Assistant Professor/Extension Specialist Small Ruminant Production

Posting Details

Posting Details

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Institution
South Dakota State University

Working Title
Assistant Professor/Extension Specialist Small Ruminant Production

Posting Number
F01646P

Department
SDSU- Animal Science

Physical Location of Position (City)
Brookings

Posting Text

South Dakota State University's (SDSU) department of Animal Science is excited to announce a unique opportunity as an Assistant Professor/Extension Specialist for small ruminant production. This position offers the chance to make lasting impact through innovative Extension work and engaging teaching. Reporting to the Department Head of Animal Science, the individual in this role will have the support and resources to thrive. Available August, 2025 and located on our main campus in Brookings, South Dakota, this position is 9-month, full-time, tenure track, and benefits-eligible.

Our department is proud to be a part of a land-grant university and our focuses on the three primary missions which are learning, discovery and engagement. Our award-winning faculty, meat science lab and livestock teaching units provide hands-on learning opportunities and prepare students for successful careers in the animal industry, meat industry, veterinary medicine, academia and other agricultural careers. Resources for this position include the SDSU Sheep Research and Teaching Unit located two miles north of the main campus. The unit includes a closed ewe flock of 250 commercial Polypay and 125 purebred Hampshire ewes. The Hampshire flock participates in the National Sheep Improvement Program. Lambing seasons include fall (September-October), winter (late January to early March) and May. There is a full-time shepherd to oversee day-to-day management and supervise 8-10 undergraduate student employees each semester.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This role primarily involves Extension work (90%) and Teaching (10%).

• Spearhead the development of a nationally recognized Extension and outreach program focusing on Small Ruminant Production, particularly lamb and wool production, with an emphasis on sheep and goats.
• Deliver the course "Sheep and Wool Production and Lab," a three-credit-hour offering each fall semester.
• Establish and secure funding for an outreach and Extension program integrating applied research.
• Foster strong collaborations with Extension personnel across relevant departments and the South Dakota Sheep Growers Association.
• Encourage partnerships with industry stakeholders and Extension Specialists from neighboring states.

SALARY RANGE:

Salary is commensurate with qualifications starting at $80,000.

BENEFITS:

SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. 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. Relocation benefits are available per university's guidelines.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Earned Ph.D. completed by appointment date in Animal Science or a closely related field with an emphasis in small ruminant production.
• Knowledge of practical lamb and wool production and the modern sheep industry.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with colleagues, staff, students, producer groups, and other clientele.
• The ability or potential to develop innovative and effective producer outreach programs through extension.
• The ability or potential to identify and effectively address issues in modern small ruminant production.
• Valid driver's license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire, and a willingness to travel.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to conduct applied research and to develop an extramurally funded program through Extension programming.
• Extension or outreach related experience.
• Experience in successful grant writing.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

SDSU accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To apply, visit: https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu, search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on "apply for this job." 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, Curriculum Vitae, a teaching statement (attached as other, 3-page limit) 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.

Posting Date
03/13/2025

Closing Date

Open Until Filled
Yes

First Consideration Date
04/04/2025

Advertised Salary
Salary is commensurate with qualifications, starting at $80,000

Duration of the Term
9 months

If Other, describe duration

Appointment Percent
100%

Tenure Status
Tenure Track

Proposed Rank
Assistant Professor

Work Hours

Typical Hours Worked Per Week

Appointment Type
Regular

Scope of Search
External (includes Internal)

If internal, define scope of search

Department Description and Cultural Expectations

SDState is the state's largest, most comprehensive university with over $84 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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 access mission. SDSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits discrimination on, the basis of, sex, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran's status, or any other status that may become protected in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing HR@sdstate.edu. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: (605) 688-4128.

Contact Information

For questions on the position, contact search committee chair, Warren Rusche at Warren.Rusche@sdstate.edu or 605-688-5452.