Position Details Position Information Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 25294 For questions regarding this position, please contact: Zach Miller zachariah.miller@montana.edu 406-961-3025 Classification Title Research Professional Working Title Research Associate Brief Position Overview The Research Associate will be responsible for the management of the human, physical, and natural resources related to agronomic and horticultural research at the Montana State University-Western Agricultural Research Center ( WARC ) in Corvallis, MT. Duties include operation and maintenance of farm equipment, implementation of research protocols, data entry and analysis, and training and supervision of field crews. Position Number 4C2732 Department AES WARC 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 $45,000 - $50,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications Contract Type LOA If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open Position Details General Statement This position provides support to the horticultural and agronomic research programs at the WARC , including the supervision of part-time/seasonal employees who assist with these programs. The WARC is one of seven research centers distributed across Montana in the Department of Research Centers under the College of Agriculture and the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station (map of research centers) (http://agresearch.montana.edu/researchcenters.html) . WARC is located in southwest Montana in the Bitterroot Valley, 45 miles south of Missoula. The goal of its researchers is to serve Montana fruit and vegetable growers by seeking more profitable ways to produce and market agricultural products. The area boasts spectacular scenery and rural appeal plus an array of recreational activities including fishing, hiking, hunting, photography, skiing, boating, and musical and cultural events. Duties and Responsibilities Duties of this position include, but are not limited to: + Assistance in the planning, design and implementation of field research projects, including the application of treatments to research plots; + Field data recording and collection of research samples using scientifically prescribed methods; + Data compilation, entry and analysis, summarization and interpretation of research results; + Maintaining and operating field equipment for planting and harvesting crops, field and grounds maintenance; + Managing irrigation, soil nutrients, and pests which includes monitoring their levels in fields, maintaining supplies of nutrients and pesticides, mixing and application of these materials, and keeping records of their application; + Supervision and training field crews to ensure tasks are completed in a safe, effective, and timely manner; + Maintaining historic and research orchards including pruning and training. Secondary duties assigned to this position include: + Managing the grounds including lawn, trees, shrubs, and fences; + Assisting in facility maintenance and repair. Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills + B.S. in Agronomy, Plant Science, or related field; + Expertise in implementing field-based, agricultural/horticultural research; + Expertise in farm/orchard and crop management; + Ability to operate and maintain agricultural equipment/machinery; + Experience in construction/facilities maintenance; + Experience in record keeping and data entry and basis analysis; + Supervisory experience in research or agricultural field. Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills + M.S. in Agronomy, Plant Science or related field; + Proficiency in experimental design and data analysis; + Demonstrates skill in written and verbal communication e.g. Grant, scientific paper and popular press report writing experience. The Successful Candidate Will + Self-directed and motivated. + Team-oriented in support of the Research Center’s mission. + Extensive knowledge of crop production and farm operations and maintenance. + Outstanding written and oral communication skills. + Effective communication with faculty, researchers, staff, and students. + Detail-oriented with excellent record-keeping skills. 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 possess a Montana Department of Agriculture Government Pesticide Applicators License, or be eligible and able to obtain one within 6-months of hire. + Must be willing to work outside of traditional business hours when research protocols dictate. 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 With or without reasonable accommodation, the person in this position must be able to: + Lift and maneuver 80 pounds. + Working in extreme temperature, weather conditions. + Working with and around pesticides, loud equipment, and heavy machinery. + Working in elevated position (e.g. on ladders) + Occasionally working on weekends or evenings. 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 March 12, 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.