Extension Agricultural Engineer Position

North Dakota State University (NDSU) is seeking a highly motivated individual for a 12-month, tenure track faculty Extension Agricultural Engineer position with extension responsibilities (90%) and applied research (10%). The position is located in Fargo, ND. The successful applicant will utilize traditional and emerging communication platforms and techniques to develop a nationally recognized Extension and applied research program that delivers information to producers and stakeholders in both North Dakota and Minnesota. The successful applicant will develop an applied research program that addresses stakeholder needs and supports extension programming. Travel and activity in both North Dakota and Minnesota as well as the upper great plains region is expected. The successful applicant will collaborate with researchers and extension personnel with appointments at NDSU, University of Minnesota Extension and others. Office space is provided by NDSU and the tenure evaluation process is an NDSU function.

Position responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

· Provide leadership in planning, developing, and conducting extension education for a diverse clientele of ND and MN grain producers, grain managers, agricultural structure designers, extension agents and educators, industry cooperators and others. Extension education will focus on primarily the management of grain and design of agricultural structures.

· Development of a successful applied research program that supports extension programming, the focus of which may include (but is not limited to) any tools associated with grain management and ag structural design.

· Develop and disseminate unbiased, science-based, information through innovative extension programs and publications, which may include; field days, grower meetings, conferences, webinars, online publications, traditional media and social media.

· Secure extramural funding to support grain management / ag structures education and applied research.

· Communicate and cooperate with growers, agrochemical companies, grain terminals, ag structures designers, ag media, NDSU and UMN faculty and other partners to identify to develop integrated, environmentally sound approaches to crop production and protection.

The successful candidate will be expected to learn the needs of ND and MN clientele and to respond with appropriate educational activities; have a contemporary command of the subject matter and the ability to glean from the subject matter what is useful for identifying and resolving problems. Some examples of the topics covered by this Extension Agricultural Engineer would include the utilization of technology to manage a grain fan; taking into consideration the inaccuracy of measuring relative humidity and grain moisture, and how to solve a condensation problem in an agricultural building.

This position is funded by NDSU Extension and the University of Minnesota Extension.

Minimum qualifications include:

· Earned Ph.D. in agricultural engineering, ag technology, or other closely related fields.

· Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.

· Demonstrated ability to work effectively with university faculty and staff, producers, commodity groups, and other stakeholders.

· Ability to develop an effective extension program.

· Ability to develop an effective applied research program.

· Experiences in computer applications and technology to meet position requirements.

· Availability and willingness to travel to conduct extension and research activities across the bi-state area on a regular basis.

· Valid U.S. driver’s license or equivalent.

Preferred qualifications include:

· Previous extension experience including resource and program development, delivery and evaluation.

· Experience working in research projects or facilities that deal with grain handling and management.

· Experience working in projects that design or test agricultural facilities or equipment like grain bin, farm shop.

· Experience working effectively with university faculty, extension personnel, growers, land owners and managers, industry professionals, government entities, media and the public.

· Experience communicating research findings to producers or other stakeholders.

· Demonstrated grant writing experience and record of successfully securing funding for extension and/or research activities.

· Demonstrated ability to compose and publish extension educational articles in high quality and relevant platforms (extension publications, trade magazines, crop commodity websites, etc..).

· Demonstrated ability to conduct and publish applied research findings in relevant high-quality peer-reviewed academic journals (such as The Journal of the ASABE)

Advertised Salary: The position offers a competitive salary which is commensurate with experience. The university offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a retirement plan and full coverage for family health insurance. More information on the benefits package can be found at: https://www.ndsu.edu/hr/benefits/. https://www.ndsu.edu/fileadmin/hr/docs/NDSU_Summary_of__Benefits-Faculty.pdf

Application: For full consideration, all application materials must be received by Friday, August 16, 2024. Apply HEREXXXX or by visiting Job ID 2954201 at the NDSU jobs site.

Application materials must include:

1. An application letter that describes your extension and research interests relative to the position and how the minimum and preferred qualifications are met.

2. Curriculum vitae.

3. Names and contact information for three references.

A one-page position vision statement describing your extension and research philosophies for this position.

Please direct questions about the position or the department to either: Dr. Ewumbua Monono, Assistant Professor and search committee chair at ewumbua.monono@ndsu.edu or Dr. Leon Schumacher, Professor and Department Chair, at leon.schumacher@ndsu.edu.

Benefits: NDSU offers a comprehensive benefits package with includes single or family health insurance coverage with premiums paid for by the university – with an effective date for new employees the first of the month following date of hire. Other benefits include, wellness benefits, basic life insurance, retirement plan, tuition waiver, annual leave, EAP, sick leave and holiday pay. Optional benefits include supplemental life, dental, vision, long-term care insurance, flexible spending account, and supplemental retirement plans.