Assistant Professor, Extension Specialist Weed Management with South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The successful candidate will develop a nationally recognized applied integrated weed management Extension program for South Dakota’s agronomic, horticultural crops, and range/pasture settings related to new and state of the art management techniques. The successful candidate also will provide education to crop advisors, producers, and agricultural processors through workshops, field days, meetings, and establish herbicide demonstration and research trials at multiple locations. Similarly, the successful candidate will work closely with researchers and Extension personnel to build collaborative relationships with stakeholders to identify, develop, and implement research projects that address critical weed problems. The incumbent will develop an Extension focus on weed management approaches that emphasize precision agriculture technologies to optimize crop production efficiencies in a sustainable and profitable manner.

Regional and multi-state collaboration of Extension activities is expected as well as a mass media presence (social media, radio, and television). Securing extramural funds to support a highly effective and team-oriented program is required to support field demonstration and research activities. The successful applicant is expected to establish and maintain close working relationships with university, industry, commodity groups, professional farm managers, state, and federal agencies (esp. USDA-NRCS), and other organizations as appropriate. Publication of peer reviewed Extension materials, refereed scholarly work, and popular press articles is expected. The successful candidate is also expected to contribute to graduate student training and a positive campus environment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be authorized to work in the United States. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Ph.D. in Agronomy, Weed Science, Plant Science, or closely related field successfully completed by the appointment start date.
• The successful candidate must be able to interact and communicate effectively (both verbally and in writing) to a wide variety of audiences.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of diverse weed management strategies.
• Demonstrated organizational and leadership skills and willingness to work in a team environment.