Job Description

Posting Details
Logo
Institution South Dakota State University
Working Title Crop Performance Trial Program Manager
Posting Number NFE02967P
Department SDSU-Agronomy, Horticulture & Plant Science
Physical Location of Position (City) Brookings
Posting Text
Internal search is limited to current, regular South Dakota State University employees.
The Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science at South Dakota State University is seeking a research trial manager to assist the department with implementing a successful Crop Performance Testing (CPT) program and Advanced Crop Yield Trials. This position is located in , South Dakota This position is a 12 month, full-time, benefits-eligible position.
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Execution of Crop Performance Trials: Oversee and implement high-quality field trials across South Dakota, ensuring the delivery of reliable results. Lead efforts to continuously enhance the procurement process for multiple crop variety entries, making the program regionally competitive.
• Management of Support Team: Lead and support a dedicated support team responsible for planning, planting, maintaining, and harvesting crop performance trials for corn, soybean, sunflower, and wheat. Foster a collaborative environment to ensure successful program implementation.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Interact with a diverse range of stakeholders, including researchers, industry groups, agricultural commodity organizations, and other stakeholders. Develop internet-based data applications and other communication channels to facilitate information distribution.
• Supervision of Program Activities: Supervise and conduct the Crop Performance Testing (CPT) program, leveraging entry fees and fee-for-service activities. Develop trial designs, protocols for field sampling, and data management strategies to ensure the integrity of research outcomes.
• Real-Time Feedback and Reporting: Provide timely feedback on data and field observations to stakeholders and faculty, facilitating informed decision-making and continuous improvement of the program.
• Collaboration and Leadership: Collaborate effectively with peers and faculty across multiple departments to support the success of the program. Manage SDSU's Seedhouse operations on behalf of the Agronomy, Horticulture, and Plant Science department head, ensuring efficient operation and resource utilization.

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:

• Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, General Agriculture, or closely related field completed by date of application;
• Valid driver's license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire;
• In-depth understanding of Great Plains agriculture;
• Effective written communication skills; and
• Effective verbal communication and interpersonal skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in Plant Science or Biology or closely related field.
• Previous experience with crop variety evaluation.

APPLICATION PROCESS:
SDState accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To apply, visit: , 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 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 02/04/2026
Closing Date 02/11/2026
Open Until Filled No
First Consideration Date
Advertised Salary The salary range for this position is $50,308- $60,370 depending upon qualifications.
Duration of the Term 12 months
If Other, describe duration
Appointment Percent 100
Work Hours
Extended work hours during the cropping season.
Typical Hours Worked Per Week
Appointment Type Regular
Faculty Status No
Scope of Search Internal
If internal, define scope of search
This position requires Travel, Overnight stays, Valid Drivers License
If other, please indicate
Department Description and Cultural Expectations
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 for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities. The Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science includes over 40 faculty whose expertise spans the fields of Agronomy, Entomology, Genetics, Horticulture, Plant Breeding, Plant Pathology, Precision Agriculture, Seed Science, Soil Science, and Weed Science. The Department has a robust research program that consistently ranks at the top of departments at SDSU. Discovery and dissemination of science-based knowledge are core missions of the department. Our faculty Extension Specialists and Field Specialists provide an effective structure for meeting this mission. In academic programs, the department provides nationally competitive training for undergraduate students leading to B.S. degrees in Agronomy, Horticulture and Precision Agriculture. Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science also offers a strong graduate training environment leading to M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Plant Science and Biological Sciences.
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 . 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, David Karki at or 605-688-4211.

Skills Required