Position Details Position Information Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 25249 For questions regarding this position, please contact: Chengci Chen cchen@montana.edu 406-433-2208 Classification Title Research Asst II Working Title Research Assistant II Brief Position Overview This position is to support the field, greenhouse, and lab research activities for camelina and pulse crops. This position is under the supervision of the superintendent to support mainly for, but not limited to, the camelina and pulse crop research projects. Position Number 4M0879 Department AES EARC Division College of Agriculture/MAES Appointment Type Classified Contract Term Fiscal Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date FLSA Non-Exempt Union Affiliation FOCUS-MFPE FTE 1.0 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications. Contract Type Classified Salary If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open Position Details General Statement The Eastern Agricultural Research Center is located near Sidney, Montana in the agricultural production area involving ten Montana counties bordering North Dakota known as the Mondak region. EARC has 120 acres of sprinkler and furrow irrigated and 40 acres of rain fed cropland. Off-station projects in the region enhance the EARC enterprise. The research center recently completed a $2.8 million building improvement program including new offices, meeting rooms, laboratories and greenhouse spaces. The facility is presently equipped with field and laboratory research equipment, storage facilities and a seed processing lab. The facility also houses the Richland County Extension Office. In addition, the USDA ARS Northern Plains Agricultural Research Laboratory is located nearby with a rich history of collaborative research programs. Dryland crops include winter and spring wheat, durum wheat, barley, canola, camelina, safflower, pea, lentil, and chickpea. Irrigated crops include malt barley, soybean, dry beans, and corn. A local advisory board made up of producers and industry representatives from Montana and North Dakota (MonDak area) provides guidance on establishing EARC research priorities. Duties and Responsibilities Job duties include but not limit to: + Packaging and organizing seeds; + Planting field plots (driving tractor or operating planter); + Applying fertilizer and controlling weeds; + Collecting soil and plant samples; + Processing soil and plant samples in the lab; + Recording and entering data into a computer. + This person will also clean and maintain EARC ground and facilities and help in other projects as needed. Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills + B.S. or M.S. degree in related fields. + Knowledge and experience in organizing field and greenhouse experiments. + Knowledge and experience in processing soil and plant samples in the lab. + Experience in using Microsoft Word and Excel. Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills + Knowledge in statistical analysis. + Experience in operating small farm equipment. The Successful Candidate Will + Have great communication skills. + Work as part of a team. + Exercise initiative and independent judgement in day to day activities. + Have the ability to prioritize duties, and possess time management skills. Position Special Requirements/Additional Information + Occasional in and out of state overnight travels are required. + Continuation of employment is contingent upon 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 + Successful candidate must be able to work in Montana’s climate and field environment. + Occasional moving of seeds and samples in bags weighing up to 50 pounds, ability to tolerate dust, insects, fungus, stationary position for extended periods of time and excellent manual dexterity. 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 January 28, 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. 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