Project Coordinator

POSITION DETAILS:

Ag Experiment Station-AES

South Dakota State University

South Dakota State University (SDSU) West River Research & Extension is hiring a temporary Project Coordinator to provide critical support and oversight to a large-scale agricultural research and outreach project that is grant-funded for two years. We are looking for an innovative and self-motivated individual to fill this important role. This position is located in Rapid City. 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. The Project Coordinator will be housed at SDSU West River Research and Extension location in Rapid City, SD. There are currently nine faculty from the departments Animal Science, Natural Resource Management, and Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Sciences housed at this location who work in many multidisciplinary, collaborative teams to address the agriculture and natural resource needs of western SD and the state.

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

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Serve as the general coordinator for large-scale, multi-partner grant activities and be responsible for team reporting, meetings, and communications. The successful candidate will work directly with grant administrators, researchers, and project partners for daily project management. This position will engage directly with producers and assist technology deployment and support at producer operations and research sites. This position will also substantially contribute to the research aim of this grant, including soil and forage sampling and laboratory analyses, and assist with associated outreach activities and events.

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:

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture or related field, including (but not limited to) Animal Science, Natural Resource Management, Agronomy, Ag business.
• 1 to 3 years of related experience.
• Driver’s license.
• Knowledge/familiarity with production agriculture.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge/experience with soil science.
• Master’s degree.
• Research experience.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Position closes April 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, Kristi Cammack (kristi.cammack@sdstate.edu; 605-394-2236).

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.