Position Description & Details
DICKINSON STATE UNIVERSITY (DSU) is a regional comprehensive institution within the North Dakota University System, whose primary role is to contribute to intellectual, social, economic, and cultural development, especially to Southwestern North Dakota. The University's mission is to provide high quality, accessible programs; to promote excellence in teaching and learning; to support scholarly and creative activities; and to provide service relevant to the economy, health, and quality of life for the citizens of the State of North Dakota.
As part of the School of Applied Sciences, Agriculture and Technical Studies provides students with practical knowledge and skills based on theoretical and proven techniques and prepares them for government or private sector careers and for graduate/professional school.
DSU is seeking to hire an Assistant Professor of Agriculture. This position provides expertise in areas such as agricultural accounting, finance and management, sustainable agriculture, precision agriculture, emerging GPS/GIS technology/utilization for use in livestock production and natural resources, livestock and grazing management and/or meat processing. This position also participates in appropriate professional development, provides service to the university, and serves as a local expert in the area of academic expertise for the citizens of western North Dakota.
This is a face-to-face instructional position on the Dickinson State University Campus in Dickinson, ND.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIRED COMPETENCIES:
Master's degree in agriculture studies, or closely related
Required ability to teach in one or more of the specialized subject knowledge areas
Specialized subject knowledge in areas of agricultural accounting, finance and management, sustainable agriculture, precision agriculture, emerging GPS/GIS technology/utilization for use in livestock production and natural resources, livestock and grazing management and/or meat processing
All academic degrees from accredited institutions
Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
Organizational and prioritization abilities
Meticulous work style
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS/COMPETENCIES:
Terminal degree or willingness to complete a terminal degree
Experience with precision agriculture and/or sustainable agriculture
DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
Teaching Effectiveness
Teaching effectiveness includes, but may not be limited to the following: 1) teach assigned class loads; 2) make appropriate preparations for the semester including syllabus preparation, preparation of lecture and/or laboratory materials, preparation of tests and assignments as needed/appropriate, revise course materials when needed, and provide measurable objectives for student performance; 3) act as a professional role model to students; 4) communicate effectively with students; 5) arrive at class punctually and use class time effectively; 6) stay current in field of expertise; 7) be available to and provide assistance to students; and 8) perform other teaching duties as assigned or noted by supervisor.
DSU utilizes multiple modalities to deliver coursework including face to face, distance (both asynchronous and synchronous) and hybrid formats. The successful candidate should be familiar with these modalities, be willing and able to implement current instructional technology and learning tools to accomplish these delivery modality expectations where appropriate.
Course load each semester may involve travel to the university's sites in Dickinson, Bismarck, or Williston, teaching by interactive video, and/or online. Faculty are expected to teach at least 12 credits per semester and 24 credits during the academic year. Courses will be in content areas such as agricultural accounting, finance and management, sustainable agriculture, precision agriculture, emerging GPS/GIS technology/utilization for use in livestock production and natural resources, livestock and grazing management and/or meat processing. The successful candidate should be sufficiently grounded in agriculture science to be able to teach and manage courses outside their direct area of expertise.
Physical demands are as needed to carry out the given task, but are not excessive and are largely controlled by the employee.
Scholarship Activities and Self-Improvement
Participate in scholarly activities and self-improvement. These activities may include, but are not limited to, 1) evaluation and selection of materials for classroom activities, 2) professional reading and/or research for self-improvement and effectiveness 3) continuing education, including experiential learning, 4) publishing in the outlets of professional organizations, 5) conference, workshop, convention and seminar attendance 6) presentations at professional conferences, workshops, conventions and/or seminars, 7) consultant work, 8) creation of new courses, and 9) review of commercial and professional curriculum materials.
Physical demands are as needed to carry out the given task, but are not excessive and are largely controlled by the employee.
On-Campus and Off-Campus Contributions to the University
Activities in this category may include but are not limited to 1) academic advising of students, 2) writing recommendations and assisting with job placement, 3) recruiting, 4) raising funds, 5) serving on committees and/or faculty senate, 6) conducting and/or assisting at clinics, workshops, camps, etc., 7) teaching for continuing education, 8) attending university functions, 9) advising student organizations, 10) grant writing, 11) serving on community boards, and 12) attending community functions as a representative of DSU.
