Pilot Plant Research Technican - South Dakota State University : Job Details

Posting DetailsPosting Details Logo Institution South Dakota State UniversityWorking Title Pilot Plant Research TechnicanPosting Number NFE02599PDepartment SDSU-Dairy & Food SciencePhysical Location of Position (City) BrookingsPosting Text South Dakota State University (SDSU) is offering an exciting career opportunity as a Pilot Plant Research Technician in the Dairy and Food Science Department. This pivotal role will support processing and research activities at the Davis Dairy Plant, collaborating with students, researchers, and industry professionals to drive impactful research initiatives. Join our team and play a key role in advancing dairy and food science while gaining valuable hands-on experience in a cutting-edge facility! This position is located in Brookings, South Dakota. This position is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position.The Dairy Food and Science program has 9 faculty members, approximately 10 staff members, and 30 graduate research assistants. The faculty and staff within the department bring a wealth of experience, recognized expertise, and a strong dedication to teaching, research, and service.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 mission of access.Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Operate and maintain research equipment at the Davis Dairy Plant.
• Manage research supplies, including sampling devices, cleaning supplies, and inventory.
• Ensure proper execution of research projects within the plant's schedule and operations.
• Collaborate with Dairy Plant management, students, researchers, and industry representatives.
• Oversee and coordinate the work of hourly student employees to achieve project objectives.
• Support processing and research activities to maintain equipment functionality and meet research goals.

BENEFITS:South Dakota State University 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. Relocation benefits are available per university's guidelines. 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.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree in Dairy Manufacturing, Food Science, Microbiology, Operations Management, Agricultural Engineering, or a closely related field by start date;
• At least one year of experience in operation of common dairy and food processing equipment, including pasteurizers, membrane filtration systems, evaporators, cheesemaking equipment, and spray dryers;
• Demonstrates a level of mechanical aptitude that will allow for proper operation and troubleshooting of equipment;
• Effective written communication skills;
• Effective verbal communication and interpersonal skills; and
• Valid driver's license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Research experience in food and dairy products processing.
• Experience in the production of safe and quality food products.
• Inventory maintenance experience.

APPLICATION PROCESS: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, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDSU Human Resources at (605) ###-#### 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.South Dakota State University 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 01/28/2025Closing Date Open Until Filled YesFirst Consideration Date 02/18/2025Advertised Salary The salary range for this position is $38,010-$49,350.Duration of the Term 12 monthsIf Other, describe duration Appointment Percent 100Work Hours Typical Hours Worked Per Week Appointment Type RegularFaculty Status NoScope of Search External (includes Internal)If internal, define scope of search This position requires Valid Drivers LicenseIf other, please indicate Department Description and Cultural Expectations South Dakota State University is the state's largest, most comprehensive university with over $60 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. We offer a rich academic experience in an environment of inclusions and access. 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 affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits discrimination on, the basis of, sex, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran's status, or any other status that may become protected in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing [email protected]. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: (605) ###-####.Contact Information For questions on the position, contact search committee chair, Dr. Prafulla Salunke at [email protected].Working ConditionsCognitive Requirements Please check the appropriate response that describe the cognitive requirements for this position. Analyzing, Comprehend, Logic, Memory, Multiple Priorities, Pace-average, Perform calculations, Reading, Reasoning, Verbal Communication, Written Communication, Frequent ChangeProtective Clothing/Equipment Please check the appropriate response for this position's use of the following protective clothing or equipment. Ear Protection (including earplugs), Eye Protection, Protective ClothingIf other protection is used please identify Physical Requirements Please designate the physical requirements of this position Balancing, Bending, Stooping, Twisting, Carrying, Climbing Ladders, Climbing Stairs, Crawling, Crouching, Fine Finger Manipulation (keyboarding, pipefitting, bench work, etc), Grasping, Kneeling, Lifting Above Waist, Lifting Below Waist, Lifting light, Lifting moderate, Pushing/Pulling, Reaching, Repetitive Motion, Squatting, Standing for sustained periods of time, Stretching, Use Both Hands, Use of Either Hand, Independently, Walking, Wrist Movement (twisting or rotating), DrivingDescribe any of the conditions selected This individual will be going between desk work, and in-plant guidance and operations of equipment in the plant.Sensory Requirements Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory requirements for this position. Depth Perception, Hearing, Near Vision, Peripheral Vision, Speaking, Vision (With and without corrective lenses), Color Vision, Distant VisionWorking Conditions & Exposures Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that this position may encounter during the course of the work day. Changes of Temperature, Chemical Hazards, Exposure to Noise, Vibrations, Walking/Standing on wood, metal or concrete, Working Around Machinery, Atmospheric Contaminants (includes odors & fumes), Extreme Cold, Work in narrow aisles/passagewaysPlease describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked above Work is done inside a food manufacturing facility with many equipment and potential hazards present.Working Environment Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the environment in which the primary function of the position is performed. Other Environment (Please explain below), Lab EnvironmentIf you have indicated Other Environment, if work tasks involve one or more of the above, or if further explanation is necessary, please use the space provided. The work will be in the SDSU Davis dairy processing plant.Supplemental QuestionsRequired fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

* Where did you hear about this position?

• LinkedIn
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Documents Needed to Apply Required Documents

Resume

Cover Letter

Reference List

Optional Documents