Job Description

Working Title

Research Coordinator

Posting Number

NFE02945P

Department

SDSU-West River Ag Center-AES

Physical Location of Position (City)

Rapid City

Posting Text

South Dakota State University (SDSU) is seeking a motivated and highly organized individual to play a key role in advancing livestock and rangeland research at the Cottonwood Field Station. This position is central to keeping research programs and projects running smoothly and efficiently — from coordinating project and personnel needs to supporting fieldwork, technology, and student involvement. Based at the West River Research and Extension facility in Rapid City, this role offers the opportunity to work closely with faculty, students, and station staff while contributing to impactful, on‑the‑ground research across western South Dakota.

This position is located in Rapid City , 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 :

• Coordinate, organize, and provide on-the-ground supervision and support of livestock and rangeland research projects at the Cottonwood Field Station.
• Provide operational leadership by managing logistics and ensuring research sites and facilities are fully prepared.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date research protocols and ensure consistent adherence.
• Support and coordinate high-quality data collection, data management, and data curation.
• Manage, maintain, and troubleshoot research equipment, technologies, and station systems.
• Provide proactive supervision, guidance, and mentorship to undergraduate and graduate students involved in research activities.
• Directly supervise research intern(s) assigned to Cottonwood.
• Collaborate closely with administration, faculty and students based at the West River Research and Extension facility.
• Travel regularly to the Cottonwood Field Station to oversee project implementation, coordinate with station management, and provide on-site support.
  

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:

• Master’s degree in Animal Science or closely related field completed within 6 months of start date.
• At least 1 year of related experience
• Demonstrated experience in livestock research, production systems, and/or applied animal management

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated experience writing scientific manuscripts.
• Demonstrated experience with precision livestock technologies.

APPLICATION PROCESS :

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

01/12/2026

Closing Date

02/02/2026

Open Until Filled

No

First Consideration Date

Advertised Salary

The starting rate of pay for this position is $58,000.

Duration of the Term

12 months

If Other, describe duration

Appointment Percent

100

Work Hours

Generally 8-5, weekdays

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, Valid Drivers License

If other, please indicate

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. SDSU West River Research and Extension in Rapid City is the western front door to SDSU and the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. It is here that academics, research, Extension, and professionalism come together to provide South Dakota, especially western South Dakota, with the agricultural resources and expertise that can give rise to personal, professional, and community success.

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, [Amanda Blair at amanda.blair@sdstate.edu or 605-394-2236.

Job Tags

Full time, Internship, Relocation package, Flexible hours, Weekday work,

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