Job Information
Montana State University Research Associate I in Bozeman, Montana
Position Details
Position Information
Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 25098
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Kent McVay
kmcvay@montana.edu
406-348-3400
Classification Title Research Professional
Working Title Research Associate I
Brief Position Overview
Responsible for managing the research program of Dr. McVay. Duties include plot layout, planting, data collection, harvesting, and data analysis in coordination with Dr. McVay.
Position Number 4C8858
Department AES SARC
Division College of Agriculture/MAES
Appointment Type Professional
Contract Term
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 technical support to the Agronomy Extension Cropping Systems Research Project at the SARC in Huntley, MT. This is a full-time (40 hours/week) position.
Duties and Responsibilities
Responsible for the implementation, maintenance, and interpretation of applied agronomic field research conducted at the Southern Agricultural Research Center ( SARC ) under the direction of the Superintendent.
Primary research areas include regional and statewide germplasm evaluations in coordination with the spring wheat, winter wheat, barley, and pulse breeders on the main MSU campus at Bozeman.
Other research may include establishing and managing research plots in coordination with plant pathologists, plant nutrient specialists, and cropping systems specialists on and off-station at SARC .
Perform analysis of experimental data, summarization and interpretation of research results, and work with the superintendent and appropriate plant breeding programs for annual publication of results.
Maintain plot and related scientific equipment and supplies.
Supervise part-time and/or seasonal employees.
Communicate research findings with faculty, staff, and the agricultural community.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Bachelor’s degree with experience in agricultural research or production.
Demonstrated ability to plan, design, and implement field research, and interpret research results using accepted scientific methodology.
Experience with the basic operation, maintenance, and repair of field plot equipment.
Experience in collecting, recording, and analysis of field data.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Agricultural research experience.
M.S. in agronomy or closely related field.
Academic and/or production experience with dryland and irrigated crops common to the intermountain regions of the western United States.
Experience with irrigation systems, flood, sprinkler, and/or drip.
Experience with Windows, MS Word, MS Excel, and Statistical Analysis ( SAS or R Software).
Journal and/or grant writing experience.
Web page editing experience.
The Successful Candidate Will
Work in harmony with various group of people.
Exercise good judgement.
Have good communication skills.
Have the ability to work both independently and collaboratively with co-workers in a team-oriented environment.
Represent SARC and its programs in a professional and courteous manner.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
Must possess or obtain a valid state of Montana Driver’s license within 6 months of date of hire and have an acceptable driving record (less than 12 points).
Must possess or obtain a State of Montana Certified Government Pesticide Applicator’s License within 6 months of date of hire.
Occasional work outside of regular office hours may be required.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but is 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 equipment; requires working around loud machinery.
Must be able to maneuver items weighing up to 60 pounds.
Some tasks will require repetitive movements and may remain in a stationary position for extensive periods of time.
Must be able to work with and around dust, pollen-bearing plants, and pesticides.
Must be able to wear a respirator and other safety equipment.
Must be able to occasionally work in extreme weather conditions.
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 September 25, 2024; 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.