Fabrication Technician

South Dakota Board of Regents; Brookings (SD); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated individual to join their operations team at a renowned research farm. This role focuses on the fabrication, maintenance, and repair of essential agricultural equipment, ensuring smooth operations for innovative research in regenerative agriculture. The ideal candidate will possess strong skills in equipment fabrication and a solid understanding of precision agriculture. With modern facilities and a commitment to employee development, this position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful agricultural research while enjoying a comprehensive benefits package and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Flexible benefits

Retirement plans

Paid holidays

Vacation leave

Reduced tuition for courses

Relocation benefits

Qualifications

• Ability to construct prototypes and modify equipment.
• Experience in operating and maintaining agricultural equipment.
• Knowledge of livestock care and data recording.

Responsibilities

• Design, fabricate, and maintain research equipment at the farm.
• Evaluate machine operations and recommend modifications.
• Perform repairs on a wide variety of agricultural equipment.

Skills

Equipment fabrication

Research protocols

Precision agriculture

Hydraulics

Mechanical components

Electrical components

Microsoft Office

Education

High School Diploma

Commercial Driver’s License

Tools

Welding equipment

Agricultural machinery

Precision agriculture tools

Job description

This position will contribute to the Agricultural Experiments Station’s mission of maintaining a high level of integrity with regards to research conducted at the Dakota Lakes Research Farm. The main contributions from this position will be fabrication, repairs and maintenance of farm and research equipment. The functionality of this equipment is paramount in the day-to-day operations conducted at the Dakota Lakes Research Farm.

Dakota Lakes Research Farm is located 17 miles east of Pierre, SD immediately adjacent to the Missouri River. It has a robust crop and livestock integration research program and is well-known in the field of regenerative agriculture. The shop facilities are modern and comfortable.

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

Job Responsibilities: Member of the operations team at the Dakota Lakes Research Farm who will design, fabricate, test, maintain, repair and modify equipment used for research and production projects including livestock, field, research, precision agriculture and irrigation equipment.

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:

• Equipment fabrication
• Research protocols
• Precision agriculture, hydraulics, mechanical, electrical, and electronic components of equipment
• Computer software (Microsoft Office)

Skill & Ability to:

• Construct prototypes of new or modified pieces of equipment
• Operate, maintain, repair and modify agricultural equipment including tractors, combines, sprayers, irrigators, etc.
• Evaluate operation of machines and recommend modifications.
• Perform welding, mechanical, electronic, and electrical repairs on a wide variety of research, irrigation and field equipment.
• Care for livestock including feeding, watering, administering medications and moving the herd.
• Record data and maintain accurate records.
• Operate seeding, harvest, and spraying equipment.
• Apply herbicides, fungicides, and fertilizer with self-propelled sprayer.
• Maintain adequate supplies and parts.

Required License: Valid driver’s license. Commercial Driver’s License with endorsements or ability to obtain one within six (6) months and Pesticide Applicator’s License or ability to obtain one within six (6) months of hire is required.

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.

[AE8233; 40848]

Posting Date

Posting Date 04/28/2025

Closing Date

Open Until Filled Yes

First Consideration Date

First Consideration Date 05/12/2025

Advertised Salary

Duration of the Term

Duration of the Term 12 months

Appointment Percent

Appointment Percent 100

Work Hours

Normal working hours are 8 am to 5 pm. Some overtime and flexible scheduling is required for livestock duties and during busy seasons of seeding, harvesting, and irrigation.

Typical Hours Worked Per Week

Appointment Type

Appointment Type Regular

Scope of Search

Scope of Search External (includes Internal)

If internal, define scope of search

This position requires

This position requires Weekends/Holidays, CDL with enhancements, Valid Drivers License, Other

If other, please indicate

Department Description and Cultural Expectations

SDState is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $84 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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 [e-mail] . Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU , Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: [phone].

Contact Information

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

Working Conditions

Cognitive Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the cognitive requirements for this position.

Protective Clothing/Equipment

Please check the appropriate response for this position's use of the following protective clothing or equipment.

Please check the appropriate response for this position's use of the following protective clothing or equipment. Ear Protection (including earplugs), Eye Protection, Latex Gloves, Protective Clothing, Respirator

If other protection is used please identify

This depends on the jobs being done. Welding requires a helmet and special clothing.

Physical Requirements

Please designate the physical requirements of this position

Please designate the physical requirements of this position Bending, Stooping, Twisting, Carrying, Climbing Ladders, Driving, Grasping, Kneeling, Lifting Above Waist, Lifting Below Waist, Lifting moderate, Lifting heavy, Pushing/Pulling, Reaching, Use Both Hands, Walking, Wrist Movement (twisting or rotating)

Describe any of the conditions selected

N/A

Sensory Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory requirements for this position.

Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory requirements for this position. Hearing, Speaking, Vision (With and without corrective lenses)

Working Conditions & Exposures

Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that this position may encounter during the course of the work day.

Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that this position may encounter during the course of the work day. Animal Handling, Atmospheric Contaminants (includes odors & fumes), Changes of Temperature, Chemical Hazards, Electrical Current, Exposure to Dust, Exposure to Noise, Extreme Cold, Extreme Heat >100F, Extreme Weather Conditions (wind, rain, snow, humidity), Walking/Standing on rough or uneven surfaces (gravel, rocks, etc), Work in confined/congested spaces (tunnels), Work Overhead, Working Around Machinery

Please describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked above

N/A

Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the environment in which the primary function of the position is performed.

Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the environment in which the primary function of the position is performed. Animal Facility, Farm or Grassland Environment, Mechanical Facility, Outdoors Environment, Animal Research Farm

If you have indicated Other Environment, if work tasks involve one or more of the above, or if further explanation is necessary, please use the space provided.

N/A

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Where did you hear about this position?
  • LinkedIn
  • SDBOR Employment Site
  • South Dakota Department of Labor
  • Employee Referral
  • Department Announcement / Inside State
  • Handshake
  • Job Board (Indeed, Monster, ZipRecruiter) - Please specify
  • Industry Conference
  • Search Engine - Please specify
  • Employment Agency - Please specify
  • Newspaper - Please specify
  • HigherEdJobs.com
  • Chronicle of Higher Education
  • Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) - Please specify
  • Radio - Please specify
  • APLU
  • List Servs - Please specify
  • Alumni
  • Other - Please specify

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

Resume

Cover Letter

Optional Documents

Reference List

The South Dakota Board of Regents is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Board of Regents will take Affirmative Action to ensure that all employment practices are free of discrimination. In addition, the Board of Regents fully supports incorporation of non-discrimination and Affirmative Action rules and regulations into all of its employment practices. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by contacting the appropriate Human Resources office. Please see the Contact Us section of this webpage for more information.

Notice to all applicants: If you are selected as a finalist, job references and a background check may be conducted.

South Dakota Board of Regents
306 E. Capital Ave, Suite 200
Pierre, SD 57501
605-773-3455