Precision Agriculture Testbed Operations Specialist

Precision Agriculture Testbed Operations Specialist

This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.

Position Information

Announcement Number

Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 27014

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Working Title Precision Agriculture Testbed Operations Specialist

Brief Position Overview

Precision Agriculture Testbed Operations Specialist supports MSU’s role in the Headwaters Tech Hub effort by managing on-farm technology systems at Lutz Farm and Red Bluff Ranch. This hands-on role focuses on implementing, maintaining, and operating advanced precision agriculture tools while supporting research, education, and industry collaboration. The position works closely with students, faculty, and partners to enable real-world technology validation.

Position Number

Position Number 4C0586

Department

Department Land Resources & Environ Sci

Division

Division College of Agriculture/MAES

Appointment Type

Appointment Type Professional

Contract Term

Contract Term Fiscal Year

Semester

If other, specify From date

If other, specify End date

FLSA

FLSA Exempt

Union Affiliation

Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining

FTE

FTE 1.0

Benefits Eligible

Salary Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.

Contract Type

Contract Type LOA

If other, please specify

Recruitment Type

Recruitment Type Open

General Statement

This position is part of Montana State University’s precision agriculture program within the College of Agriculture. The program supports agricultural technology testing, demonstration, and workforce development through field-based learning at MSU farms and partner sites. The position will be housed in the Department of Land Resources & Environmental Sciences.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead installation and maintenance of precision agriculture systems (sensors, UAVs, GPS , IoT networks).
• Operate and troubleshoot field-based data systems and infrastructure.
• Support execution of testing protocols, including data collection and sensor deployment.
• Coordinate testbed access and activities for research and industry collaborators.
• Provide technical support for testbed student activities, training, and field-based instruction.
• Assist with demonstrations, field days, workshops, and training events.
• Support implementation of applied technologies such as variable-rate input systems and livestock monitoring tools.
• Pilot UAS (drones) in support of field monitoring, herbicide application, or granular product applications.
• Operate and support agricultural equipment in field production environments (tractors, sprayers, drills, spreaders, sampling equipment).
• Install, configure, calibrate, and troubleshoot integrated precision agriculture systems ( RTK / GNSS , auto-steer, ISOBUS , controllers, displays).
• Manage, process, and organize agricultural datasets, including GIS
  -based mapping and spatial analysis.
• Develop and document technical procedures, workflows, and training materials

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Experience operating agricultural equipment in field environments.
• Experience working with agricultural sensors and data systems.
• Experience collecting, managing, or troubleshooting technical or environmental data.
• Ability to work independently in field environments.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an FAA Part 107 UAS operator license
• Ability to obtain and maintain a state of Montana herbicide applicator license and appropriate endorsements for aerial application via UAS .
• Experience collecting, managing, or processing field-based agricultural data.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Experience with precision agriculture technologies (UASs, RTK GPS , IoT sensors, vehicle guidance).
• Experience supporting testing, validation, or demonstration projects.
• Familiarity with agricultural data systems or software tools.
• Experience working with students or educational programs.
• Experience with ISOBUS systems, rate controllers, and implement integration.
• Experience with GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS Pro) and spatial data workflows.
• Experience with machine telemetry, connected equipment, or cloud data platforms.
• Experience with UAV or remote sensing systems for field data collection.
• Experience with agricultural research farms, field trials, or technology validation.
• Experience with major precision ag platforms (e.g., John Deere, Raven, Emlid).

The Successful Candidate Will

• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to work in outdoor, field-based environments.
• Effective communication with faculty, students, and industry partners.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and coordinate activities.
• Attention to detail in data collection and system operation.
• Ability to diagnose and solve field technology issues independently during active operations.
• Ability to translate field operation needs into technical equipment, software, and data requirements.
• Ability to document technical workflows and communicate solutions to diverse users.
• Ability to coordinate multiple…