Cropping Systems Extension Specialist

North Dakota State University - Williston Research Extension Center; Dickinson (ND); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

NDSU Extension seeks a Cropping Systems Specialist for southwest and greater North Dakota. This statewide role provides leadership for cropping systems outreach (90%) and applied research (10%), coordinating with Extension agents, producers, industry, and advisory groups from the Dickinson area.

The position is located at the Dickinson Research Extension Center (DREC) in Dickinson, ND, is permanent and non-tenure track, and offers opportunities for promotion. Schedule is M–F, 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in agronomy or a closely related field.
• Knowledge of crop production, including crop inputs, crop pest management, plant nutrition, cultivar evaluation, cover crop systems, forage and feed production, and new technologies.
• Ability to develop an effective Extension program.
• Ability to develop an applied research program.
• Evidence of effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to deliver information in person and via modern media technologies.
• Possess a valid driver's license and commercial pesticide applicators license (or ability to obtain one).
• Ph.D. in agronomy or a related field is preferred.
• Experience in Northern Great Plains crop production.
• Demonstrated success in outreach, field research, and collaborative partnerships.
• Experience supervising research or outreach personnel.

Responsibilities

• Develop an innovative Extension program to include identifying, assessing and delivering educational programs for agronomic production systems.
• Provide expertise and continuing educational training to Extension agents, clients, and technical service providers.
• Provide leadership in applied research programs involving cropping systems.
• Stay current in production practices of crops in the area.
• Develop Extension programs and publications for producers, industry personnel, and Extension agents.
• Seek extramural funding to support Extension programming and applied research.
• Communicate with Extension personnel, Research Extension Center personnel, and producers about research needs.
• Lead development and demonstration of novel management strategies to keep programs relevant.
• Develop relationships with Research and Extension faculty within NDSU.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Agronomy

Crop production

Communication

Program development

Media/education delivery

Education

Master's degree in agronomy

Ph.D. in agronomy

Job description

NDSU Extension is seeking a highly motivated individual to serve as the Extension Cropping Systems Specialist for southwest and greater North Dakota. The specialist is a member of a statewide Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources team with responsibilities of provideing leadership for cropping systems for extension (90%) and applied research (10%). The successful applicant will be responsible for developing and implementing science-based outreach to Extension agents, a diverse clientele of producers, as well as industry, advisory groups, and technical service providers. Programming will focus primarily on production agriculture areas including crop inputs, crop pest management, plant nutrition, cultivar evaluation, cover crop systems, forage and feed production and new technologies. The successful candidate is expected to coordinate and collaborate with other NDSU, regional, and national project leaders on joint outreach efforts appropriate for the Dickinson Research Extension Center (DREC); analyze and disseminate information from research programs; participate in research efforts; and interact closely with area agricultural producers.

This position will be located at the DREC, located in Dickinson, North Dakota. The DREC Director will provide supervision for the position. This is a permanent, non-tenure track specialist position and includes opportunities for promotion.

Work Schedule:

The regular work schedule is from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Hiring Range:

The hiring range for this position is from $70,000 to $80,000, depending on experience.

Pay is based on several factors, including budget, labor market, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and/or certification and other business considerations.

Responsibilities

• Develop an innovative Extension program to include the identification, assessment and delivery of educational programs that will facilitate the development of effective agronomic production systems.
• Provide expertise and continuing educational training to Extension agents, clients, and technical service providers.
• Provide leadership in applied research programs involving cropping systems.
• Stay current in the production practices of crops grown within the area of the DREC and greater North Dakota.
• Develop individual and team-based Extension programs and publications that disseminate information to producers, industry personnel, and Extension agents.
• Seek extramural funding to support Extension programming and applied research.
• Communicate with other Extension personnel, appropriate Research Extension Center personnel, and producers about issues that need new or additional research.
• When appropriate, provide leadership for the development and demonstration of novel management strategies that ensure program relevancy and the ability to guide producer efforts to adapt to changing production systems.
• Develop relationships and cooperate with Research and Extension faculty within the NDSU system.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The area is noted for small grain, oilseed, livestock and energy production. More information is available at: https://dickinsonchamber.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in agronomy or a closely related field.
• Knowledge of crop production, including crop inputs, crop pest management, plant nutrition, cultivar evaluation, cover crop systems, forage and feed production, and new technologies.
• Ability to develop an effective Extension program.
• Ability to develop an applied research program.
• Evidence of effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to deliver information in person and via modern media technologies.
• Possess a valid driver's license and commercial pesticide applicators license (or ability to obtain one).

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in agronomy or a related field.
• Experience in Northern Great Plains crop production. (i.e. wheat, durum, field pea, canola, sunflowers, and more)
• Demonstrated success in outreach, field research, and collaborative partnerships.
• Experience supervising research or outreach personnel.

Core Competencies

• Knowledge in western North Dakota agronomy.
• Ability to build relationships with Extension agents and personnel, producers and industry personnel.
• Conduct agronomy outreach/research.
• Ability to work both independently and as a team member.
• Ability to work safely.

Applicant Materials Required

• Cover letter addressing how you meet the position qualifications.
• Complete curriculum vitae.
• An outreach plan (maximum of 3 pages) that includes how the applicant's experience and philosophy will allow them to establish a successful program at the DREC, ideas for existing or potential funding, and areas of potential collaboration.
• Three (3) professional references with contact information.
• Screening will begin: 12/1/26