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Position Details

Position Information

Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 26255

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Perry Miller

[email protected] ([email protected]) mailto:[email protected]

406-994-5431

Classification Title Research Professional

Working Title Research Associate - Sustainable Cropping Systems

Brief Position Overview

The Research Associate will be expected to coordinate activities with the Project Director (Dr. Perry Miller) and accomplish the objectives of the program in close communication but often with minimal supervision in conducting various tasks. Research sites may occur across Montana farm country but will occur mainly in the Gallatin Valley near MSU . Occasionally, due to travel out in the state, long days may be required to perform time-sensitive research management operations or data collection. The Research Associate will be required to have operational skills for small to medium-sized tractors, pesticide sprayers, tillage equipment, small-scale plot harvesters, and truck-mounted soil sample probes. Basic mechanical skills are an asset. Accurate data capture is required for a wide range of crops in non-routine experiments. The ability to supervise hourly staff in accurate data collection is also required. Statistical analysis, report writing, and oral presentation skills are encouraged but are secondary to field research operational needs.

Position Number 4C0097

Department Land Resources & Environ Sci

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

Candidates are sought for the position of Research Associate in the Cropping Systems Program in the Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences at Montana State University ( MSU ). Research in the Cropping Systems Program involves discovering more sustainable practices for Montana’s dryland cropping systems. This program has a 21-yr history of success at MSU and will be continuing long-term research projects, including conventional no-till (majority) and certified organic emphases, and exploring new dimensions for sustainable crop management. This program has held a strong focus on crop diversification, especially with pulse crops, and in studying cropping systems impacts on soils. Close collaboration with soil and pest science colleagues, and other scientific disciplines, is routine.

The Research Associate will be expected to coordinate activities with the Project Director (Dr. Perry Miller) and accomplish the objectives of the program in close communication but often with minimal supervision in conducting various tasks. Research sites may occur across Montana but will reside mainly in the Gallatin Valley near MSU . Occasionally, due to travel out in the state and/or during planting and harvest, long days may be required to perform time-sensitive crop management operations. The Research Associate will be required to have strong operational skills for small to medium-sized tractors, pesticide sprayers, tillage equipment, small-scale plot harvesters, and truck-mounted soil sample probes. Basic mechanical skills are a key asset. Accurate data capture is required for a wide range of crops in non-routine experiments. The ability to supervise seasonal staff in accurate data collection is also required. Statistical analysis, report writing, and oral presentations skills are encouraged but are secondary to field research operational needs.

Duties and Responsibilities

+ Assist in design and carry out non-routine cropping systems experiments in field environments.

+ Operate small to medium-sized tractors, pesticide sprayers, tillage equipment, small-scale plot harvesters, and truck-mounted soil sample probes.

+ Record all pertinent metadata related to trial management and environment

+ Collect, summarize, and analyze (optional) treatment data from field experiments.

+ The successful candidate will be expected to supervise seasonal or temporary employees for accurate data capture.

+ This position may require seasonal travel to on-farm locations across Montana to plant, maintain and harvest research plots.

+ Interact with collaborators, stakeholders, and students in a professional manner.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

+ B.S. in agronomy or closely related field.

+ Working knowledge of field research procedures.

+ Demonstrated ability to operate and perform routine maintenance on plot scale equipment.

+ Demonstrated ability to work efficiently in Microsoft Excel for data management.

+ Ability to work with a collaborative spirit and maintain a positive atmosphere.

+ Possess or ability to obtain a pesticide applicators license.

+ Possess a valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

+ M.S. in agronomy or related field.

+ Experience with production of dryland crops common to Montana.

+ Demonstrated experience supervising undergraduate and graduate students for accurate data capture.

The Successful Candidate Will

+ Have the ability to operate and maintain various research-scale sowing, tillage, spraying, soil sampling and harvest equipment

+ Have the ability to capture data electronically and manipulate data using Excel

+ Have the ability to organize a physical workspace

+ Have the ability to keep a regular work schedule

+ Have the ability to pay attention to detail

+ Have the ability to interact with lab workers, external collaborators/stakeholders, and students in a professional, positive manner.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

+ Tolerate soil and crop dust and pesticide application while wearing recommended safety gear

+ This position requires seasonal travel to on- and off-campus field sites to plant, maintain, and harvest research plots and therefore requires a valid driver’s license.

+ During off-campus trips to remote field locations, and or during planting and harvest, work hours may be more than 8 hours per individual day.

+ Must possess or have the the ability to obtain a pesticide applicators license within six months of hire date.

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Physical Demands

+ Be able to lift 50 lbs.

+ Be able to work in inclement weather conditions.

+ With or without reasonable accommodation the person in this position must be able to safely operate full size pickups, research plot scale tractors, planters and combines as well as other stationary crop threshing and soil grinding equipment.

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? No

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 January 27, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Special Instructions

This position is not eligible for new 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.