South Dakota State University’s (SDSU) Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) is seeking an innovative Manager of Foundation Seed Stock to lead our dedicated team in shaping the future of agriculture. This is a unique opportunity to blend programmatic and fiscal leadership while contributing to excellence in crop development. Join us in collaborating with the South Dakota Crop Improvement Association to unleash the potential of new cultivars and shape the future of agriculture. This position is located in Brookings, South Dakota and is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position.
The South Dakota Foundation Seed Stocks Division, Inc. (SD FSSD) was established in 1944 and incorporated in 1945 as a nonprofit. Its mission is to increase and distribute high-quality seed varieties and propagating materials developed by the South Dakota Experiment Station, USDA Agricultural Research Services, and other agricultural stations to benefit South Dakota agriculture and its citizens. South Dakota FSSD also maintains a reserve of pure seed stock. The organization is funded by seed sales and governed by an eleven-person board. Six directors hold university administrative positions, and the South Dakota Crop Improvement Association nominates five. A manager who serves as secretary-treasurer and is an Agronomy, Horticulture, and Plant Science Department staff member hired to oversee operations. South Dakota FSSD operates under an agreement with the SDSU Agricultural Experiment Station, the South Dakota Crop Improvement Association, and the South Dakota Seed Trade Association.
South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to benefit from and participate in education, research, and service. It is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to this land-grant mission of access.
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Supervise 2-3 full-time staff and multiple part-time and student workers.
- Provide programmatic and fiscal leadership for the Foundation Seed Stock Division.
- Assist plant breeders with the characterization of new producers, develop documents to meet Federal Seed Act requirements and oversee the cleaning of new varieties for commercialization.
- Collaborate with the South Dakota Crop Improvement Association to release new cultivars.
SALARY RANGE:
The starting salary for this position will be commensurate with education and experience. 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 the university’s guidelines.
BENEFITS:
South Dakota State University is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university, with over $60 million in annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs, and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. We offer a rich academic experience in an environment of inclusions and access. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, offering abundant attractions and activities. 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.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree completed by date of hire;
- At least 3 years of experience in agronomics, farm management or plant variety development;
- Crop and seed production experience;
- Commercial Pesticide Applicators License;
- Manage competing research seed production and feedstock production needs of multiple customers;
- Create and negotiate contracts with landlords, seed producers, genetics providers, and vendors;
- Excellent customer service skills;
- Excellent written and verbal communication capabilities; and
- Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one within the first 30 days of employment.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s degree in Ag-Business and/or Agronomy.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Position is open until filled with full consideration given to applications received by June 11, 2024.
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, 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.
For questions on the position, contact the search committee chair, Sunish Sehgal at 605-688-5709 or sunish.sehgal@sdstate.edu
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.
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 identification, transgender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status that may become protected under law against discrimination in the offering of all educational programs and employment opportunities. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing HR@sdstate.edu. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person