Keogh Ranch Operations Manager *Miles

Ft. Keogh Ranch Operations Manager
* Miles City*

This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

The Ft. Keogh Operations Manager is responsible for managing approximately 55,000 acres of range and agricultural land, facilities, staff, and livestock (cattle and horses) used in the research and educational activities of USDA, MAES, and Extension. The role also oversees about 1,000 acres of cropland for feedstuff production and works closely with partners to support research and education programs.

• Oversee livestock facility operations, maintenance, and improvements, including animal health, well‑being, feeding, and compliance with AACUC protocols.
• Develop feeding and grazing protocols for livestock under Animal Use Agreements.
• Coordinate cattle breeding decisions with ARS leadership and make culling/replacement decisions.
• Manage all cattle operations: calving, breeding, weaning, pasture moves, fence/corral maintenance, doctoring, low‑stress handling, and IACUC guidelines.
• Manage irrigated and dryland feedstuff production in collaboration with USDA and MAES partners.
• Coordinate use, maintenance, and repair of equipment and facilities per MSU and USDA‑ARS policies.
• Oversee MSU budget for the facility and ensure adherence to fiscal and procurement policies.
• Hire, train, and supervise personnel with collaboration from Maintenance Supervisor, Feedlot Manager, and Ranch Foremen.
• Maintain accurate records: animal inventory, health, hay production, supplements, equipment use, and MSU property.
• Coordinate animal, facility, and pasture use among all parties.
• Assist with shop direction, equipment repair, and prioritization of maintenance schedules.
• Plan and conduct safety meetings for all MSU employees.
• Communicate effectively with researchers, educators, partners, and the public.
• Provide leadership and coordination for all research projects and supervise data collection and documentation.

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture or related field and at least 2 years of professional experience.
• Experience in operations and budget management, including supervising personnel.
• Experience in livestock management and feedlot operations, with low‑stress handling skills.
• Documented ranch and farm management experience: native range, irrigated & dryland crops, improved pasture.
• Proficiency in computer applications:
  Microsoft Office, ration balancing software, database use, IP protocols, network services.

• Master’s degree in an agriculture‑related field.
• Livestock research experience.

• Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
• Strong teamwork ability and self‑directed performance under minimal supervision.
• Excellent record‑keeping and detail orientation.
• Decision‑making capability in absence of direct leadership.
• Experience working with federal and state entities for budgetary and research needs.

• Ability to manage livestock and operate farm machinery.
• Ability to lift 100 lbs (e.g., feed and baby calves).

This role contains supervisory duties and requires an applicant to manage personnel, budget, and research activities. All duties are subject to change at MSU’s discretion.

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 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.

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional documents can be submitted at the applicant’s discretion.