Research Assistant

South Dakota State University is hiring a Research Assistant for the West River Research Farm in Sturgis, SD. The role involves designing and implementing research protocols, maintaining laboratories, and managing inventory for agricultural research projects. This full-time position requires a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and at least one year of research experience. Benefits include medical, dental, retirement plans, and paid leave.
Posting Details

Posting Details

Logo

Institution

South Dakota State University

Working Title

Research Assistant

Posting Number

NFE02696P

Department

SDSU-Agronomy, Horticulture & Plant Science

Physical Location of Position (City)

Sturgis

Posting Text

Join a hands-on research team working at the West River Research
Farm, where you’ll support innovative field and laboratory projects
that advance agricultural science. We’re looking for a motivated
Research Assistant who enjoys both the structure of research and
the variety of work that comes with maintaining a dynamic research
environment. This position is located in Sturgis, South Dakota .
This position is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible
position.

The West River Research Farm is comprised of 111 acres located
northwest of Sturgis. The farm was acquired by South Dakota State
University in 2018. It focuses on agronomic and livestock research
for conditions similar to those in western South Dakota.
Researchers perform grazing, cover crop and variety trials. SDSU’s
statewide network of weather stations, called the Mesonet at SDSU,
has a weather station located at the West River Research
Farm.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available
for this position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES :
• Design and implement research protocols for field and
laboratory trials.
• Conduct physical setup, maintenance, and oversight of trials to
ensure data quality and continuity.
• Collect, curate, and assist in the analysis and synthesis of
research data in a timely and accurate manner.
• Maintain laboratories, buildings, and grounds associated with
the West River Research Farm, including regular cleaning,
organizing, and restocking of supplies.
• Manage inventory by cataloguing equipment and supplies, and
ensuring necessary materials are available for ongoing research
activities.
• Perform routine groundskeeping duties and removal of trash and
clutter to support a clean and functional research
environment.

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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :
• Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science, Biology,
Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management or related field
completed by date of application;
• At least one year of experience with field and/or
laboratory-based agriculture research;
• Ability to obtain Pesticide Applicators license; and
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of
hire.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :
• Previous experience in agriculture research and/or other
agriculture settings.
• Lab experience including basic wet chemistry and/or
microbiological lab procedures.
• Familiarity and comfort operating farm equipment.

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, 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

05/01/2025

Closing Date

Open Until Filled

Yes

First Consideration Date

05/22/2025

Advertised Salary

The salary range for this position is $18.63-$24.22 dependent upon
education and/or experience.

Duration of the Term

12 months

If Other, describe duration

Appointment Percent

100

Work Hours

40 hours/wk, M-Th

Typical Hours Worked Per Week

Appointment Type

Regular

Faculty Status

No

Scope of Search

External (includes 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

SDState is the state’s largest, most comprehensive
university with over $84 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 the supervisor, Chris
Graham, at christopher.graham@sdstate.edu.

Working Conditions

Cognitive Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the
cognitive requirements for this position.

Analyzing, Comprehend, Frequent Change, Logic, Memory, Multiple
Priorities, Reading, Reasoning, Verbal Communication, Written
Communication

Protective Clothing/Equipment

Please check the appropriate response for this position's use of
the following protective clothing or equipment.

Latex Gloves, Protective Clothing

If other protection is used please identify

Physical Requirements

Please designate the physical requirements of this
position

Bending, Stooping, Twisting, Carrying, Crouching, Driving,
Grasping, Kneeling, Lifting Below Waist, Lifting light, Lifting
moderate, Repetitive Motion, Sitting for sustained periods of time,
Use Both Hands, Use of Either Hand, Independently, Walking, Wrist
Movement (twisting or rotating)

Describe any of the conditions selected

Sensory Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory
requirements for this position.

Depth Perception, Hearing, Near Vision, Peripheral Vision, Vision
(With and without corrective lenses)

Working Conditions & Exposures

Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that
this position may encounter during the course of the work
day.

Animal Handling, Changes of Temperature, Exposure to Dust, Extreme
Weather Conditions (wind, rain, snow, humidity), Walking/Standing
on rough or uneven surfaces (gravel, rocks, etc), Working Around
Machinery

Please describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked
above

Working Environment

Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the
environment in which the primary function of the position is
performed.

Farm or Grassland Environment, Greenhouse Environment, Lab
Environment, Office Environment

If you have indicated Other Environment, if work tasks involve
one or more of the above, or if further explanation is necessary,
please use the space provided.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
• * Where did you hear about this position?
• LinkedIn
• SDBOR Employment Site
• South Dakota Department of Labor
• Employee Referral
• Department Announcement / Inside State
• Handshake
• Job Board (Indeed, Monster, ZipRecruiter) - Please specify
• Industry Conference
• Search Engine - Please specify
• Employment Agency - Please specify
• Newspaper - Please specify
• HigherEdJobs.com
• Chronicle of Higher Education
• Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) - Please
specify
• Radio - Please specify
• APLU
• List Servs - Please specify
• Alumni
• Other - Please specify

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents
• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Reference List

Optional Documents