South Dakota State University

Klingbeil Endowed Department Head and Professor

Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Precision Agriculture, or related field required by application date.
  • Minimum five years of directing or supervising experience.
  • Eligible for Professor rank at SDState in relevant fields.
  • Proven track record in research, teaching, or Extension outreach.
  • Strong communication skills tailored to diverse audiences.
  • Demonstrated organizational and time management skills.

Responsibilities

  • Provide strategic leadership in teaching, research, and Extension programs for the department.
  • Set goals, foster collaboration, and maintain strong relationships internally and externally.
  • Recruit, mentor, evaluate, and retain faculty, staff, and students.
  • Develop and manage departmental budgets and oversee fundraising efforts.
  • Manage departmental facilities and resources effectively.
  • Facilitate research and intellectual property development for faculty and students.
  • Represent the department in communications with stakeholders.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and flexible benefits plans.
  • Generous retirement plan with matching contributions.
  • Paid holidays and vacation leave, along with monthly sick leave.
  • Access to internal and state-sponsored training opportunities.
  • Reduced tuition for state-supported courses at South Dakota academic institutions.
Full Job Description
Posting Details

Posting Details

Logo

Institution
South Dakota State University

Working Title
Klingbeil Endowed Department Head and Professor

Posting Number
F01925P

Department
SDSU-Ag, Food & Environmental Sciences

Physical Location of Position (City)
Brookings

Posting Text

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. This position is located in Brookings. This position is a 12-Month administrative appointment with an academic rank of Professor, full-time, benefits-eligible position.

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.

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.


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:
  • 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.


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.

Posting Date
07/21/2026

Closing Date

Open Until Filled
Yes

First Consideration Date
08/31/2026

Advertised Salary
The minimum salary for this position is $175,000 at the Professor rank. Compensation will be commensurate with qualifications.

Duration of the Term
12 months

If Other, describe duration

Appointment Percent
100

Tenure Status
Tenured

Proposed Rank
Professor

Work Hours

Normal business hours are M-F 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This position frequently works evenings and weekends. This position occasionally works on holidays.

Typical Hours Worked Per Week
50

Appointment Type
Regular

Scope of Search
External (includes Internal)

If internal, define scope of search

Contact Information

For questions on the position, contact search committee chair, Londa Nwadike, at (605) 688-4117 or [email protected].

About South Dakota State University

South Dakota State University is a public research university located in Brookings, South Dakota. The university was founded in 1881 and has since grown to become the largest university in the state, with over 12,000 students enrolled. South Dakota State University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including agriculture, engineering, nursing, and education. The university is also home to several research centers and institutes, including the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Engineering Research Center for Biorenewable Chemicals.
Learn more about South Dakota State University
Size
13,000 employees
Industry

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