Senior Agricultural Research Tech

Senior Agricultural Research Tech

South Dakota State University is seeking a Field Technician to provide critical support for a large-scale research and outreach project. The successful candidate will work closely with research and Extension faculty along with beef and bison producers in support of this multi-year funded project. Candidates are expected to be knowledgeable about production agriculture and familiar with beef and/or bison operations. Strong communication and organizational skills are a must. This position will be housed at SDSU West River Research and Extension location in Rapid City, SD. There are currently ten faculty from the departments Animal Science, Natural Resource Management, and Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Sciences housed at this location who work in multidisciplinary, collaborative teams to address the agriculture and natural resource needs of western SD and the state. Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Job Responsibilities: Provide on-the-ground support for Advancing Markets for Producers project. Technician position will assist/lead technology deployment on participating producer operations and will be in charge of set-up, maintenance, troubleshooting, and working directly with producers. On-the-job training for precision equipment will be provided. Position will also contribute to associated outreach and Extension efforts. Position duties include: deploying precision equipment on research and producer sites; providing hands-on and remote monitoring of precision equipment and technology; working closely with tech support staff to identify and resolve issues; providing support for rangeland health and habitat quality assessments on-site; assisting with large-scale soil sampling on both research and producer sites; assisting with outreach and Extension activities and events; assisting with developing Extension materials for producer and general public audiences.

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 customer service skills, production agriculture, familiarity with large livestock, general research processes and procedures. Skill & Ability to: communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Communicate and work with producers. Work with a large, integrated team. Set up and troubleshoot precision technology. Make on-the-ground decisions regarding equipment maintenance, repair, and location.

Required License: Valid driver's license