Administrative Assistant

Southern Weed Science Society; Fargo (ND); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Tuition waivers

Paid holidays

Job summary

North Dakota State University seeks a tenure-track Extension/Research leader in weed science within the Department of Plant Sciences. The 12-month position emphasizes Extension (70%), research (20%), and service (10%), with joint funding by NDSU and the University of Minnesota, and duties across ND and MN.

Responsibilities include developing educational materials, conducting applied research, publishing findings, and pursuing extramural funding while collaborating with NDSU and UMN faculty and

Qualifications

• PhD in weed science, crop science, agronomy, or a related field by the hire date.
• Demonstrated experience in applied crop production and/or weed management.
• Ability to work effectively with university faculty, Extension personnel, producer organizations, and the public.
• Ability to conduct applied research, interpret and communicate findings, and develop science-based recommendations for producers.
• Proven ability to collaborate with stakeholders, colleagues, and multidisciplinary research teams.
• Proficiency with computer applications and relevant technologies.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Possession of a valid US driver’s license or the ability to obtain one by the date of hire.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain by the hire date, a valid pesticide applicator’s license in North Dakota and Minnesota.

Responsibilities

• Develop Extension and applied research programs for weed management and cropping systems for sugarbeet production.
• Create educational materials and programs for producers, industry professionals, and Extension personnel.
• Conduct applied research and publish results in peer-reviewed journals and Extension publications.
• Deliver science-based recommendations to support sugarbeet production.
• Pursue extramural funding and build collaborative partnerships with NDSU and UMN faculties and industry partners.

Skills

PhD in weed science

Applied crop production experience

English communication

Driver's license

Pesticide license (ND/MN)

Education

PhD in weed science or related field

Job description

This is a 12-month, tenure-track position (70% Extension, 20% research, and 10% service) in the Department of Plant Sciences at North Dakota State University. The position is jointly funded by North Dakota State University (NDSU) and the University of Minnesota (U of M). The incumbent will be based at NDSU and expected to work in both North Dakota and Minnesota.The successful candidate will lead the development and implementation of Extension and applied research programs focused on weed management and cropping systems for sugarbeet production. Responsibilities include developing educational materials and programs for producers, industry professionals, and Extension personnel; conducting applied research; publishing results in peer-reviewed journals and Extension publications; delivering science-based recommendations to support successful sugarbeet production; and pursuing extramural funding. The incumbent will build collaborative partnerships (including equipment and resources) with NDSU faculty and staff, specifically in the NDSU Departments of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, Microbiology, and Biotechnology; with the University of Minnesota; the Sugarbeet Research and Education Board; USDA sugarbeet researchers; allied industry partners in the sugarbeet industry; and sugarbeet cooperatives. Extension programming will use a variety of delivery methods, including print and digital publications, web resources, presentations, field days, workshops, radio, television, and virtual platforms. Additional responsibilities include coordinating Extension and research activities across department and college faculty and Extension agents across a range of agronomic disciplines, and advising graduate students.

Minimum Qualifications:

• An earned PhD in weed science, crop science, agronomy, or a related field by the hire date.
• Demonstrated experience in applied crop production and/or in weed management.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with university faculty, Extension personnel, producer organizations, and the public.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct applied research, interpret and communicate findings, and develop science-based recommendations for producers.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders, colleagues, and multidisciplinary research teams.
• Proficiency with computer applications and relevant technologies.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Possession of a valid US driver’s license or the ability to obtain one by the date of hire.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain by the hire date, a valid pesticide applicator’s license in North Dakota and Minnesota.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Farm background or practical agricultural production experience.
• Experience with sugarbeet production systems.
• Experience in Extension, teaching, stakeholder engagement, or agricultural outreach.
• Research, industry, or applied agricultural experience in crop production and weed management.
• Demonstrated success in developing competitive grant proposals, securing extramural funding, and publishing research findings.
• Knowledge of agricultural regulations and experience navigating regulatory frameworks.
• Experience with precision agriculture, crop data management, or related digital agriculture technologies.

NDSU OFFERS OUTSTANDING BENEFITS!Join a workplace that invests in your well-being, your future, and your success.Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits:

• Health & Wellness– 100% employer-paid health insurance premiums for single and family coverage
• Choice ofPPO/Basic orHigh Deductible Health Plan with HSA
• Coverage beginsthe first of the month after your hire date
• Wellness incentives for healthy lifestyle participation
• Exceptional Retirement Plan– Employer retirement contributions ranging from 7.5% up to an impressive 12.26%, depending on position(One of the strongest retirement packages in the region!)
• Your future is a priority, and it shows.
• Time Away & Support– Generous annual leave,sick leave, and10 paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program for confidential support
• Supportive work-life balance
• Education Benefits That Grow With You– Tuition waivers for employees (up to three classes per calendar year)
• 50% tuition waiver for spouse/partner and dependentsAdditional Optional Benefits– Supplemental Life, Dental, Vision, Long-Term Care– Flexible Spending Accounts (Health & Dependent Care)– Supplemental Retirement Plans
• Explore Full Benefit Details:https://www.ndsu.edu/hr/prospective_employee_resources/benefits/

Location

North Dakota State University Main Campus 1340 Administration Ave., PO Box 6050, Fargo, ND 58102,

Closing Date

10/01/2026

Date Position Available

01/10/2026

North Dakota State University

North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university. We educate leaders who solve national and global challenges by providing affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment. NDSU is in the highest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, R1, granted to the top research institutions in the country. NDSU has offices across the state of North Dakota, and the main campus is in Fargo, on the Minnesota border. Along with Moorhead, Minnesota, Fargo forms one of the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle. The community is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live.NDSU is committed to fostering a community where differences are recognized as strengths. Rooted in our land-grant mission, we work together to meet the needs of North Dakota and its communities through education, research and outreach.Equal Opportunity Statement:NDSU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable. Direct inquiries to: Vice Provost, Title IX/ADA Coordinator, Old Main 201, NDSU Main Campus, Fargo, ND, 58108, 701-231-7708, [e-mail].