Cropping Systems Extension Specialist

NDSU Extension is seeking a highly motivated individual to serve as the Extension Cropping Systems Specialist for southwest and greater North Dakota. The specialist is a member of a statewide Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources team with responsibilities of provideing leadership for cropping 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 production agriculture areas including crop inputs, crop pest management, plant nutrition, cultivar evaluation, cover crop systems, forage and feed production and new technologies. The successful candidate is expected to coordinate and collaborate with other NDSU, regional, and national project leaders on joint outreach efforts appropriate for the Dickinson Research Extension Center (DREC); analyze and disseminate information from research programs; participate in research efforts; and interact closely with area agricultural producers

This position will be located at the DREC, located in Dickinson, North Dakota. The DREC Director will provide supervision for the position. This is a permanent, non-tenure track specialist position and includes opportunities for promotion.

Work Schedule:

The regular work schedule is from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Hiring Range:

The hiring range for this position is from $70,000 to $80,000, depending on experience.

Pay is based on several factors, including budget, labor market, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and/or certification and other business considerations.

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 effective agronomic production systems.
• Provide expertise and continuing educational training to Extension agents, clients, and technical service providers.
• Provide leadership in applied research programs involving cropping systems.
• Stay current in the production practices of crops grown within the area of the DREC and 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 personnel, appropriate Research Extension Center personnel, and producers about issues that need new or additional research.
• When appropriate, provide leadership for the development and demonstration of novel management strategies that ensure program relevancy and the ability to guide producer efforts to adapt to changing production systems.
• Develop relationships and cooperate with Research and Extension faculty within the NDSU system.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Master’s degree in agronomy or a closely related field.
• Knowledge of crop production, including crop inputs, crop pest management, plant nutrition, cultivar evaluation, cover crop systems, forage and feed production, and new technologies.
• Ability to develop an effective Extension program.
• Ability to develop an applied research program.
• Evidence of effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to deliver information in person and via modern media technologies.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and commercial pesticide applicators license (or ability to obtain one).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in agronomy or a closely related field.
• 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 crop management.
• Experience in the supervision of staff involved with research/outreach.

Core Competencies:

• Knowledge in western North Dakota agronomy.
• Ability to build relationships with Extension agents and personnel, producers and industry personnel.
• Conduct agronomy outreach/research.
• Ability to work both independently and as a team member.
• Ability to work safely.

• Generous annual leave, sick leave, and 10 paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program for confidential support
• Supportive work-life balance

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.

NDSU is committed to fostering a community where differences are recognized as strengths. Rooted in our land-grant mission, we work together to meet the needs of North Dakota and its communities through education, research and outreach.