Research Associate *Kalispell, MT

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.

STAFF - VA - 27065

AES NWARC

College of Agriculture/MAES

Professional

Fiscal Year

If other, specify From date

Exempt

Exempt from Collective Bargaining

1.0

Salary Commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications

LOA

Open

The Northwestern Agricultural Research Center ( NWARC ) is located near Kalispell, MT, and is an integral part of Montana State University. NWARC is one of the seven Research Centers comprising the Department of Research Centers. Scientists at NWARC conduct agricultural field and laboratory researches, interact with farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, and MSU Cooperative Extension Service.

• Support the field crop physiology research program.
• Assist in the design, establishment, and maintenance of field research studies.
• Apply treatments such as irrigation and nutrient applications.
• Apply pesticides, insecticides, and herbicides of the field research studies.
• Collect, analyze, and summarize research 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.

• B.S. in agronomy, biology or a closely related discipline.
• Field research experience in agronomic crops research, such as maintaining and harvesting research plots.
• 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.

• M.S. in agronomy, crop science, biology, or closely related field.
• Research experience relating to irrigation, nutrient management, and cultivar evaluation/plant breeding.
• Knowledge of the crops and production practices associated with Northwest Montana.
• Experience with data management and interpretation tools such as SAS , ARM or other statistical software packages.
• Experience in the operation and maintenance of field and laboratory equipment.
• Experience with pesticides, insecticides, and herbicide application.
• Experience in public engagement and/or data presentation during farmer meetings or field day demonstration.

• Work independently and as part of a team environment.
• Highly effective interpersonal skills including the ability to work cooperatively with research faculty, producers and co-workers.
• Be meticulous and precise in carrying out work assignments.
• Follow instructions, maintain effective attention to detail, meeting deadlines, and prioritizing competing demands.

• Must be willing to work outside of traditional business hours when research protocols dictate.
• Must be able to drive a pick-up truck while towing trailers or farm implements.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and meet all State of Montana requirements to operate State/University vehicles. (If successful candidate possesses a valid out-of-state driver’s license, must obtain a valid Montana driver’s license within 60 days of hire.

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

• Must be able to enter, exit and operate numerous types of farm machinery.
• Must be able to move 60 pounds.
• Must be able to…