Exploring Employment Opportunities at South Dakota State University

South Dakota State University (SDSU) and its surrounding institutions offer a diverse range of employment opportunities, catering to various skills, experiences, and career aspirations. This article delves into the numerous job prospects available, from faculty positions and research roles to administrative and student support services. Whether you're a recent graduate, an experienced professional, or a student seeking valuable work experience, SDSU and its affiliates provide a dynamic environment for career growth and development.

Faculty and Research Positions

SDSU consistently seeks talented individuals to join its academic ranks. These positions offer opportunities to contribute to the university's mission of education, research, and service.

Tenure-Track Faculty

The Division of Biomedical and Translational Sciences at the University of South Dakota (USD) Sanford School of Medicine (SSOM) invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor level in the field of Integrative Systems and Computational Biology. The School of Psychology, Sociology, and Rural Studies at South Dakota State University (SDSU) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor of Rural Sociology, with an anticipated start date of Fall of 2026. South Dakota State University’s (SDSU) Department of Animal Science invites applications for a 9-month, full-time, benefit-eligible tenure-track position as Assistant or Associate Professor of Animal Science. This position presents an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact through innovative, student-centered teaching and engagement in undergraduate education.

Northern State University invites applications for a full-time faculty position in Education in the Department of Teacher Education at the rank of Assistant Professor or Instructor. The successful candidate will teach face-to-face and online courses in a learner-centered environment and demonstrate the versatility to contribute across licensure areas. The Division of Educational Leadership in the School of Education at the University of South Dakota seeks applicants for an Assistant/Associate Professor (tenure-track) or Assistant/Associate Professor of Practice (non-tenure-track) position. This is an on-campus, nine-month position with the possibility of summer teaching. The School of Education, Counseling, and Human Development (ECHD) seeks an Assistant Professor of Counseling and Human Resource Development at our branch campus in Rapid City, South Dakota site. This is full-time, benefit-eligible, nine-month, tenure-track position with a start date August 2026, inclusive of summer teaching possibilities. Interested in helping to prepare the next generation of advertising professionals? The School of Communication and Journalism (COJO) at South Dakota State University (SDSU) invites applications for an Assistant or Associate Professor of Practice in Advertising to begin August 2026.

Research-Focused Roles

The Dairy & Food Science department at SDSU is looking to hire a Research Manager for the Davis Dairy Plant. This position will work with faculty, students (graduate and undergraduate), and industry to coordinate and manage day-to-day research activities and enable the successful completion of research projects in the SDSU Davis Dairy Plant.

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The Arbegast Materials Processing and Joining (AMP) Laboratory at South Dakota Mines invites applications for a Research Scientist I position. This is a full-time, benefited position. The AMP Laboratory has a history of conducting both basic and applied research in the area of advanced materials processing and joining.

Extension Specialist Positions

South Dakota State University’s (SDSU) Department of Animal Science is excited to announce a unique opportunity as an Associate or Full Professor/Extension Swine Specialist. This position may be eligible for endowment if the specifications are met. This position offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact through innovative Extension programming and research. South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension is offering an exciting career opportunity as an Extension Livestock Production and Stewardship Specialist I. Possible locations are in Aberdeen, Mitchell, or Pierre, dependent on the successful candidate’s preference. South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension is seeking a dynamic and knowledgeable Youth Livestock Field Specialist to support youth education and engagement across the state. This position plays a vital role in strengthening youth involvement in the livestock industry through innovative programming, strong partnerships, and statewide outreach.

Administrative and Support Staff Opportunities

SDSU and its affiliated institutions offer a wide array of administrative and support staff positions that are crucial to the smooth functioning of the university.

Human Resources and Administration

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented HR Generalist to join our Human Resources team. In this role, you will play a key part in supporting the daily operations of the HR department and ensuring the efficient management of HR functions. The Office of Human Subjects Protection is seeking an independent, driven person to fill the role of IRB Analyst/Audit Coordinator. Qualified applicants possess a Bachelor’s degree, advanced degree preferred, with at least 2-3 years of experience related to compliance work or higher education. The South Dakota State University (SDState) Office of General Counsel is currently seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking executive to shape the strategic direction of campus public safety. The South Dakota Board of Regents System Payroll Center and System International Employment Services Center is looking for an energetic, detail oriented, life-long learner who enjoys working with a varied customer base.

IT and Technical Roles

SDState is seeking a skilled Systems Engineer specializing in enterprise-class storage and backup administration to join its IT Systems Administration Department. This role is ideal for well-organized, self-motivated team players who want to contribute to the Office of Information Technology’s (OIT) mission of providing technology, skills, and services that empower the university community. The South Dakota State University (SDState) Planning Department is seeking a motivated GIS Specialist to support utility records, locates, and core GIS mapping functions. The ideal candidate will bring experience using GIS and database technologies to create meaningful analysis, advanced maps, and clear visual representations of campus infrastructure and facilities information. USD is seeking an energetic and motivated Senior Computer Support Specialist to join the ITS team, providing exceptional services to faculty, staff, and students. Candidate will be a member of the Service Desk team responsible for customer support and services via phone, remote, and onsite support.

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Student Support Services

South Dakota Mines is searching for a Student Success Coordinator to be part of the Student Success Center administrative team. This is a regular full-time, benefited position. South Dakota Mines has an opening for the Director of Career Services. This position is a part of the Division of Student Success Leadership Team and works in the Devereaux Library, the hub of student activity on campus, with collaborations with the heads of the academic departments, industry connections, Office of Industry Engagement, and Office of Professional Development.

