Job Information
Montana State University Assistant Farm Operations Manager *Kalispell, MT* in Bozeman, Montana
Position Details
Position Information
Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 22360
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Jessica Torrion
jessica.torrion@montana.edu
Classification Title Research/Lab Mgr
Working Title Assistant Farm Operations Manager Kalispell, MT
Brief Position Overview
Under the supervision of the Research Center’s Superintendent and the Farm Manager, this position is responsible for general farm operations and assists in conducting field research. It will assist faculty and research associates in planting, fertilizing, pest control, harvesting, soil sampling, and other field activities when needed. Some supervision of summer student workers, student interns, and graduate students as required. This position is located at the Northwestern Agricultural Research Center located in Kalispell, MT.
Position Number 4M0155
Department AES NWARC
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 $16.964 per hour, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications
Contract Type Classified Salary
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type Open
Position Details
General Statement
The Northwestern 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 operation duties include:
- Maintain and perform minor repairs on vehicles and farm equipment: general building maintenance; maintain research center grounds and landscaping: seedbed preparation; planting and harvesting of field and research crops, soil sampling for nutrient analysis, apply and record use of fertilizers and/or pesticides to field crops, research plots, manage and record all field and research irrigation; purchase and properly store agricultural chemicals; implement safety procedures; and maintain roadways on the station.
Research duties may include: ·
Application of treatments to research plots, recording field data and collecting and analyzing research samples/data using scientific equipment and supplies. Occasional off-station travel transporting field and plot equipment by truck or combination of truck and trailer may be required.
Supervises/trains part-time and seasonal workers: The individual will be responsible at times for the direct supervision and training of part-time and/or seasonal employees. Tasks include identification and prioritization of work tasks and delegation of tasks to part-time staff and seasonal workers.
Helps train all employees on the safe operation and use of equipment.
Assists in preparing written materials such as bids for purchasing state equipment (i.e. tractors, equipment, etc.) purchasing forms, recording of plot data, and record-keeping.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
High school diploma or GED is required.
Supervisory experience of part- and/or full-time employees.
Must be familiar with surface irrigation practices (ditch and gated pipe systems) common to the Yellowstone River valley of south-central Montana.
Computer proficiency.
Experience executing farm-related tasks (e.g., seeding and harvesting) in an applied research environment
Basic skills related to maintaining and simple repair of farm and field-research related equipment.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Bachelor’s degree in an agriculture or a technology field.
Experience working on a research team.
Experience in maintaining electronic spreadsheets and databases.
The ability to maintain confidentiality of records and information.
Experience with surface irrigation practices (ditch and gated pipe systems) common to the Yellowstone River valley of south-central Montana.
The Successful Candidate Will
Have the ability to follow detailed instructions and protocols
Work successfully with a diverse group of people.
Have the ability to consistently exercise initiative and good judgment.
Have effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
Have good time management skills and be detail oriented.
Have the ability to work both independently and collaboratively with co-workers.
Have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with co-workers and others in a team-oriented environment.
Be able to represent SARC and its programs in a professional and courteous manner.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
Must possess currently or be eligible to immediately obtain a valid State of Montana Driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record (less than 12 points).
Must possess currently or be eligible to immediately obtain a State of Montana Certified Government Applicators license for the control of agricultural pests.
Must be willing to work outside of traditional business hours (such as evenings and weekends) when research protocols dictate.
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
Posting Detail Information
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, 2022; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
Diversity Statement
Montana State University values diverse perspectives and is committed to continually supporting, promoting and building an inclusive and culturally diverse campus environment. MSU recognizes the importance of work-life integration and strives to be responsive to the needs of dual career couples.
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.
MSU’s Non-Discrimination Policy and Discrimination Grievance Procedures can be located on the MSU Website: https://www.montana.edu/hr/recruitment/dualcareer.html