South Dakota State University (SDState) is seeking an Assistant or Associate Professor in Extension in Ornamental Horticulture or Turf Sciences (70% Extension; 30% research appointment in the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station) in the Department of Agronomy, Horticulture & Plant Sciences. The successful applicant will be expected to develop a nationally recognized research program in Extension with Horticultural Crops—either Turf or Ornamental—that that improves sustainability and agroecosystem resiliency. This position is located in Brookings. This position is a 9 Month, Tenure-Track, full-time, benefits-eligible position.
The Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science is a multidisciplinary department with the size and breadth to address today’s complex scientific issues while retaining the student-centered focus, an SDSU plant science hallmark. All of our programs feature a carefully designed balance of theoretical principles and hands-on experience to produce a well-rounded graduate who is prepared for the 21st century workplace. As a result, our graduates are in high demand and frequently have jobs before graduation.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
The incumbent will be a critical member of a collaborative Extension team. The incumbent is expected to advance sustainable agricultural research in Horticulture, supporting South Dakota’s economy, and strengthening SDSU’s reputation in Horticultural Sciences, especially with the commercial nursery, landscape, greenhouse, and turf industry.
Scholarly/Research (30%): Beyond research, this position is vital for securing competitive grant funding that supports SDSU’s research infrastructure and benefits the broader agricultural community. Funding may come from various sources—including USDA NIFA, AMS, and SARE, state-level specialty crop block grants, horticultural commodity groups, horticulture foundations, and industry collaborations. The incumbent will develop science-based, region specific horticultural crop management portfolio suitable for Extension and stakeholder engagement. Publication of scholarly work in peer-reviewed journals and graduate student mentoring is expected of the successful candidate.
Extension Education (70%): Develop, deliver, and evaluate nationally recognized scholarly research program in Extension with Horticultural Crops—either Turf or Ornamental—that that improves sustainability and agroecosystem resiliency.
- Develop relationships with key stakeholders to understand their needs for instruction.
- Instruct stakeholders, leveraging research and expertise to develop and deliver information in ways that align with stakeholder needs.
- Teach stakeholders how to leverage extension resources and outcomes of scholarly research.
BENEFITS:
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.
QUALIFICATIONS
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- PhD in horticulture or plant science, or a closely related field by start date.
- Experience in delivering Extension programming.
- Scholarly productivity, including peer-reviewed journal articles and/or presentations at scientific meetings.
- Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills.
- Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Postdoctoral research experience and/or professional research/extension experience.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
SDState 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, teaching statement (3-page limit, attached as “other”), research statement (3-page limit, attached as “writing or work sample”) and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDState 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.
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.
Posting Date: 10/28/2026
Closing Date: 12/04/2026
Open Until Filled: No
Advertised Salary: The minimum salary for this position is $85,000 at Assistant Professor rank. Salary is commensurate with experience.
Duration of the Term: 9 months
Appointment Percent: 100%
Tenure Status: Tenure Track
Proposed Rank: Multiple Rank
Appointment Type: Regular
Scope of Search: External (includes Internal)
Department Description and Cultural Expectations
SDState is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $94 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 equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes 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, Dr. John Ball at John.Ball@sdstate.edu.
