Barley Seed Lab and Field Technician

This full‑time professional Research Associate position supports the MSU Barley Breeding research project. The role focuses on supervising field and greenhouse research, collecting and analyzing data, and aiding in the production of annual summary publications, reports, and papers.

This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.

• Assist in the planning, design, and implementation of field research projects.
• Plant, maintain, and harvest plots, including fertility, pest, and weed management.
• Collect, tabulate, and curate field data and lab samples.
• Set up breeding trials, test germination, treat seed, and manage harvest logistics.
• Maintain the germplasm seed collection.
• Oversee student and seasonal employees.
• Operate, calibrate, and maintain field and laboratory equipment.
• Manage breeding greenhouse operations, including planting, pest scouting, watering, and harvesting.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations.
• Provide effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Work outside conventional business hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed.
• Drive a pick‑up truck capable of towing trailers or farm implements and operate farm machinery safely.
• Maintain a valid Montana driver’s license.

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Plant Science, or related field (or equivalent education/experience).
• Field experience in agriculture.
• Proficiency operating, calibrating, and maintaining tractors, sprayers, planters, harvesters, and seed cleaners.
• Knowledge of field fertility, weed, and pest management.
• Experience collecting and recording field data.
• Experience safely operating farm‑scale and plot‑scale equipment.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational, and time‑management skills.
• Proven supervisory experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Windows and Office Suite.
• Ability to obtain a Montana Department of Agriculture Government Pesticide Applicator’s License (demonstration, agricultural plant pest control, and seed treatment) within six months of hire.

• Experience managing a greenhouse.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, design, and implement field research, including plot layout, maintenance, and precision harvesting.
• Master’s degree in Agronomy, Plant Science, or related field.
• Experience with dryland crops and related cropping systems common to the Northern Great Plains.
• Data analysis skills.
• Grant, scientific paper, and/or popular press writing experience.
• License to fly unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV).

This job description is a general overview and not an exhaustive list of duties. Montana State University reserves the right to assign or reassign responsibilities at any time.

• Navigate rough terrain for extended periods of time.
• Work in inclement weather, dust, pollen, and pesticide exposure.
• Operate loud equipment and heavy machinery.

• Resume
• Cover Letter

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 in the Demographics section of your profile.