Assistant Professor, Cropping System Agronomist *Havre, MT

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Brief Position Overview

The Cropping Systems Agronomist will lead a field-oriented research program to diversify and intensify crop rotations in northcentral Montana. This role involves applied field research to enhance sustainable production and economic viability for producers, and collaboration with diverse stakeholders. Key responsibilities include conducting producer relevant, field-oriented research, communicating research findings, securing extramural grant funding, and participating in outreach activities. This is a twelve-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor position focused on research, outreach, and service, with no formal teaching duties.

Faculty Tenure Track

Faculty Tenure Track Yes

Faculty Rank

Faculty Rank Assistant/Associate Professor

Position Number

Position Number 4B3716

Department

Department AES NARC

Division

Division College of Agriculture/MAES

Appointment Type

Appointment Type Faculty

Contract Term

Contract Term Fiscal Year

Semester

If other, specify From date

If other, specify End date

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 MUS

If other, please specify

Recruitment Type

Recruitment Type Open

General Statement

This tenure-track position is located at Northern Agricultural Research Center ( NARC ), a diversified crop and livestock research facility located seven miles southwest of Havre, MT (pop. 9,400). The average farm size in northcentral MT is over 4,000 acres and major crop production includes winter and spring wheat, barley, peas, lentils, chickpeas, canola, mustard, flax, safflower, alfalfa, and annual and perennial forages.
Havre offers year-round outdoor recreational opportunities along the Milk River, in the Bear Paw Mountains and at multiple large reservoirs. Hunting, fishing, hiking, boating, golfing, skiing, ice skating, civic organizations, and community events, along with cultural attractions including museums, galleries, concerts, and live theater keep locals busy and draw visitors from across the state. Historical attractions nearby include the Montana Dinosaur Trail, Bear Paw Battlefield, Fort Assinniboine, and the Wahkpa Chu’gn Buffalo Jump.

Havre is a small town with a low crime rate and is the regional commercial hub for the Hi-Line. Also located in Havre, but not part of the research center, is Montana State University-Northern, north central Montana’s comprehensive university offering degrees at the associate, baccalaureate, and master’s levels.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Cropping Systems Agronomist will lead an applied, field-oriented research program to diversify or intensify current rotation practices in north-central Montana, including cereals, pulses, oilseeds, forages, and other alternative crops. This role requires direct engagement in field activities, including data collection, operation of agricultural machinery, and implementation of research methodologies. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to personally design, conduct, and analyze field studies and are expected to remain actively involved in these core responsibilities.

This research should enhance the sustained production and economic viability of the region’s farmers. The Department seeks an individual to identify and address research needs in cropping systems through discussions with stakeholders. The incumbent is expected to cooperate with multi-discipline MSU and public-sector scientists, extension personnel, farmers, private industry, advisory groups, and commodity organizations to develop research priorities and assist in developing management recommendations.
As a faculty…