Job Information
Montana State University Research Associate - Integrated Weed Ecology and Management in Bozeman, Montana
Position Details
Position Information
Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 24292
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Dorie Seymour
dorie.seymour@montana.edu
406-994-5718
Classification Title Research Professional
Working Title Research Associate - Integrated Weed Ecology and Management
Brief Position Overview
The Research Associate will be expected to coordinate activities with supervisors (Dr. Jane Mangold and Dr. Fabian Menalled) to accomplish the objectives of the Weed and Invasive Plant Ecology and Management Program in close communication but often with minimal supervision in conducting various tasks. Research sites will occur across Montana with the hub of activity originating in the Gallatin Valley near MSU . Occasionally, due to travel across the state and/or during field season (approximately May through October), long days will be required to perform time-sensitive weed management operations. Ability to acquire strong operational skills for small to medium-sized tractors, pesticide sprayers, tillage equipment, seeders, small-scale plot harvesters, and other farm and range management equipment is required. Basic mechanical skills are a key asset. Accurate data capture is required for a wide range of crops and rangeland plant communities in a variety of experiments. The ability to work with student researchers and supervise seasonal staff in accurate data collection and other routine field work is also required. Statistical analysis, report writing, and oral presentations skills are encouraged.
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 $50,000 - $60,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications
Contract Type LOA
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type Open
Position Details
General Statement
The Research Associate will be expected to coordinate activities with supervisors (Dr. Jane Mangold and Dr. Fabian Menalled) to accomplish the objectives of the Weed and Invasive Plant Ecology and Management Program in close communication but often with minimal supervision in conducting various tasks. Research sites will occur across Montana with the hub of activity originating in the Gallatin Valley near MSU . Occasionally, due to travel across the state and/or during field season (approximately May through October), long days will be required to perform time-sensitive weed management operations. Ability to acquire strong operational skills for small to medium-sized tractors, pesticide sprayers, tillage equipment, seeders, small-scale plot harvesters, and other farm and range management equipment is required. Basic mechanical skills are a key asset. Accurate data capture is required for a wide range of crops and rangeland plant communities in a variety of experiments. The ability to work with student researchers and supervise seasonal staff in accurate data collection and other routine field work is also required. Statistical analysis, report writing, and oral presentations skills are encouraged.
Duties and Responsibilities
Conduct experiments and trials as part of the Weed and Invasive Plant Ecology and Management Program in crop and rangeland systems in field, greenhouse, and laboratory environments;
Operate small to medium-sized field equipment associated with farm and range management;
Collect, summarize, and analyze treatment data from field, lab, and greenhouse experiments;
Assist undergraduate and graduate student researchers in the Weed and Invasive Plant Ecology and Management Program;
Assist with weed and invasive plant ecology and management teaching and Extension activities, and interact with collaborators, stakeholders, and students. These activities of the MSU Weed and Invasive Plant Ecology and Management Programs to align with our university’s land grant mission.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
B.S. in agronomy, environmental sciences, range ecology, related field, or equivalent experience.
Potential to operate and perform routine maintenance on plot scale equipment.
Demonstrated ability to work efficiently in Microsoft Office software, including Excel for data management.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
M.S. in agronomy, environmental sciences, range ecology or related field, or equivalent experience.
Experience with production of dryland crops and rangeland common to Montana.
Experience identifying plants in a variety of Montana plant communities from cropland to rangeland.
Willingness to supervise undergraduate students for accurate data capture.
Willingness to assist graduate students in their field, greenhouse, and laboratory activities.
The Successful Candidate Will
Ability or desire to learn how to manage and collate large amounts of experiment and site data
Operate and maintain various research-scale sowing, tillage, spraying, soil sampling and harvest equipment
Manage multiple projects at once, meeting associated deadlines
Have strong organizational skills, including organizing schedules and physical workspace
Have the ability to keep a regular work schedule
Have the ability to pay attention to detail
Work with a collaborative spirit and maintain a collegial atmosphere
Interact with lab workers, external collaborators/stakeholders, and students in a professional, positive manner.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
Continued employment is contingent upon funding availability.
This position requires seasonal travel to field sites to plant, maintain, and harvest research plots and therefore requires a valid driver’s license.
During trips to remote field locations, and or during planting and harvest, work hours may be more than 8 hours per individual day. Overnight trips may be required.
Must possess or have 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 move objects up to 50 lbs.
Be able to work in inclement weather conditions.
Ability to operate and repair field equipment, and to collect soil and vegetation samples from the ground.
With or without reasonable accommodation, the person in this position must be able to safely operate full size pickups, ATVs, research plot scale tractors, planters and combines, as well as other stationary crop threshing and soil grinding equipment.
Must be able to tolerate soil and plant dust and pesticide application while wearing recommended safety gear
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 Upon completion of a successful search
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on April 4, 2024; 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