Precision Livestock Extension Field Specialist I

South Dakota State University; Brookings (SD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation benefits

Paid holidays

Tuition benefits

Job summary

South Dakota State University Extension is seeking a Precision Livestock Extension Field Specialist I to provide statewide leadership, delivering research-based information and support via learning communities. The role is based in Rapid City and involves building stakeholder relationships to support SDSU Extension goals.

The position is 12 months, full-time, benefits-eligible, with requirements for travel and a valid driver’s license.

Qualifications

• MS degree in animal science or closely related field by start date.
• Demonstrated experience working with precision technology for livestock systems.
• Ability to communicate effectively with varied audiences.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Experience with computer and information technologies.
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire, and willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Identify and monitor variables important to learning community vitality.
• Participate in externally funded projects led by Extension State Specialists or Field Specialist colleagues.
• Use cutting-edge research-based information and data in programming.
• Develop relationships with stakeholders and influence state-wide decisions.
• Utilize and adapt technology in program development and delivery.
• Recruit and utilize volunteers to enhance educational outreach.

Skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Computer skills

Travel willingness

Verbal communication

Education

MS in animal science

Related field consideration

Job description

Posting Details

Logo

Institution
South Dakota State University

Working Title
Precision Livestock Extension Field Specialist I

Posting Number
NFE03157P

Department
SDSU-Agriculture Program-Ext

Physical Location of Position (City)
Rapid City

The Agriculture Program with South Dakota State University Extension is seeking a Precision Livestock Extension Field Specialist I to provide strong statewide leadership, within their capstone area of specialization, in delivering research-based information, resources, programming, and support via learning communities while building relationships with stakeholder groups to support the vision of SDSU Extension. This position is located in Rapid City. This position is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position.

South Dakota State University ( SDSU ) Extension is a key outreach arm of the university, delivering research-based information and educational programs that address the needs of South Dakotans. Working in partnership with academic departments and the Agricultural Experiment Station, SDSU Extension focuses its efforts in four core areas: Agriculture and Natural Resources, Food & Families, Community Vitality, and 4-H Youth Development. This position is part of the Agriculture and Natural Resources program area and will collaborate closely with the Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science, a varied academic unit with over 40 faculty specializing in areas such as agronomy, plant breeding, precision agriculture, soil science, and more. The department supports leading research initiatives, strong undergraduate and graduate programs, and a robust Extension network, creating rich opportunities for cross-disciplinary work and statewide impact.

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

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ability to identify and monitor variables and issues important to learning community vitality.
• Participates in externally funded projects led by Extension State Specialists or Field Specialist colleagues within and/or across capstone areas.
• Uses cutting-edge research-based information and data in programming and collaborates on state emerging issues.
• Develop relationships with all pertinent stakeholders and/or groups and influence decision making of stakeholder groups on state-wide emerging issues. Provides specialized subject matter support.
• Utilizes and adapts technology in program development and delivery
• Recruit and utilize volunteers to enhance educational outreach. Identify potential industry leaders to help accomplish learning community and industry goals.

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

• M.S. degree in animal science or closely related field by start date.
• Demonstrated experience working with precision technology for livestock systems.
• Ability to communicate effectively with varied audiences.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Experience with computer and information technologies.
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire, and willingness to travel.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with ruminant livestock systems;
• Experience in and/or knowledge of data security;
• The ability to generate grants and other outside funds;
• Experience translating precision technologies and/or precision data to livestock producers.

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

08/03/2026

Closing Date

09/15/2026

Open Until Filled

No

First Consideration Date

Advertised Salary

The salary range for the Precision Livestock Extension Field Specialist I is $60,000 to $65,000 depending on experience.

Duration of the Term

12 months

Appointment Percent

100

Appointment Type

Regular

Faculty Status

No

Scope of Search

External (includes Internal)

This position requires

Travel, Overnight stays

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, Dr. Jamie Brennan [e-mail] or 605-394-2236

Working Conditions

Analyzing, Comprehend, Frequent Change, Intense Customer Interaction, Logic, Memory, Multiple Priorities, Multiple Stimuli, Pace fast, Perform calculations, Reading, Reasoning, Verbal Communication, Written Communication

Protective Clothing/Equipment

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

Physical Requirements

Balancing, Bending, Stooping, Twisting, Carrying, Driving, Fine Finger Manipulation (keyboarding, pipefitting, bench work, etc), Grasping, Lifting Above Waist, Lifting Below Waist, Lifting light, Reaching, Sitting for sustained periods of time, Standing for sustained periods of time, Stretching, Use Both Hands, Use of Either Hand, Independently, Walking, Wrist Movement (twisting or rotating)

Describe any of the conditions selected

Keyboarding, using motor vehicle, lifting educational materials/boxes, sitting at desk and while driving, standing for presentations.

Sensory Requirements

Speaking, Vision (With and without corrective lenses)

Working Conditions & Exposures

Changes of Temperature, Extreme Weather Conditions (wind, rain, snow, humidity), Walking/Standing on rough or uneven surfaces (gravel, rocks, etc)

Working Environment

Office Environment, Outdoors Environment

Supplemental Questions

1. * 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

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Reference List

Optional Documents