South Dakota Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Posting Details
Posting Details
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Institution
South Dakota State University
Working Title
South Dakota Mesonet Instrumentation Technician
Posting Number
NFE03170P
Department
SDSU-Ag & Biosystems Engineering
Physical Location of Position (City)
Brookings
Posting Text
South Dakota State University (SDState) is seeking two individuals to support the South Dakota Mesonet, South Dakota State University's statewide network of weather stations. This position travels throughout the state to install and maintain weather stations as well as working in the lab to assemble, calibrate, and test components. Stations are relied on by the National Weather Service for the protection of life and property, so station uptime and data accuracy are critical. The position installs, configures, and troubleshoots analog and digital sensors, IP network cameras, cellular modems, data loggers, and solar power systems. This position is located inBrookings. This position is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position.
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position provides support to SDSU's research and outreach program by collaborating with SD Mesonet Operations Manager and devising experimental protocol/design/setup for SD Mesonet data collection platforms, managing SD Mesonet field operations, and also providing critical support, design, programming, troubleshooting, repair, and fieldwork with complex instrumentation used to collect data. Effectively presents a positive image of SDSU in all communication and activities associated with executing the responsibilities of the position.
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 science, agriculture, or engineering related field by start date.
• More than 3 years of related experience in a technical field.
• Commercial driver's license (CDL) or ability to obtain within the first year of employment.
• A valid driver's license or ability to obtain within 30 days.
• A commercial pesticide applicator license or the ability to obtain within the first year of employment.
• Communication skills to negotiate with multiple constituents including faculty, staff, students, the general public, and farmers who are research cooperators.
• Skills with developing presentations, safety policy forms and manuals, and operation manuals for SD Mesonet equipment using tools such as MS Office.
• Advanced reasoning skills to solve complex instrumentation and data collection challenges with little or no availability of information.
• Advanced math skills to solve complex engineering problems.
• Ability to learn to operate a pickup truck pulling a trailer with a combined gross vehicle weight of over 26,000 pounds.

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
08/12/2026
Closing Date
09/10/2026
Open Until Filled
No
First Consideration Date
Advertised Salary
The salary for this position is commensurate with qualifications, starting at $49,342.
Duration of the Term
12 months
If Other, describe duration
Appointment Percent
100
Work Hours
8AM-5PM weekdays. Extended hours as needed - especially during field work. Position will take turns being on call to respond to automated trouble alerts off hours.
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
Travel, Overnight stays, Valid Drivers License, Other
If other, please indicate
Commercial driver's license (CDL) or the ability to obtain one within the first year of employment
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 Nathan Edwards at (605) 290-8907 or Nathan.edwards@sdstate.edu.