Farm Operations Manager – Western Triangle Ag Research Center *Conrad, MT

Position: Farm Operations Manager – Western Triangle Ag Research Center *Conrad, MT*

Farm Operations Manager – Western Triangle Ag Research Center
* Conrad, MT*

Montana State University - Office of Student Engagement invites applications for the Farm Operations Manager (FOM) position at the Western Triangle Ag Research Center (WTARC) located in Conrad, MT. The FOM will work closely with the Superintendent, Department Head, faculty, and professionals to execute research and education efforts, maintain facilities, and oversee crop-related activities.

Position Overview

The FOM is responsible for maintaining WTARC facilities, serving as the primary liaison for all crop-related activities and projects, supervising classified employees and student labor, and managing daily operations and safety training.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Plant, manage, and harvest commodity and foundation seed production fields.
• Manage chemical applications, fallow ground, and crop rotations in concert with research trials.
• Conduct soil sampling for testing and fertilizer amendment.
• Help manage space and resource allocations in the research center.
• Manage day‑to‑day operations and provide safety training in collaboration with the Superintendent, faculty, and staff.
• Assist researchers in planning, planting, in‑season management, and harvesting of trials.
• Strategically plan and coordinate timely planting, management, and harvesting of crops.
• Maintain inventory of pesticides and fertilizers at WTARC.
• Maintain and repair WTARC vehicles and equipment.
• Maintain and coordinate repair of WTARC grounds and facilities.
• Maintain detailed farm records for:
  • Crop rotations.
  • Pesticide applications and carry‑over restrictions.
  • Soil nutrient inventories and fertilizer applications.
  • Crop yields and associated storage of commodities produced.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Two‑year associate degree OR an equivalent amount of applicable applied farming experience.
• Demonstrated dryland crop production experience.
• Proficiency in operating farm equipment including tractors, drills, sprayers, and combines.
• Experience in managing farm enterprises.
• Knowledge of mechanical maintenance of vehicles and farm equipment.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Hands‑on experience with application of nutrients and pesticides.
• Supervisory experience.
• Experience managing budgets.
• Ability to maintain detailed records and inventories.
• Experience with cereal crop rotations, forages, and associated pest‑management practices.
• Irrigated crop production experience.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Interact effectively with the Department Head, Superintendent, faculty, and professionals.
• Communicate effectively, with strong written and oral skills.
• Work effectively with varied constituents.
• Work proactively rather than reactively.

Position

Special Requirements / Additional Information

• Possess or obtain a Government Montana Pesticide Applicator’s License within 3 months of hire.
• Position requires seasonal weekend and/or evening hours in conjunction with farming activities.

Physical Demands

• Ability to maneuver commodities, parts, and equipment weighing up to 100 lbs.
• Work in extreme temperatures and inclement weather conditions.
• Work at elevated positions (e.g., elevator legs, grain bins).
• Work in dusty conditions and around pesticides.
• Work with and around loud and/or noisy equipment.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and meet all State of Montana requirements to operate University vehicles.

Contact Information

Peggy Lamb
plamb
406‑265‑6115

Application Instructions

To apply, please upload the following documents:

• Cover letter specifically addressing each of the Required and Preferred Qualifications.
• Resume.
• Contact information for three references, including direct supervisors.

Documents not following cover‑letter instructions may not be reviewed.

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.

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