Extension Field Specialist I, 4-H Shooting Sports and Outdoor Education

4-H Programs

South Dakota State University

South Dakota State University is seeking an Extension Field Specialist I, 4-H Shooting Sports and Outdoor Education to provide strong statewide leadership and support youth education and engagement across the state, by delivering information, resources, and programming while building relationships with stakeholder groups to support the vision of SDSU Extension and 4-H. This position is located in one of the SDSU Extension Regional Centers in Rapid City, Winner, Lemmon, Pierre, Aberdeen, Watertown, Sioux Falls or Mitchell or on the SDSU campus in Brookings. 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. SDSU Extension 4‑H is a community that provides experiences where young people learn by doing. Kids complete hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture, and citizenship, in a positive environment where they receive guidance from adult mentors and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles. Kids experience 4‑H through in-school and after-school programs, school and community clubs and 4‑H camps. We recognize that the youth of today are our future leaders and what they learn and experience in 4-H will help them develop into contributing citizens who will give back to their communities in the future.

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

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide statewide leadership in delivering informal education in shooting sports and outdoor education programming.
• Develop and disseminate educational resources and activities that support youth learning in 4-H shooting sports, outdoor education, and related topics.
• Identify and develop funding opportunities to support new or enhanced programming that aligns with current and future workforce and educational needs.
• Plan, design, implement, market, and evaluate programs to assess impact and provide documentable results.
• Develop relationships with state-level stakeholders and/or groups to identify emerging needs and opportunities for youth. Provide specialized subject matter support to stakeholders.
• Recruit, utilize, and organize volunteers into productive groups to enhance educational outreach. Identify potential industry leaders and helps develop their capacity to help accomplish educational and industry goals.

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 from an accredited university or college, academic preparation and demonstrated scholarly mastery in a discipline relevant to outdoor education, natural resource management, wildlife management, agricultural education, youth development, or other related fields by first day of employment.
• 1 year to 3 years of related experience in teaching shooting sports, hunting skills, outdoor education, and/or other relevant topics.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with varied audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to work as a team member.
• Demonstrated use of technology in managing or delivering educational programs.
• Demonstrated ability or potential to plan, implement, and evaluate educational materials and direct effective programs.
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one with 30 days of hire, and willingness and ability to travel.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous Extension experience.
• Experience with 4-H or FFA educational events and contests.
• Ability to engage youth in non-formal educational settings.
• Experience developing and delivering educational programs and/or curricula for youth.
• Demonstrated leadership and teamwork with stakeholders.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Position closes 06/15/2026

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, curriculum vitae, 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, Regina Bakley at (605) 394-1722.

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.