What are the responsibilities and job description for the Farm Operations Manager – Western Triangle Ag Research Center *Conrad, MT position at Montana State University?
Western Triangle Ag Research Center consists of 75 acres and serves agricultural producers by conducting relevant dryland and irrigated research in cereals, oilseeds, pulses and forage crops and disseminates the garnered information to the general public and scientific community.
When fully staffed, the research center houses an agronomist, an entomologist, two research assistants, a farm operations manager and one part-time administrative assistant. A local advisory board made up of area producers and industry representatives from the surrounding counties provides guidance on WTARC research priorities.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Plant, manage and harvest commodity and foundation seed production fields.
- Manage chemical applications, fallow ground and crop rotations in concert with research trials.
- Conducts soil sampling for testing and fertilizer amendment.
- Help manage space and resources allocations in the research center.
- Manage day-to-day operations, and safety training at the center working in concert with the Superintendent, other faculty, and professional staff.
- Assist researchers in planning, planting, in-season management and harvesting of trials.
- Strategically plan and coordinate the timely planting, management, and harvesting of crops.
- Maintain inventory of pesticides and fertilizers at WTARC.
- Maintenance and repair of WTARC vehicles and equipment.
- Maintain and coordinate repair of WTARC grounds and facilities.
- Maintaining detailed farm records for:
- Crop rotations.
- Pesticide applications, carryover restrictions, and other associated information that impacts crop and trial ground management.
- Soil nutrient inventories and fertilizer applications.
- Crop yields and associated storage of commodities produced.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Two-year associate degree OR an equivalent amount of applicable applied farming experience.
- Demonstrated dryland crop production experience.
- Demonstrated ability to proficiently operate farm equipment including tractors, drills, sprayers and combines.
- Demonstrated experience in managing farm enterprises.
- Knowledge of mechanical maintenance of vehicles and farm equipment.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Documented hands-on experience with application of nutrients and pesticides.
- Demonstrated supervisory experience.
- Demonstrated experience managing budgets.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain detailed records and inventories.
- Demonstrated experience with cereal crop rotations and forages and associated pest management practices.
- Irrigated crop production experience.
The Successful Candidate Will
- Interact effectively with the Department Head, Superintendent, other faculty and professionals.
- Communicate effectively, both written and oral skills.
- Work effectively with varied constituents.
- Be able to work proactively versus reactively.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
- Possess or obtain a Government Montana Pesticide Applicators License within 3 months of hire.
- Position requires seasonal weekend and/or evening hours in conjunction with farming activities.
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.
Physical Demands
- Ability to maneuver commodities, parts and equipment weighing up to 100 lbs.
- Position requires working in extreme temperatures and inclement weather conditions.
- Working at elevated positions (examples: elevator legs, grain bins, equipment).
- Working in dusty conditions and with and around pesticides.
- Working with and around loud and/or other noisy equipment.
- Currently possess or obtain a Government Montana Pesticide Applicators License within 3 months of hire.
- 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.)
Position requires seasonal weekend and/or evening hours in conjunction with farming activities.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
This position has supervisory duties?
Yes
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
Upon completion of a successful search
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on April 24, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
To apply, please upload the following documents:
- A cover letter specifically addressing EACH of the Required and Preferred Qualifications.
- Current Resume.
- Contact information for (3) references, that includes direct supervisors.
EEO Statement
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 located in the Demographics section of your profile.
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 located in the Demographics section of your profile.
