Foundation Seed Specialist

SDSU-Ag Experiment Station-AES

Deadline: 10/26/2026

12 Months; 100% time

South Dakota State University’s Ag Experiment Station is seeking a Foundation Seed Specialist who will be responsible for day-to-day management of field operations, seed conditioning, and distribution. This position will also supervise student labor and manage farms near Brookings, which includes coordinating land requests and organizing farm activities so both production and research can succeed.

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. The South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station directly supports the teaching programs offered by the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, the College of Education and Human Sciences, the College of Natural Sciences and the educational program delivered by SDSU Extension. Our research mission is to find solutions to current problems, as well as opportunities for tomorrow. The new knowledge created from our research enhances the quality of life in South Dakota through the beneficial use and development of human, economic and natural resources.

This position is located in Brookings.

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

Job Responsibilities:

Assist with the operation and management of Foundation Seed Stocks, including coordinating seed production, cleaning, conditioning, and distribution activities. Develop work schedules for student employees and provide training and oversight to ensure safe and effective farm operations. Conduct field scouting of Foundation Seed production fields to monitor crop conditions and identify potential issues. Maintain, repair, and modify equipment as needed to support Foundation Seed operations, and plan and coordinate field operations and seed conditioning activities.

Manage and coordinate research farm activities in the Brookings area and work closely with SDSU researchers and project teams to ensure research operations are conducted efficiently and according to project requirements. Responsibilities include coordinating land assignments, planning field operations, mapping plot dimensions, coordinating chemical and fertilizer applications, developing and implementing weed control strategies, and organizing post-harvest field cleanup. Provide support to researchers throughout the growing season and coordinate farm activities to ensure research projects are completed safely, efficiently, and effectively.

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.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Agricultural and agronomic background with experience in weed, pest and seed identification.
• Understanding of research plot design and research protocols.
• Experience with equipment used in production-scale agriculture.

Skill & Ability to:

• Strong communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving ability in dynamic field conditions (weather, equipment, crop issues).
• Ability to work independently and make decisions while also collaborating with researchers and faculty.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy, especially in seed handling
• Operate heavy equipment.
• Lift at least 60 pounds.
• Physical ability to work outdoors/indoors in varying conditions and handle labor-intensive tasks.
• Ability to supervise personnel.

Required License:

• South Dakota driver’s license.
• Must hold or be eligible for a South Dakota Commercial Pesticide Applicator License.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Relevant experience in ag research, seed production, or farm operations.
• Willingness to work extended hours during peak seasons (planting/harvest).
• Associate's Degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Ag Science, or related field by start date.

Comments:

This position is classified as Agricultural Research Manager/Specialist.

Application Procedures:

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.

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.

[CSA02859P; AE9033; 80615]

For additional information regarding this position or questions about the online application process, please contact Human Resources at 605-688-4128.

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.