Station Manager

Station Manager 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.