Description & Details:
This position has leadership responsibility for developing and implementing Extension programming related to field crop production in central North Dakota. The program includes a broad scope of disciplines that involve crop production for the diversity of crops grown in North Dakota. The specialist gathers input and feedback from stakeholders and develops outreach strategies and program ideas in areas including agronomy, variety selection, soil health, crop establishment, input and pest management, crop quality, rural living, and others as identified. The specialist is expected to compete successfully for extramural funding for research to compliment the Extension programming, and collaborate with other NDSU personnel, government agencies, and agri-industry on research and outreach areas. Specific responsibilities include:
- Develop an innovative Extension program that includes needs assessment, program planning and development, delivery, and evaluation that will address the cropping system needs of producers, crop advisers, and agri-industry in North Dakota.
- Provide expertise and continuing education training to Extension agents, state specialists, and regional government agencies to strengthen the knowledge base of Extension personnel statewide.
- Secure extramural funding to support Extension programming efforts.
- Develop individual and team-based Extension programs and publications that disseminate information to producers, industry personnel, and Extension agents.
- Serve as host and educator for on-site and remote educational workshops and tours.
- Develop relationships and cooperate with Extension and research faculty at RECs and on main campus.
- Serve as a statewide educational program lead in crop production.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Applicants must have a Masters degree in agronomy or closely related field with experience in outreach activities. Candidates must provide evidence of program development and strong collaborations with research leaders, departments, and agencies. The candidate must possess a working knowledge of the diversity of crops grown in North Dakota; mechanisms of obtaining feedback and survey development; ability to work extended days; experience in field plot designs and statistical analysis; excellent written and verbal communication skills along with ability to deliver information via modern media technologies.
Preferred Qualifications:
An earned Ph.D. in agronomy or closely related field with documented experience in production agriculture research or outreach, especially experience in Northern Great Plains crop production research and extension programs; training and/or experience in field research related to crop management, input evaluations, pest management, plant nutrition, crop germplasm evaluations, cropping systems and specialty crops; documented experience through active collaborations with scientists of other disciplines of agriculture (plant pathology, soil science, animal science, entomology, precision agriculture, weed science, etc); evidence of positive producer and crop adviser interactions.
Applicant Materials Required:
Cover letter, curriculum vitae, and a list of three professional references including their contact information.
Screening will begin 5/24/24
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:
The Carrington Research Extension Center (CREC) is one of seven NDSU Research Extension Centers and is located approximately 140 miles from the North Dakota State University campus at Fargo. The CREC has six research scientists and four extension specialist positions in the areas of agronomy, livestock environmental management, precision agriculture, and animal science. Professional and technical staff supports the CREC and NDSU based programs. The general responsibilities of the CREC include research and extension projects that address dryland and irrigated crop production, plant pathology, the soil resource, cropping/tillage systems, crop pest management, beef nutrition and beef production systems, crop and livestock integration, and foundation seedstocks production. The CREC is located in the drift prairie region of North Dakota and conducts research and educational programs for a significant part of North Dakota.
This position is located at the Carrington Research Extension Center near Carrington, North Dakota. Carrington is a thriving rural community of approximately 2,500 people in a widely diversified agricultural production region of east central North Dakota. Carrington has progressive schools (K-12), modern medical services (clinic and hospital), and many recreation opportunities.
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.