Montana State University

Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 25376

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Kent McVay

kmcvay@montana.edu

(406) 994-3402

Classification Title Research/Lab Mgr

Working Title Assistant Farm Operations Manager

Brief Position Overview

Under the supervision of the Research Center’s Superintendent and the Farm Manager, this position is responsible to assist in general farm operations and maintenance of the grounds and facilities. While farm operation is the main focus of this position, research is the primary function of SARC, so at times this person may be asked to assist in field research. Duties may include planting, fertilizing, pest control, harvesting, soil sampling, and other field activities as directed by the research program staff. Some supervision of summer student workers, student interns, and seasonal workers may be required. This position is located at the Southern Agricultural Research Center near Huntley, MT.

Position Number 4M0790

Department AES SARC

Division College of Agriculture/MAES

Appointment Type Classified

Contract Term Fiscal Year

Semester

If other, specify From date

If other, specify End date

FLSA Exempt

Union Affiliation FOCUS-MFPE

FTE 1.0

Benefits Eligible Eligible

Salary $23.684 per hour, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications

Contract Type Classified Salary

If other, please specify

Recruitment Type Open

General Statement

The Southern Agricultural Research Center is one of seven off-campus research centers in the Department of Research Centers. The mission of the Department of Research Centers is to conduct scientific investigations pertaining to agriculture and natural resources and to disseminate the results of this research to farmers, scientists, and others interested in agricultural-related research. Knowledge generated by the Department of Research Centers benefits Montana agriculture and the scientific community at local, state, and national levels.

Duties and Responsibilities

Farm operations include:

• Maintain and perform repairs on vehicles and farm equipment and general building maintenance under supervision of the farm manager.
• Maintain research center grounds, landscaping, walkways, roads, and driveways.
• Seedbed preparation; planting and harvesting of field crops, soil sampling for nutrient analysis, apply and record use of fertilizers and/or pesticides to field crops, manage and record field and research irrigation; purchase and properly store agricultural chemicals.
• This position may periodically require transport of equipment by truck and trailer.
• Identification and prioritization of work tasks and delegation to seasonal workers.

Safety Program

• After 6 months on the job this position will begin to coordinate the farm safety program using existing safety information and established training materials for monthly safety talks. A high level of flexibility in running this program will be granted.
• Duties will included training of new employees and continuing education of existing employees and students concerning safety and proper operation of equipment.

Research Duties:

• When asked, all tasks will be under supervision of the research scientist, research associate, or graduate student and may include:
  • Research treatment applications
  • Recording field data.
  • Collecting soil and/or plant samples.
  • Harvesting plots.
  • Sample analysis using scientific equipment.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

1. High school diploma or GED is required.
2. Basic skills related to maintaining and simple repair of farm and field-research related equipment.
3. Ability to follow detailed instructions and protocols.
4. Computer proficiency.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

1. Bachelor’s degree in agriculture or a technology field.
2. Experience executing farm-related tasks (e.g., seeding, harvesting, fertilizing, and pesticide applications.
3. Supervisory experience of part- and/or full-time employees.
4. Experience with surface irrigation practices (ditch and gated pipe systems) common to the Yellowstone River valley of south-central Montana.
5. Experience working on a research team.
6. Experience in maintaining electronic spreadsheets and databases.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Maintain confidentiality of records and information.
• Work successfully with a various group of people.
• Consistently exercise initiative and good judgment.
• Effective interpersonal communication skills.
• Time management skills and be detail oriented.
• Work both independently and collaboratively with co-workers in a team-oriented environment.
• Represent SARC and its programs in a professional and courteous manner.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

• 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.)
• Must currently possess or be eligible to immediately obtain a State of Montana Certified Government Applicators license for the control of agricultural pests.
• Occasional work outside of traditional business hours (such as evenings and weekends) when necessary.
• Occasional in- and out-of-state travel is required.
• Continuation of employment is contingent upon performance and availability of funding.

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

• Must have the ability to maneuver 60 lbs with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must have the ability to work in cold, hot, dusty, and/or windy conditions.
• Must have the ability to navigate uneven terrain.
• Must be willing to work outdoors in all types of adverse weather conditions.
• Must be able to tolerate airborne irritants such as dust, pollen, and chemicals.
• Must be able to traverse and maneuver under farm and seed processing 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? Yes

Number of Vacancies 1

Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search

Position End Date (if temporary)

Open Date

Close Date

Applications will be:

Screening of applications will begin on May 27, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Special Instructions

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.

Read Full Description