describe duration Appointment Percent 100 Work Hours 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 Valid Drivers License If other, please indicate Department Description and Cultural Expectations
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.
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 equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations 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 Dr. Alexander "Sandy" Smart at alexander.smart@sdstate.edu or 605-688-4940.
Working Conditions
Cognitive Requirements
Please check the appropriate response that describe the cognitive requirements for this position.
Protective Clothing/Equipment
Please check the appropriate response for this position's use of the following protective clothing or equipment. If other protection is used please identify
Physical Requirements
Please designate the physical requirements of this position Describe any of the conditions selected
Sensory Requirements
Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory requirements for this position.
Working Conditions & Exposures
Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that this position may encounter during the course of the work day. Please describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked above
Working Environment
Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the environment in which the primary function of the position is performed. Other Environment (Please explain below) 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 (*).
Required Documents
Posting Details
Posting Details
Logo Institution South Dakota State University Working Title Extension Native Plant Field Specialist I Posting Number NFE02911P Department SDSU-Agriculture Program-Ext Physical Location of Position (City) Brookings Posting Text
South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension is seeking a Field Specialist to advance native plant education and outreach across the state. In this role, you'll deliver research-based information and build strong partnerships that connect people, communities, and organizations to the benefits of native plant use and conservation. This position will be located on campus in Brookings, SD and is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position.
As the outreach arm of our state's land grant, South Dakota State University, SDSU Extension is able to provide farmers, ranchers, agri-business people, communities, families and youth with the research-based information they need to succeed. SDSU Extension meets the changing needs of South Dakotans with progressive outreach services, ranging from one-on-one interaction and forums to 24/7 online access through our website, extension.sdstate.edu. SDSU Extension organizes program outreach across 4 program areas: Agriculture and Natural Resources, Food & Families, Community Vitality and 4-H Youth Development.
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver innovative educational programs using technology and other effective teaching methods to support learning and behavior change.
- Set goals to engage under-served and under-represented audiences across South Dakota.
- Create and maintain dynamic web-based delivery systems and educational materials, including content for iGrow.
- Build and sustain relationships with community groups, volunteers, and partners at the local, state, tribal, and federal levels.
- Connect emerging and established leaders with resources, agencies, and organizations to strengthen community capacity.
- Secure grants and other resources to support educational and community development efforts.
- Assess community needs, share findings with stakeholders, and communicate program impacts to the public.
- Promote Extension programming to expand awareness and participation.
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.
Minimum Qualifications
- Master's degree in an area germane to native plant production and/or restoration, such as plant ecology, native plant horticulture, ecological restoration, or greenhouse management of native plants completed by start date;
- Must be authorized to work in the United States. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
- Knowledge of native plant production and ecological restoration.
- Experience growing native plants in greenhouses or native seed production fields.
- Willingness to collaborate and conduct applied research at SDSU Research Stations and on-farm sites with individual growers.
- Demonstrated ability to work as a team member.
- Effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
- Effective organizational and time management skills.
- Valid driver's license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
- Ph.D. completed by first date of employment in Agronomy, Natural Resource Management, Plant Science or closely related field.
- Previous Extension experience.
- Potential ability to identify and develop funding proposals to support new and/or enhanced programming within and/or across capstone areas as PI or Co-PI.
- Experience in publishing extension materials and/or peer reviewed journals.
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.
Posting Date 11/20/2025 Closing Date 01/05/2026 Open Until Filled No First Consideration Date Advertised Salary The salary range for the Extension Native Plant Field Specialist I is $60,000 - $65,000 depending on experience. Duration of the Term 12 months If Other, describe duration Appointment Percent 100 Work Hours 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 Valid Drivers License If other, please indicate Department Description and Cultural Expectations
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.
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 equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations 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 Dr. Alexander "Sandy" Smart at alexander.smart@sdstate.edu or 605-688-4940.
Working Conditions
Cognitive Requirements
Please check the appropriate response that describe the cognitive requirements for this position.
Protective Clothing/Equipment
Please check the appropriate response for this position's use of the following protective clothing or equipment. If other protection is used please identify
Physical Requirements
Please designate the physical requirements of this position Describe any of the conditions selected
Sensory Requirements
Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory requirements for this position.
Working Conditions & Exposures
Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that this position may encounter during the course of the work day. Please describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked above
Working Environment
Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the environment in which the primary function of the position is performed. Other Environment (Please explain below) 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
Required Documents
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Reference List
Salary : $60,000 - $65,000