The South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station at South Dakota State University (SDSU) seeks a 12-month, benefit-eligible, non-faculty exempt, full-time Manager of the Dakota Lakes Research Farm (DLRF). This is an exciting position with opportunities to conduct cutting-edge production research and work with farmers to improve economic and environmental sustainability. The Dakota Lakes Research Farm is owned by a nonprofit association of farmers and is operated by South Dakota State University personnel. It is focused on strengthening the agricultural economy in ways that sustain or regenerate soil health. This position is located in Pierre, South Dakota.

The Dakota Lakes Research Farm is 1,000 acres adjacent to Lake Sharpe on the Missouri River and is owned by a not-for-profit (501 C-3) corporation created by area farmers, businesses, and commodity groups. A portion (250 acres) of the Main Station is irrigated using three lateral-move and one center-pivot irrigator. The remainder of the land is managed without irrigation and is used for diverse crop production or pastures. The entire operation has been under low-disturbance, no-till practices since its inception in 1990 and is recognized as a leader in developing the techniques used in what is now known as regenerative agriculture. The facility has a modern maintenance facility, newly refurbished office spaces, a small dry laboratory, an area for sample processing, a storage building, and numerous grain storage structures. The machinery line is modern and used to conduct field-scale research and manage all farm areas. A beef cattle herd has been integrated into the operation since 2015. Small plot seeders and harvesters are brought to the property by individual project leaders. This resource is supplied to South Dakota State University for research purposes. SDSU supplies the Research Manager, three technicians, and a secretary to support the research projects. 

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:

The DLRF Manager provides the vision, leadership, and oversight to ensure that the research farm meets the South Dakota (SD) Agriculture Experiment Station and SDSU Extension objectives of conducting locally relevant agricultural research and transferring that new knowledge to South Dakota users. The DLRF Manager further works in cooperation and close communication with the Board of Directors of the DLRF to ensure that the farm’s scientific and outreach program responds to the needs and objectives of area stakeholders.

This position has two major roles: first, responsibility for overall farm operations to see that DLRF provides a good environment for SDSU scientists to complete their research projects successfully; second, to establish their own research program utilizing regenerative agriculture methods to strengthen the agricultural economy of the region and participate in extension efforts related to their research. The Manager has supervisory responsibility for all the staff at the farm and operates under the supervision of the SD Agricultural Experiment Station Director.

This position is the liaison between the DLRF and SDSU Research and Extension personnel. The incumbent will develop science-based, region-specific information for agricultural producers, crop specialists, and natural resource managers, enabling climate-smart decision-making supporting optimum crop yields, soil health, and environmental stewardship.