Agronomy Research Associate​/Technician *Huntley, MT

Agronomy Research Associate/Technician
* Huntley, MT
* Please see Special Instructions for more details.

This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.

Position Information

Announcement Number

Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 26160

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Working Title Agronomy Research Associate/Technician
* Huntley, MT*

Brief Position Overview

Montana State University’s Southern Agricultural Research Center (SARC) is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented individual to join its field crops agronomy research program. This position provides an exciting opportunity to contribute to applied research and outreach that directly supports farmers and agribusinesses in south-central Montana’s dryland and irrigated production systems. The successful candidate will participate in research across a variety of agronomic crops, with emphasis on water and nutrient management, soil health, and crop performance.

Key responsibilities include fieldwork, data collection, operation and maintenance of farm and laboratory equipment, data management and basic analysis, and supervision of seasonal staff. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in agronomy or a related field, enjoy working outdoors, and be eager to collaborate with researchers, producers, and stakeholders to advance MSU’s mission of agricultural innovation and outreach.

Position Number

Position Number 4C0720

Department

Department AES SARC

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 range of $40,000 to $50,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.

Contract Type

Contract Type LOA

If other, please specify

Recruitment Type

Recruitment Type Open

General Statement

The Southern Agricultural Research Center (SARC) in Huntley, Montana, is a key part of Montana State University’s Department of Research Centers, one of seven hubs advancing agricultural innovation. SARC’s scientists conduct impactful field and lab research, working closely with farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, and MSU’s Cooperative Extension Service to develop practical crop and land management solutions for southcentral Montana and beyond.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Support the field crops agronomy research program.
• Assist in the design, establishment, and maintenance of field trials.
• Apply treatments such as chemical and nutrient applications.
• Collect, analyze, and summarize field and laboratory data.
• Operate and maintain field and laboratory equipment.
• Supervise part-time and seasonal labor as needed.
• Collaborate effectively with a variety of stakeholders including researchers, producers, and agricultural partners.
• Work independently with minimal supervision.
• Travel within the state may be required occasionally.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Master’s degree in agronomy or Bachelor’s degree + 2 years of professional experience.
• Field research experience in agronomic crops research, including seeding, spraying, harvesting, and preparing seed, fertilizer, and chemical samples for research trials.
• Experience in measuring, collecting, and recording of response variables and the associated data management procedures required for statistical analysis.
• Experience in supervising part-time and temporary help.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Research experience relating to irrigation, nutrient management, and cultivar evaluation/plant breeding.
• Knowledge of the crops and production practices associated with south-central Montana.
• Experience with data management and interpretation tools such as R, Python, SAS , ARM or other statistical software packages.
• Experience in the operation and maintenance of field and laboratory equipment.
• Experience in public engagement and/or data presentation during farmer meetings or field day demonstration.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Work…