Job Information
Montana State University Research Associate - Weed Science at SARC, Huntley, MT in Bozeman, Montana
Position Details
Position Information
Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 24242
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Dr. Lovreet Shergill
lovreet.shergill@montana.edu
(406) 348-3400
Classification Title Research Professional
Working Title Research Associate - Weed Science at SARC, Huntley, MT
Brief Position Overview
This position is located at SARC , Huntley, MT. The person in this position will be responsible for managing comprehensive greenhouse, laboratory, and applied field-oriented research, emphasizing integrated strategies for weed management within Montana cropping systems.
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 $40,000 annually, 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 ) is a 462 acre facility located in the Huntley-Worden Irrigation Project approximately 15 miles east of Billings, Montana. The center conducts agronomic research and education programs for agriculture in the dryland and irrigated areas located in proximity to the Yellowstone River Valley of south-central Montana. Major crops include winter and spring wheat, malt and feed barley, oat, sugar beets, silage and field corn, dry beans, alfalfa, as well as substantial hay and pasture acreage. Sprinkler irrigation occurs in the region, but flood irrigation districts predominate in the river valleys where higher value crops are grown. Dryland small grains are mostly produced in crop-fallow rotations. Additional information about the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station, the Department of Research Centers and the Southern Agricultural Research Center may be found by accessing MSU’s College of Agriculture web page at https://agresearch.montana.edu/index.html
Duties and Responsibilities
This position requires a proactive approach to fulfill the outlined responsibilities, which encompass, but are not limited to:
Lead the establishment and maintenance of field research plots, overseeing activities from planting to harvest.
Coordinate/perform herbicide/pesticide spray operations, ensuring not only efficacy but also strict adherence to established protocols.
Collaborate with a team of graduate students and other field research staff at the Agricultural Experiment Station.
Design and implement field and greenhouse studies, actively participating in data collection.
Supervise the operation, maintenance, and repair of research equipment, field/heavy machinery, vehicles, and greenhouse/laboratory facilities relevant to the weed science program.
Ensure equipment is in optimal condition to support seamless research operations.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
B.S. in Agriculture, Biology, or closely related field.
Experience and accurate knowledge of agronomic practices including seedbed preparation, planting, fertilization, irrigation, pest management, harvest, and sample processing.
Capable of designing and laying out field research plots and herbicide applications using handheld and tractor-mounted sprayer.
Basic computer skills and ability to work with data management software for developing protocols and analyzing data.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
M.S. Weed Science, Agronomy, or closely-related field.
Experience in conducting field-oriented agronomic/weed science research.
Experience in remote sensing/precision agriculture.
Academic and/or production experience with dryland and irrigated crops and related cropping systems common to the intermountain regions of the western United States.
Experience in data collection and management of large-scale field research experiments.
Demonstrated ability to work under minimum supervision while making good decisions and accomplishing tasks/workload in an accurate and timely manner.
The Successful Candidate Will
Have excellent organizational skills, the ability to communicate verbally and in writing, and will be a critical thinker who can effectively prioritize and manage several projects at once.
Be able to work cooperatively with others, as well as independently.
Have the ability to understand and follow instructions and procedures to effectively operate work related equipment.
Will maintain confidentiality of records and information
Will establish and maintain effective working relations with co-workers, faculty, and staff in a team-oriented environment.
Will represent SARC to others in a professional and courteous manner.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
In accordance with MSU policy, hiring will be conditional upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check.
Must possess or be eligible to obtain a valid State of Montana driver’s license within six months of hire.
Must possess or be able to obtain a pesticide applicators license within six months of hire.
Must be able to obtain a drone flying license within six months of hire.
Must be willing to 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.
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 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 Upon completion of a successful search
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on February 20, 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