South Dakota State University’s Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) is seeking a skilled and dedicated Agricultural Research Specialist to join its team in Brookings, SD. This full-time, 12-month position is responsible for the day-to-day management of field operations, seed conditioning, and distribution across SDSU’s research farms. You will supervise student labour, coordinate land requests, manage farm activities, and ensure both production and research objectives are successfully delivered — all within one of the nation’s most respected land-grant university research programmes.
About SDSU — South Dakota’s Premier Research University
University Size: South Dakota’s largest and most comprehensive university — approx. 12,000 enrolled students
Research Powerhouse: Over $94 million in annual research expenditures across cutting-edge programmes
Academic Breadth: More than 200 academic programmes spanning agriculture, science, education, and engineering
AES Mission: Finding solutions to current problems and creating opportunities for tomorrow through applied agricultural research
Community: Brookings is a dynamic, welcoming community ideal for families, students, young professionals, and retirees
Benefits & Compensation Package
Retirement Plan: Generous 6% employer matching retirement contribution — above industry standard
Annual Leave: 10 hours of annual leave per month plus 9.34 hours of sick leave per month
Paid Holidays: Eleven paid holidays per year included in employment package
Health Benefits: Full medical, dental, and flexible benefits package with multiple plan options
Education Benefit: Reduced tuition at all State of South Dakota academic institutions for employees
Relocation: Relocation benefits available per SDSU university guidelines for qualifying candidates
Position Overview
This Agricultural Research Specialist role at SDSU sits at the operational heart of the Ag Experiment Station’s research and seed production mission. Based in Brookings, you will assist in managing daily research farm operations, develop employee work schedules, coordinate seed production and conditioning cycles, and plan all field activities across research plots. You will collaborate directly with faculty researchers and project teams on land assignments, weed control strategies, and post-harvest cleanup — ensuring that SDSU’s agricultural research delivers meaningful, real-world results for South Dakota’s farming communities and beyond.
Why This Role Matters: As Agricultural Research Specialist at SDSU’s Ag Experiment Station, your work directly supports one of South Dakota’s most important research missions. From scouting Foundation Seed production fields to coordinating large-scale research plot operations, your expertise enables the scientific breakthroughs that enhance agricultural productivity, sustainability, and food security across the state and region. This is a hands-on, high-impact career for dedicated ag professionals who love both fieldwork and science.
Key Responsibilities
Field Operations & Farm Management
- Assist in the management of day-to-day research farm operations across multiple farms near Brookings, South Dakota.
- Plan, organise, and schedule all field operations including planting, crop management, and post-harvest cleanup activities.
- Conduct field scouting of Foundation Seed production fields to monitor crop health, weed pressure, and production quality.
- Collaborate with research project teams on land assignments, field use planning, and weed control strategy development.
Seed Production, Conditioning & Distribution
- Coordinate and oversee seed production processes from field harvest through to cleaning, conditioning, and distribution.
- Schedule and manage seed conditioning activities to ensure accuracy, quality, and timely availability for research programmes.
- Maintain strong attention to detail and accuracy throughout all seed handling, processing, and storage operations.
- Ensure Foundation Seed production meets SDSU research standards and complies with applicable regulatory guidelines.
Equipment Management & Maintenance
- Oversee routine maintenance, timely repairs, and practical modifications to agricultural equipment used across farm operations.
- Operate heavy farm equipment safely and efficiently across varying field, weather, and terrain conditions.
- Solve equipment and operational problems quickly and effectively in dynamic field conditions including weather events and crop emergencies.
- Ensure all equipment and vehicles are maintained in safe, operational condition and meet university safety standards at all times.
Team Supervision & Training
- Provide specialised training and direct oversight to student employees to ensure safe, effective, and productive farm operations.
- Develop and manage employee work schedules to align staffing with operational demands throughout the crop season.
- Supervise, mentor, and evaluate student labour and seasonal workers across multiple research farm locations near Brookings.
- Foster a safety-first culture on all farm sites through consistent training, accountability, and professional leadership by example.
Research Collaboration & Coordination
- Collaborate closely with researchers, faculty, and project teams on land use requests, plot assignments, and seasonal farm planning.
- Represent farm operations in planning meetings to ensure both production goals and research objectives are successfully achieved.
- Organise farm activities and logistics so that multiple simultaneous research projects can proceed efficiently without conflict.
- Support implementation of weed control strategies and post-harvest field cleanup in direct coordination with research teams.
Qualifications & Requirements
Educational Requirements
- Associate’s Degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Agricultural Science, or a closely related field is preferred for this position.
- Relevant hands-on experience in agricultural research, seed production, or farm operations may be considered in lieu of formal education.
Experience Requirements
- Agricultural and agronomic background with demonstrated experience in weed, pest, and seed identification across production environments.
- Understanding of research plot design, research protocols, and the practical requirements of university-level field research operations.
- Experience operating and maintaining production-scale agricultural equipment including heavy machinery, vehicles, and livestock trailers.
- Willingness and ability to work extended hours during peak seasons including planting, growing, and harvest periods.
Licenses & Special Requirements
- Valid South Dakota driver’s license required — must be obtained by time of appointment if not already held.
- Must hold or be eligible to obtain a South Dakota Commercial Pesticide Applicator License as a condition of employment.
- Must be physically able to lift at least 60 pounds and perform labour-intensive outdoor tasks in all weather conditions.
- Must be authorised to work in the U.S. — visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
- Pre-employment background check and compliance with SDSU Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14 are required.
About South Dakota State University
South Dakota State University is the state’s largest and most comprehensive university, generating over $94 million in annual research expenditures and offering more than 200 academic programmes to approximately 12,000 students. The SD Agricultural Experiment Station directly supports teaching and research across the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences and works hand-in-hand with SDSU Extension to deliver real solutions to South Dakota’s agricultural challenges. SDSU’s research mission is grounded in a genuine commitment to enhancing the quality of life in South Dakota through the responsible development of human, economic, and natural resources.
Equal Opportunity: SDSU is an equal opportunity employer — all qualified applicants receive full consideration regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, or sexual orientation.
Who Should Apply?
- Agricultural Research Professionals: With hands-on experience in research plot management, seed production, and field operations at a university, government, or private ag research facility.
- Farm Operations Managers: Experienced in managing multi-site farm operations, coordinating seasonal labour, and overseeing equipment maintenance in South Dakota or similar environments.
- Agronomy & Crop Science Graduates: With associate’s or bachelor’s-level education in crop science, agronomy, or agricultural science seeking a meaningful university research career.
- Seed Production Specialists: With Foundation Seed production, conditioning, and distribution experience looking to grow within a world-class land-grant university research programme.
- Experienced Farm Supervisors: Who have successfully supervised student workers, interns, or seasonal agricultural crews in safety-conscious production or research environments.
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