SDSU Extension is hiring 65 Extension field specialists

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BROOKINGS - South Dakota State University Extension is looking for the best people to fill 65 Extension Field Specialist positions. Application review begins July 5.

"We are looking for the best people. People who have a passion for educating, communicating and working with others," said Suzanne Stluka, Expanded Food & Nutrition Education program coordinator for SDSU Extension. "The individuals we hire will be people who think creatively and can modify what has been traditional programming to fit our state's future needs."

The field specialist position was created as part of the recent state-wide Extension reorganization to comply with $1.4 million in budget cuts. Stluka was on the task force, organized by Barry Dunn, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Director of Extension, to develop a new state-wide Extension structure that will ensure the continued growth and implementation of Extension programming.

To view an online video where Dunn, discusses the reorganization and field specialist position visit the SDSU College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences Facebook page; http://www.facebook.com/SDSU.AgBio.

Located throughout the state in one of eight regional centers, Extension field specialists take the traditional Extension Educator role to a new, more specialized, level explains Stluka. The state's eight regional centers are located in Aberdeen, Lemmon, Mitchell, Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Watertown and Winner.

"Field Specialists will have one area of focus," said Stluka of the specialists who will provide programming, information and services in their focus area throughout the state. "We saw a need for specialists who can focus on key issues and collaborate with others. This is something Extension has been missing - highly specialized staff across the state who can really focus on a specific area."

Working closely with communities throughout South Dakota, SDSU Extension will rely on field specialists to develop networks of learning communities across the state. Within these communities they will be expected to discover how the system can develop programming to best address the community's current issues and future needs.

Based on their communities' assets, interests, opportunities and challenges, field specialists will be expected to work closely with SDSU faculty to develop evidence and research based extension programming.

"Learning communities that use evidence and research based education is the future of Extension," Stluka said. "It is finding out what the community wants to work on and provides them with programming backed by experience and research."

Field specialists will need to have a good balance of research experience as well as strong communication and relationship development skills. Stluka says the review committee is looking for applicants who either have a master's degree, or are willing to obtain a master's within the next five years.

"SDSU Extension is a huge organization. Field specialists will be our feet on the ground. They are the ones who will network with community leaders, deliver focused education and ensure evidenced-based programming reaches communities throughout the state," Stluka said.

Field Specialist positions are open until filled.

Please visit http://www.sdstate.edu/sdces for additional information about specializations, job responsibilities, and qualifications. SDSU 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 posting."

The system will guide you through the electronic application form. The employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, resume/curriculum vitae, and reference page. A complete application also includes fully developed answers to the supplemental questions.

Please contact SDSU Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.

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