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Position Details

Position Information

Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 26160

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Eeusha Nafi

[email protected]

406-994-3407

Classification Title Research Professional

Working Title Research Associate *Huntley, MT*

Brief Position Overview

Montana State University’s Southern Agricultural Research Center ( SARC ) is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented individual to join its field crops agronomy research program. This position provides an exciting opportunity to contribute to applied research and outreach that directly supports farmers and agribusinesses in south-central Montana’s dryland and irrigated production systems. The successful candidate will participate in research across a variety of agronomic crops, with emphasis on water and nutrient management, soil health, and crop performance. Key responsibilities include fieldwork, data collection, operation and maintenance of farm and laboratory equipment, data management and basic analysis, and supervision of seasonal staff. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in agronomy or a related field, enjoy working outdoors, and be eager to collaborate with researchers, producers, and stakeholders to advance MSU’s mission of agricultural innovation and outreach.

Position Number 4C0720

Department AES SARC

Division College of Agriculture/MAES

Appointment Type Professional

Contract Term Fiscal Year

Semester

If other, specify From date

If other, specify End date

FLSA Exempt

Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining

FTE 1.0

Benefits Eligible Eligible

Salary Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.

Contract Type LOA

If other, please specify

Recruitment Type Open

Position Details

General Statement

The Southern Agricultural Research Center ( SARC ) in Huntley, Montana, is a key part of Montana State University’s Department of Research Centers, one of seven hubs advancing agricultural innovation. SARC’s scientists conduct impactful field and lab research, working closely with farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, and MSU’s Cooperative Extension Service to develop practical crop and land management solutions for southcentral Montana and beyond.

Duties and Responsibilities

+ Support the field crops agronomy research program.

+ Assist in the design, establishment, and maintenance of field trials.

+ Apply treatments such as chemical and nutrient applications.

+ Collect, analyze, and summarize field and laboratory data.

+ Operate and maintain field and laboratory equipment.

+ Supervise part-time and seasonal labor as needed.

+ Collaborate effectively with a variety of stakeholders including researchers, producers, and agricultural partners.

+ Work independently with minimal supervision.

+ Travel within the state may be required occasionally.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

+ Master’s degree in agronomy or Bachelor’s degree + 2 years of professional experience.

+ Field research experience in agronomic crops research, including seeding, spraying, harvesting, and preparing seed, fertilizer, and chemical samples for research trials.

+ Experience in measuring, collecting, and recording of response variables and the associated data management procedures required for statistical analysis.

+ Experience in supervising part-time and temporary help.

+ Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

+ Research experience relating to irrigation, nutrient management, and cultivar evaluation/plant breeding.

+ Knowledge of the crops and production practices associated with south-central Montana.

+ Experience with data management and interpretation tools such as R, Python, SAS , ARM or other statistical software packages.

+ Experience in the operation and maintenance of field and laboratory equipment.

+ Experience in public engagement and/or data presentation during farmer meetings or field day demonstration.

The Successful Candidate Will

+ Work independently and as part of a team environment.

+ Highly effective interpersonal skills including the ability to work cooperatively with research faculty, producers and co-workers.

+ Be meticulous and precise in carrying out work assignments.

+ Follow instructions, maintain effective attention to detail, meeting deadlines, and prioritizing competing demands.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

+ May require work outside of traditional business hours when research protocols dictate.

+ Must be able to drive a pick-up truck while towing trailers or farm implements.

+ Must possess a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and meet all State of Montana requirements to operate State/University vehicles. (If successful candidate possesses a valid out-of-state driver’s license, must obtain a valid Montana driver’s license within 60 days of hire.)

Physical Demands

+ Must be able to enter, exit and operate numerous types of farm machinery (tractor, planter, plot combines, tillage, spray equipment etc.).

+ Must have ability to maneuver up to 80 pounds.

+ Must have the ability to navigate uneven terrain.

+ Position will require employee to work both indoors and outdoors

+ Exposure to all types of adverse weather conditions.

+ Exposure to airborne irritants such as dust, pollen, and chemicals.

+ Occasional in-and-out-of-state travel will be required.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

This position has supervisory duties? Yes

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies 1

Desired Start Date

Position End Date (if temporary)

Open Date

Close Date

Applications will be:

Screening of applications will begin on October 21, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Special Instructions

This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

EEO Statement

Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.

In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.