Station Manager

Station Manager Bookmark this Posting Print Preview | Apply for this Job Posting Details Posting Details Logo Institution South Dakota State University Working Title Station Manager Posting Number NFE03035P Department SDSU-West River Ag Center-Ext Physical Location of Position (City) Philip Posting Text South Dakota State University's West River Research & Extension is looking to hire a Station Manager. The Station Manager for the Cottonwood Field Station located near Philip, SD, will be responsible for providing daily livestock care, maintaining and improving the station grounds and facilities, and supporting research and outreach. The Cottonwood station consists of 2,640 acres and includes grazing and pasture lands, office, shop and equipment storage, and new multi-purpose and feedlot facilities. Summer grazing facilities are located near Sturgis, SD. A herd of ~150 heifers and cows are maintained at the station for research and outreach projects along with seasonal stocker cattle. This position will be responsible for completing station and equipment maintenance; improvements, and activities within the allocated annual budget; prioritizing and projecting station needs for long-term budgeting; ensuring research readiness; and providing a welcoming environment for researchers, Extension personnel, and visitors. The Station Manager will provide on-site supervision for summer interns and graduate students at the station during the summer months and potentially during the academic semester. This position is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position. The Cottonwood station consists of 2,640 acres and includes grazing and pasture lands, office, shop and equipment storage facilities, livestock working barns, and new multi-purpose and feedlot facilities. The Cottonwood station is routinely used for research and outreach purposes by SDSU faculty and staff, especially those located at the West River Ag Center in Rapid City. Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES This position is responsible for daily livestock care and grazing management and station grounds and facilities maintenance and improvement to meet high standards for research productivity, station appearance, and animal welfare; also (pro)active support of research and outreach projects. 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 Bachelor's degree in Agricultural/Biological Science or related field by start date. 1 to 3 years of related experience. South Dakota driver's license. Beef Quality Assurance certified within 6 months of employment start date South Dakota Restricted pesticide applicator license Experience with cattle, preferably cow/calf, care and management. Experience with ranch equipment operation and upkeep, including tractors and feed trucks/wagons. Working knowledge of or willingness to learn research protocols along with advanced animal care for research purposes. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Two or more years of Animal and/or Range Science research experience. Master's degree in Agriculture/Biological Science or related field. 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, curriculum vitae, 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 04/21/2026 Closing Date 05/08/2026 Open Until Filled No First Consideration Date Advertised Salary The salary range for the Station Manager is $48,613 - $63,196 depending on qualifications. Duration of the Term 12 months If Other, describe duration Appointment Percent 100 Work Hours Frequent extended daily hours. Must work weekends (daily feeding, care). 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 Weekends/Holidays, 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. 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 (amanda.blair@sdstate.edu; 605-394-2236). Working Conditions Cognitive Requirements Please check the appropriate response that describe the cognitive requirements for this position. Logic, Multiple Priorities, Pace-average, Verbal Communication, Written Communication, Frequent Change, Analyzing, Comprehend, Memory, Pace-fast Protective Clothing/Equipment Please check the appropriate response for this position's use of the following protective clothing or equipment. Ear Protection (including earplugs), Eye Protection, Latex Gloves If other protection is used please identify Physical Requirements Please designate the physical requirements of this position Carrying, Driving, Lifting moderate, Walking, Bending, Stooping, Twisting, Crawling, Crouching, Fine Finger Manipulation (keyboarding, pipefitting, bench work, etc), Grasping, Kneeling, Lifting Above Waist, Lifting Below Waist, Lifting light, Pushing/Pulling, Reaching, Use Both Hands, Use of Either Hand, Independently, Wrist Movement (twisting or rotating) Describe any of the conditions selected Requires lifting, carrying, handling of feed, small equipment; requires driving of vehicles and equipment; outdoor activities require walking and mobility Sensory Requirements Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory requirements for this position. Depth Perception, Distant Vision, Hearing, Near Vision, Peripheral Vision, Speaking, 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, Extreme Cold, Extreme Heat >100F, Extreme Weather Conditions (wind, rain, snow, humidity), Exposure or Potential Exposure to Blood/Body Fluids, Exposure to Dust, Exposure to Noise, Use of a firearm, Walking/Standing on rough or uneven surfaces (gravel, rocks, etc), Walking/Standing on wood, metal or concrete, Work in confined/congested spaces (tunnels), Work in narrow aisles/passageways, Working Around Machinery Please describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked above livestock (cattle) handling; outside work year-round + office work; work with equipment Working Environment Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the environment in which the primary function of the position is performed. Animal Research Farm 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