Program and Project Management

The College of Nursing is seeking a detail-oriented, service-minded Program Assistant II to help deliver high-quality professional development opportunities for nurses across the region. This position is located in Brookings or Rapid City, South Dakota. South Dakota State University (SDSU) Continuing and Distance Education is seeking a detail-oriented and motivated individual for the role Director of Extended Studes. This position will provide day-to-day leadership of extended studies education efforts. The Facilities & Services Department at South Dakota State University (SDSU) is seeking a Project Manager to join our project management and engineering team. This role is responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing campus construction and renovation projects of various sizes. This position will be assigned to projects on Student Affairs division facilities.

Facilities and Maintenance

Northern State University seeks a highly motivated person to join our facilities team as a full-time night custodian in the Johnson Fine Arts Center. POSITION PURPOSE: Performs routine building and equipment maintenance, custodial and security duties to ensure the overall maintenance and security of a facility. Dealing with public during events necessary. South Dakota State University is seeking a motivated and dependable individual to join our Facilities & Services team as a Lead Facility Worker. South Dakota State University is seeking a Plumbing Specialist to help keep our campus running strong. We’re looking for someone who takes pride in craftsmanship and problem-solving. In this role, you’ll tackle a wide range of plumbing projects that help maintain safe, reliable facilities.

Other Positions

USD Sanford School of Medicine is seeking an Academic Assistant for the Office of Medical Education. This position supports academic programming in Pillars 2 & 3 of the medical school curriculum through schedule creation and maintenance, administration of online learning management systems, and coordination of a variety of educational activities. The Department of Dental Hygiene at the University of South Dakota (USD) is seeking a Dental Assistant to join our Sioux Falls Clinic. This position primarily provides chairside dental assisting, manages dental insurance coordination, and offers front desk support as needed. South Dakota State University’s Aviation program is seeking an experienced Chief Flight Instructor to provide leadership and support for the program. This position is critical and essential in the delivery of the Aviation program ensuring that all federal regulations, policies and procedures are met for students who are seeking flight certification. South Dakota State University (SDState) is seeking a Deputy Athletic Director to join our Intercollegiate Athletics team. In this position you’ll play a pivotal role in driving competitive excellence, elevating student athlete success, and strengthening the department’s strategic impact. South Dakota State University (SDSU) is seeking an exceptional individual to join our team as the Director of Energy Systems. This pivotal position involves driving strategic initiatives, overseeing energy infrastructure, and spearheading programs that align with the university’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. The Accounting Office-Controller department of South Dakota State Universities (SDSU) is seeking a detail‑oriented and motivated Senior Accountant to join our team. This position plays a key role in analyzing financial data, preparing financial statements, and supporting interim reporting processes. The School of Education, Counseling, and Human Development seeks a full time, benefit-eligible, nine-month Lecturer in Counseling and Human Resource Development at our branch campus in Rapid City, South Dakota . This position is 100% instructional and administrative and is a non-tenure track position and has potential for summer teaching possibilities. South Dakota State University’s College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions is seeking an Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice. The College of Education and Human Science at South Dakota State University (SDSU) is seeking qualified candidates for a full-time, benefit-eligible, 9-month position with the rank of Instructor in Special Education, with a focus on secondary education (5th-12th grade). Primary responsibilities include teaching, supervision of field experiences, and service. One year Visiting Assistant Professor of SpanishThe department of Modern Languages and Linguistics at the University of South Dakota invites applications for the position of one year visiting Instructor or Assistant Professor of Spanish to begin in fall 2026. The School of Communication and Journalism at South Dakota State University is seeking part-time, temporary Instructors of Communication Studies to join our vibrant academic community. If you’re passionate about helping students develop their human communication skills, we invite you to share your expertise with our students. No prior professional cleaning experience is needed.

Student Employment Opportunities

SDSU's University Student Union is home to many great student employment opportunities in our Event Services department. Getting ahead in today’s competitive job market by stacking your resume with valuable experience gained working in the University Student Union. BluePrint student designers are given the opportunity to work in a creative environment that fosters development in the professional design world. Designers are expected to work on deadlines, completing multiple projects and producing quality designs meeting client's needs. Projects may include, but are not limited to, banners, t-stands, posters, promotional materials and business cards. Employees will also be responsible for coordinating the printing and hanging of promotional materials within the BluePrint advertising spaces. BluePrint office assistants are given the opportunity to work in a creative environment that fosters development in the professional design world. Employees will support the design team by managing the day-to-day tasks of the office. Daily tasks may include, customer service, cash handling, logging and billing orders, cleaning and prepping/hanging promotional materials. Qualified candidates will be punctual, reliable, and have excellent customer service. Information Exchange Attendants work scheduled shifts throughout the week at Information Exchange (Main Level). Attendants answer questions about the University and the University Student Union, cash checks, send and receive faxes, sell event tickets, sell postage stamps, sell hunting and fishing licenses, assist with Central Reservations to schedule space throughout campus and act as a resource for students and visitors alike. The position involves a high degree of customer interaction. The set-up crew moves furniture and equipment within the building and ensure customers' facility reservation set-ups are correct. State Tech operates and maintains lighting, stage and sound equipment to service students and University affiliated needs across campus ranging from lectures to major concerts. State Tech members also provide general labor and support for these events, which includes setting up and tearing down staging, equipment and rooms. Provide support to the various work groups (namely Information Exchange, Event Services Office, State Tech and custodial/maintenance staff) in the performance of various aspects of the groups' responsibilities. Ensure customers' facility reservations are correct and experience is positive.

Career Development Resources

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Personal Perspectives

Hi, I’m Ashley Bingham, a Dealer Account Manager at Albert Lea Seed. I’ve been with ALS for nearly six years, and my role has evolved quite a bit during that time. Hi, I’m RuthAnn Holmes, a proud alumna of South Dakota State University and currently the Marketing Coordinator at CBS Bio Platforms, a company that specializes in feed technology solutions for animal agriculture.

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