Agricultural Foreman

The SDSU Southeast Research Farm at Beresford, South Dakota is looking for a self-motivated, mechanically inclined and effective communicator to join our team as an Agricultural Foreman. The Southeast Research Farm has approximately 400 acres in grain and forage crop production, a feedlot for finishing beef cattle, a small swine finishing unit, and roughly 20 replacement heifers that are grazed on annual forages. The Agricultural foreman will carry out field operations in support of research and production work as directed by the Operations Manager and will need to follow research protocols to ensure trials are completed successfully.

Job Responsibilities: To maintain, repair and operate farm equipment, particularly tractors, planters, sprayers, and combine so they are operational and “good to go” in order to meet the production and research needs of the Southeast Research Farm, and other duties as assigned by the farm's Operations Manager.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Knowledge of:

· Crop production and operation of farm equipment

· Maintenance and repair techniques for farm equipment

Skill & Ability to:

· Diagnose, disassemble, repair, and/or install new components and rebuild planters and sprayers as needed to maintain operational efficiency of the research farm in an efficient and timely manner.

· Calibrate and adjust settings on planters, sprayers, and combine in order to optimize equipment performance.

· Operate large farm equipment in the field, and willing to travel on state highways with plot-sized equipment to conduct “on-farm” research trials with cooperating growers.

· Load equipment on trailers and chain it down for long-distance transport to support research projects off the research station.

· Operate field computers, guidance systems, and electronic controls for planters and sprayers, as well as electronic yield monitoring equipment on the combine.

· Willingness to work on other farm projects including field crop research & production, livestock research, and vegetable research work as needed.

· Lift 50lbs repeatedly

Preferred Qualifications:

· Experience with crop production.

· Experience raising livestock.

· Good communication skills.

Required License: Valid driver’s license. Pesticide applicator license or ability to obtain within 3 months of hire date. Certification for Beef Quality Assurance, Pork Quality Assurance, and Transportation Quality Assurance for work with livestock will be expected within 3 months of hire.

Comments: South Dakota State University 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 the university’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14. Employment is contingent upon a successful background check. Posting #:CSA01824P

Benefits: South Dakota State University offers an excellent comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage for the employee, spouse, and dependents; life insurance; long-term disability insurance; paid holidays; educational assistance; retirement plans; and a generous vacation accrual and sick day allowance.

Application Procedures: South Dakota State University accepts applications through an online employment site; to apply, visit https://YourFuture.sdbor.edu. If you have questions about the position, please call Brad Rops at the Southeast Research Farm (605-563-2989). [SE8288 - 80610]

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.04 - $22.54 per hour

Work Location: In person