Klingbeil Endowed Department Head and Professor

South Dakota Board of Regents; Brookings (SD); On-site; USD 158,000 - 193,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation benefits

Generous retirement plan

Professional development

Job summary

South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD seeks a Klingbeil Endowed Department Head and Professor to provide strategic leadership for Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering. The role reports to the Dean and is a 12-month, benefits-eligible appointment at the Professor rank.

The department focuses on education, research, and Extension outreach, overseeing programs in agricultural engineering and precision agriculture. Apply online with required documents.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Precision Agriculture, or closely related field completed by date of application.
• Productive history in directing/supervising roles.
• Eligible for the rank of Professor at SDState in related field.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to recruit, mentor, and retain faculty and staff.
• Ability to manage budgets and facility needs.
• Authorized to work in the United States; no sponsorship available.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for teaching, research, and Extension programs.
• Set goals, foster collaboration, and build relationships statewide.
• Recruit, mentor, evaluate, and retain faculty, staff, and students.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets and fundraising activities.
• Oversee facilities and resources management.
• Foster research and IP development opportunities.
• Represent the department to college, university, industry, and external partners.
• Maintain an active program of research, scholarship, and teaching.

Skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Team leadership

Technology in education

Education

Ph.D. in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering or closely related field

Job description

Klingbeil Endowed Department Head and Professor

Working Title Klingbeil Endowed Department Head and Professor

Posting Number

Posting Number F01925P

Department

Physical Location of Position (City)

Physical Location of Position (City) Brookings

Posting Text

The Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at South Dakota State University (SDState) invites applications for the Klingbeil Endowed Department Head and Professor. We are seeking a visionary and dynamic leader with a strong record of scholarship, teaching, and service, who can provide strategic direction and foster excellence in education, research, and Extension outreach. The Department Head will report directly to the Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences. This position is located in Brookings. This position is a 12-Month administrative appointment with an academic rank of Professor, full-time, benefits-eligible position.

The Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering ( ABE ) is a dynamic, collaborative community advancing education, research, and outreach in agriculture and engineering. The department offers undergraduate programs in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Agricultural Systems Technology, and a joint Precision Agriculture program with the Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science, along with graduate programs including an M.S. and Ph.D. in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering. Faculty and students engage in innovative research and Extension activities in areas such as precision agriculture, bioprocessing, livestock systems, land and water management, and 4-H STEM education. ABE houses the Mesonet, South Dakota’s live weather network, and the Water Resources Institute, providing leadership on critical water challenges. We offer a collaborative environment where faculty, staff, and students work together to tackle real-world challenges and make a meaningful impact. Learn more at https://www.sdstate.edu/agricultural-biosystems-engineering.

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

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES :

1. Provide strategic leadership for the department’s teaching, research, and Extension programs, ensuring excellence and relevance in all areas.
2. Establish goals and objectives, foster collaboration, and build strong relationships within the department, across campus, and with stakeholders throughout the state.
3. Recruit, mentor, evaluate, and retain faculty, staff, and students.
4. Develop and manage departmental budgets, coordinate fundraising efforts, and oversee revenue-generating activities.
5. Oversee management and maintenance of departmental facilities and resources.
6. Facilitate research and intellectual property development opportunities for faculty and students.
7. Represent the department in official communications with the college, university, industry partners, and other external stakeholders.
8. Maintain an active program of research, scholarship, and/or teaching consistent with the rank of Professor, contributing to the department’s academic mission.

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 :

• Ph.D. Degree in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Precision Agriculture, or a closely related field completed by date of application;
• At least five years of directing/supervising experience;
• Eligible for the rank of Professor at SDState in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Precision Agriculture, or a closely related field;
• Productive history in research, teaching, or Extension outreach;
• Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills;
• Ability to work as a contributing team member;
• Demonstrated use of technology in managing and/or delivering educational programs;
• Demonstrated ability or potential to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate educational materials and direct effective programs.
• Ability to advocate ABE programs to and collaborate with a variety of stakeholders and allied industries;
• Show a commitment to and understanding of agriculture, public service, and the university’s mission and goals;
• Authorized to work in the United States. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Valid driver’s license, or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire, and willingness to travel.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :

• Recognized nationally or internationally in field of expertise;
• Ability to manage personnel and budgets;
• Demonstrated collaboration in securing resources to support new and/or enhanced departmental programs and services;
• Ability to foster a student-centered environment;
• Familiarity with agricultural and conservation practices in the Midwest and Great Plains regions;
• Commitment to public service;
• Demonstrated understanding of the Land Grant University philosophy and system.

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 [phone] 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.

Posting Date

Posting Date 07/21/2026

Closing Date

Open Until Filled Yes

First Consideration Date

First Consideration Date 08/31/2026

Advertised Salary

Advertised Salary The minimum salary for this position is $175,000 at the Professor rank. Compensation will be commensurate with qualifications.

Duration of the Term

Duration of the Term 12 months

Appointment Percent

Appointment Percent 100

Proposed Rank

Proposed Rank Professor

Work Hours

Normal business hours are M-F 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This position frequently works evenings and weekends. This position occasionally works on holidays.

Typical Hours Worked Per Week

Typical Hours Worked Per Week 50

Appointment Type

Appointment Type Regular

Scope of Search

Scope of Search External (includes Internal)

If internal, define scope of search

Department Description and Cultural Expectations

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.

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 questions on the position, contact search committee chair, Londa Nwadike, at [phone] or [e-mail].

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, Other

If other protection is used please identify

This position supervises employees and oversees facilities that may require personal protective equipment ( PPE ) to do their daily functions.
PPE may be required at times in order to effectively provide supervision and oversight.

Physical Requirements

Please designate the physical requirements of this position

Please designate the physical requirements of this position Balancing, Bending, Stooping, Twisting, Carrying, Driving, Fine Finger Manipulation (keyboarding, pipefitting, bench work, etc), Grasping, Lifting Above Waist, Lifting Below Waist, Lifting moderate, Pushing/Pulling, Reaching, Repetitive Motion, Sitting for sustained periods of time, Use Both Hands, Use of Either Hand, Independently

Describe any of the conditions selected

Typical working environments are office, classroom, and laboratory, including biological and mechanical workspaces.

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), Biohazard, Changes of Temperature, Chemical Hazards, Electrical Current, Exposure to Dust, Exposure to Noise, Extreme Weather Conditions (wind, rain, snow, humidity), Vibrations, Walking/Standing on rough or uneven surfaces (gravel, rocks, etc), Walking/Standing on wood, metal or concrete, Working Around Machinery

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

These conditions and exposures are possible when supervising employees and/or overseeing departmental activities.

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

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.

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

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Reference List

Optional Documents

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