Description

Klingbeil Endowed Department Head and Professor

Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering

South Dakota State University

The Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at South Dakota State University (SDState) invites applications for the Klingbeil Endowed Department Head and Professor. We are seeking a visionary and dynamic leader with a strong record of scholarship, teaching, and service, who can provide strategic direction and foster excellence in education, research, and Extension outreach. The Department Head will report directly to the Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences. Located in Brookings, South Dakota, this is a 12-month administrative appointment with an academic rank of Professor.

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.

The Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE) is a dynamic, collaborative community advancing education, research, and outreach in agriculture and engineering. The department offers undergraduate programs in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Agricultural Systems Technology, and a joint Precision Agriculture program with the Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science, along with graduate programs including an M.S. and Ph.D. in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering. Faculty and students engage in innovative research and Extension activities in areas such as precision agriculture, bioprocessing, livestock systems, land and water management, and 4-H STEM education. ABE houses the Mesonet, South Dakota’s live weather network, and the Water Resources Institute, providing leadership on critical water challenges. We offer a collaborative environment where faculty, staff, and students work together to tackle real-world challenges and make a meaningful impact. Learn more at https://www.sdstate.edu/agricultural-biosystems-engineering.

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

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Klingbeil Endowed Department Head of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering serves as the academic and administrative leader of the department. The Department Head will:

• Provide strategic leadership for the department’s teaching, research, and Extension programs, ensuring excellence and relevance in all areas.
• Establish goals and objectives, foster collaboration, and build strong relationships within the department, across campus, and with stakeholders throughout the state.
• Recruit, mentor, evaluate, and retain faculty, staff, and students.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets, coordinate fundraising efforts, and oversee revenue-generating activities.
• Oversee management and maintenance of departmental facilities and resources.
• Facilitate research and intellectual property development opportunities for faculty and students.
• Represent the department in official communications with the college, university, industry partners, and other external stakeholders.
• Maintain an active program of research, scholarship, and/or teaching consistent with the rank of Professor, contributing to the department’s academic mission.

SALARY RANGE:

The minimum salary for this position is $165,000 at the Professor rank. Salary is contingent upon qualifications and experience.

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.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Full Consideration Deadline: November 17, 2025. Position is open until filled.

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.” The direct link to this position is https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu/postings/45243. 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.

For questions on the position, contact search committee chair, Londa Nwadike, at (605) 688-4117 or londa.nwadike@sdstate.edu. Email applications will not be accepted.

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.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. Degree in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Precision Agriculture, or a closely related field completed by date of application;
• At least five years of directing/supervising experience;
• Eligible for the rank of Professor at SDState in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Precision Agriculture, or a closely related field;
• Productive history in research, teaching, or Extension outreach;
• Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills;
• Ability to work as a contributing team member;
• Demonstrated use of technology in managing and/or delivering educational programs;
• Demonstrated ability or potential to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate educational materials and direct effective programs.
• Ability to advocate ABE programs to and collaborate with a variety of stakeholders and allied industries;
  Show a commitment to and understanding of agriculture, public service, and the university’s mission and goals;
• Authorized to work in the United States. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Valid driver’s license, or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire, and willingness to travel.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Recognized nationally or internationally in field of expertise;
• Ability to manage personnel and budgets;
• Demonstrated collaboration in securing resources to support new and/or enhanced departmental programs and services;
• Ability to foster a student-centered environment;
• Familiarity with agricultural and conservation practices in the Midwest and Great Plains regions;
• Commitment to public service;
• Demonstrated understanding of the Land Grant University philosophy and system.