Project Coordinator

The South Dakota State University (SDSU) Ag Experiment Station is hiring a Project Coordinator to provide critical support and oversight to the USDA-NRCS Climate-Smart grant project which is grant-supported for 5 years. We are looking for an innovative and self-motivated individual to fill this important role. This position is located in Rapid City, South Dakota and is a 12 month, full-time, benefits-eligible position.   The Project Coordinator will be housed at SDSU West River Research and Extension location in Rapid City, SD. There are currently nine faculty from the departments Animal Science, Natural Resource Management, and Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Sciences housed at this location who work in many multidisciplinary, collaborative teams to address the agriculture and natural resource needs of western SD and the state.  South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant mission of access. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:Serve as the general coordinator for the Climate-Smart grant activities and be responsible for team reporting, meetings, communications, etc. This position will also work directly with producers and help oversee technology deployment at producer operations and research sites and support outreach and Extension activities.BENEFITS:South Dakota State University offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave.  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.  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.  Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines.  MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:Bachelor’s degree in agriculture or related field, including but not limited to Animal Science, Natural Resource Management, Agronomy, or Ag Business completed by start date; At least one year of hands-on experience in agriculture;Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire;Effective written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills;  Must be authorized to work in the U.S.  Sponsorship is not available for this position; andKnowledge/familiarity with production agriculture. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:Master’s degree in agriculture or related field.APPLICATION PROCESS:This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references.  Email applications will not be accepted.  Please contact SDSU Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.   Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.    South Dakota State University is a tobacco free environment.   It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students.  This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.