Physical demands are as needed to carry out the given task, but are not excessive and are largely controlled by the employee.
COMPENSATION PACKAGE:
Salary of $55,000-60,000/annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience
Comprehensive fringe benefits, including, but not limited to:
100% employer-paid health insurance (family or single coverage)
TIAA retirement
Tuition waiver benefits, for employee and spouse/dependents
Possible eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program with the US Department of Education.
View https://www.dickinsonstate.edu/about/employment/ for information on the above and other benefits offered.
MAIN OFFICE/WORKING LOCATION: Dickinson, ND
STARTING DATE: August 17, 2026
POSITION DETAILS:
2000 Faculty
9-month term (August 16 - May 15)
Full-time (100%)
Exempt from FLSA Overtime
Benefited
DISCLAIMER CLAUSE:
This job announcement is not intended, and should not be construed, to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of those principal job elements essential to making fair pay decisions and determining job performance.
For more information about the position, contact the direct supervisor Director, Dr. Chip Poland
PREFERENCE DATE: June 7, 2026
APPLICATION INFORMATION: Applications received by the preference date will receive first consideration; the position will remain open until filled.
Complete the online application at https://dickinsonstate.edu/jobopenings/postings.aspx
provide three (3) references with contact information
upload a letter of application/cover letter
upload a curriculum vitae/resume
upload transcripts (if applicable)
Applicants should fully describe qualifications and experience, with specific reference to each of the qualifications and responsibilities listed above as minimum/required/preferred because this is the information on which the initial review of materials will be based. Only applicants who appear best qualified based on this review will be contacted for an interview. The submission of all required materials by the preference date is the responsibility of the applicant. (Note: incomplete applications may not be considered).
Unofficial, or copies of official, transcripts are acceptable at the time of inquiry, but official transcripts will be required if hired. If you need to order transcripts you can have them emailed to DSU.HR@dickinsonstate.edu, faxed to 701-483-2574, or mailed DSU Human Resources, 291 Campus Drive, Dickinson, ND 58601.
Both internal and external applicants are eligible to apply if they are legally authorized to work in the United States. Federal USCIS I-9 employment certification is required at hire. Employer Sponsorship will not be considered.
ND Veteran's Preference laws apply to this position. Applicants who are eligible to claim veteran's preference must provide proof of eligibility by the preference date.
Due to access to restricted information, the successful candidate will be required to complete a satisfactory criminal history record check before beginning employment.
Pursuant to N.D.C.C. 44-04-18.27, applications and any records related to the applications that identify an applicant are confidential, except records related to the finalists of the position, which are open to the public after the search committee has identified the finalists.
As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. 23-12-10.
Dickinson State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action institution that does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, national origin, age, religion, gender identity, creed, marital status, veteran's status, political belief or affiliation, information protected by the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act ("GINA"), or disability in its admissions, student aid, employment practices, educational programs, or other related activities. Pursuant to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Dickinson State University does not discriminate based on sex in its educational programs, activities, or employment opportunities as required by Title IX. Dickinson State University complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act. Dickinson State University encourages applications from diverse candidates and candidates who support diversity. Inquiries concerning Title VI, VII, ADA, ADEA, Title IX, and Section 504 may be referred to either the Title IX Coordinator, Dr. Kathy Geisen, Dickinson State University, 291 Campus Drive, May Hall, Room 226, Dickinson, ND 58601 (701) 502-2081, dsu.titleix@dickinsonstate.edu or to the Affirmative Action Officer, Krissy Kilwein, Dickinson State University, 291 Campus Drive, May Hall, Room 309, Dickinson, ND 58601, (701) 502-4304, dsu.equalopportunity@dickinsonstate.edu.
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, Dickinson State University publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report includes the University's policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years of crime statistics for our campus. As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found here.
For more information about Dickinson State University, please visit https://dickinsonstate.edu/visit. You can also visit this site https://findthegoodlife.com/ for resources and details about North Dakota!