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Form of workPosition Information The NDSU Extension is seeking a highly motivated individual to serve as the Extension Conservation Agronomist Specialist for North Dakota. The specialist is a member of a statewide Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources team with responsibilties of providing leadership for cover cropping and climate smart 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 cover crops, soil health and other climate smart approaches. The successful candidate is expected to serve as liaison to cover crop cost share opportunities; coordinate and collaborate with other NDSU, regional and national project leaders on joint outreach efforts appropriate for the state of North Dakota. Analyzing and disseminating information from research programs; participating in research efforts; and interacting closely with area agricultural producers are also part of the job description.
This position will be located at the Dickinson Research Extension Center, in Dickinson, ND. The Dickinson Research Extension Center Director will provide supervision for the position. This is a grant funded position for at least four years.
There is a possibility of extending the contract beyond four years based on funding availability. Description & Details: This position includes, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities: Develop an innovative Extension program to include the identification, assessment and delivery of educational programs that will facilitate the development of cover cropping systems. Provide expertise and continuing education training to Extension agents, clients and technical service providers.
Provide leadership in applied research programs involviing cover cropping and systems. Stay current in the cover crop production practices of crops grown withing 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 and Research Extension Center personnel and producers about issues that need new or additional research. Develop relationships and cooperate with Research and Extension faculty within the NDSU system.
Perform other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: The regular work schedule is Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m. At times, it will be necessary to work more hours during busy times.
Advertised Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience. Minimum Qualifications: Master's degree in agronomy, soil science or a closely related field. Knowledge of cover crop systems, crop production, including crop inputs, crop pest management, soil management, plant nutrition, cultivar evaluation, forage and feed production and new technologies.
Ability to execute an effective Extension program. Evidence of effective written and verbal communication skills. Able to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to deliver information to diverse audiences via modern media technologies. A valid driver's license and commercial pesticide applicators license (or ability to obtain). Ability to travel to perform job duties.
Preferred Qualifications: Ph.D in agronomy, soil science or a closely related field. Certified Crop Advisor Certificate and/or commercial pesticide applicators license. Evidence of strong collaborations and on-going outreach/research with colleagues, departments and agencies.
Documented experience in production agriculture outreach related to production agriculture, especially experience in Northern Great Plains crop production research and Extension programs. Experience in field research related to cover crop management. Experience in the supervision of staff involved with research/outreach.
Ability to develop an effective applied research program. Applicant Materials Required: Cover letter addressing how you meet the qualifications. Curriculum Vitae.
An outreach plan (Maximum 2 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 professional references with contact information. Screening will begin on 12/28/23 Benefits: NDSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes single or family health insurance coverage with premiums paid for by the university - with an effective date for new employees the first of the month following date of hire.
Other benefits include: wellness benefits, basic life insurance, retirement plan, tuition waiver, annual leave, EAP, sick leave and holiday pay. Optional benefits include: supplemental life, dental, vision, long-term care insurance, flexible spending account, and supplemental retirement plans. About Us: North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university.
We educate leaders who solve national and global challenges by providing affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment. NDSU is in the highest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, R1, granted to the top research institutions in the country. NDSU has offices across the state of North Dakota, and the main campus is in Fargo, on the Minnesota border.
Along with Moorhead, Minnesota, Fargo forms one of the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle. The community is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live. No Smoking Notice: As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C.
23-12-10. EO/AA Statement: North Dakota State University is an Equal Opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable. Diversity Statement: NDSU strives to be a community of belonging, recognizing unique differences as strengths of our university.
We seek to recruit and retain a diverse workforce that supports a community in which diverse populations and perspectives will know and learn from one another. NDSU values candidates who are committed to our core values of respect, inclusivity, community, creativity, excellence, impact, innovation, integrity, resilience, responsiveness, and transformation. Successful candidates will be committed to and help advance our strategic goal to create and maintain an open and respectful environment to promote inclusivity and diversity as a cornerstone of education, research, and outreach.
Veteran's Preference Notice: This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran's Preference requirements. Reasonable Accommodation Information North Dakota State University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, please contact Human Resources at 701-231-8961 or ndsu.hr@ndsu.edu.
Land Acknowledgement: We collectively acknowledge that NDSU, a land grant institution, on the traditional lands of the Oceti Sakowin (Dakota, Lakota, Nakoda) and Anishinaabe Peoples in addition to many diverse Indigenous Peoples still connected to these lands. We honor with gratitude Mother Earth and the Indigenous Peoples who have walked with her throughout generations. We will continue to learn how to live in unity with Mother Earth and build strong, mutually beneficial, trusting relationships with Indigenous Peoples of our region.
(see www.ndsu.edu/inclusioncouncil/native_american_initiatives/).
