Senior Agricultural Research Tech

South Dakota State University is seeking two Field Technicians to provide critical support for a large-scale research and outreach project. The successful candidates will work closely with researchers and beef and bison producers in support of this multi-year funded project. Candidates are expected to be knowledgeable about production agriculture and familiar with beef and/or bison operations. Strong communication and organizational skills are a must.

This position 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 multidisciplinary, collaborative teams to address the agriculture and natural resource needs of western SD and the state.

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

Provide on-the-ground support for Advancing Markets for Producers project. Technician positions will assist/lead technology deployment on participating producer operations and will be in charge of set‑up, maintenance, troubleshooting, and working directly with producers. On-the-job training for precision equipment will be provided.

Position duties include: deploying precision equipment on research and producer sites; providing hands‑on and remote monitoring of precision equipment and technology; working closely with tech support staff to identify and resolve issues; providing support for rangeland health and habitat quality assessments on-site; assisting with large-scale soil sampling on both research and producer sites.

SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. 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. 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.

Knowledge of:

• Production agriculture
• Large livestock
• General research processes and procedures

Skill & Ability to:

• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Communicate and work with producers.
• Work with a large, integrated team.
• Set up and troubleshoot precision technology.
• Make on-the-ground decisions regarding equipment maintenance, repair, and location.

Required License:
Valid driver’s license

SDState accepts applications through an online employment site. :
(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..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, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references.

Email applications will not be accepted.

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. SDState 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. [AE7398; AE7396 – 80608]

Posting Date: 01/23/2026
Closing Date: 02/09/2026

Open Until Filled:
No
First Consideration Date: (not specified)

Duration of the Term: 12 months
Appointment Percent: 100

Work Hours:

Generally 8-5, Monday-Friday.
Typical Hours Worked Per Week: (not specified)
Appointment Type:
Regula…