What are the responsibilities and job description for the Program Lead, Variety Testing position at MSU - Central Ag Research Ctr?
The Central Agricultural Research Center (CARC) is a premier research facility located two miles west of Moccasin, Montana. As part of the Department of Research Centers, CARC offers an excellent opportunity for collaboration with plant breeders, crop and soil scientists, plant pathologists, and other experts in agricultural disciplines.
With approximately 600 acres available for dryland research, CARC is well-equipped with modern field and plot scale equipment, a seed processing laboratory, and a state-of-the-art greenhouse. The center provides an ideal environment for conducting research and testing new crop varieties.
Crop Variety Testing Program
The position will direct the CARC crop variety testing program both on- and off-center in the surrounding seven-county area, collaborating with Montana State University's plant breeding programs. This may include:
- At least 60% collaborative work with Montana State University's plant breeding programs (spring wheat, winter wheat, durum, barley, and pulses).
- Additional variety testing investigations may include oilseed crops, annual and perennial forages, and other crops based on farmer need and interest.
Educational Leadership
The successful candidate will provide educational leadership on crop variety selection to farmers and stakeholders in Central Montana, including:
- DIRECTING AND ASSISTING IN PRESENTATIONS.
- HOSPITING AND CONTRIBUTING TO FIELD TOURS.
- PARTICIPATING IN OTHER EVENTS TO ASSIST FARMERS IN CROP VARIETY SELECTION.
Technical Report Writing and Co-Authorship
The selected individual will meet expectations of annual technical report writing and co-authorship of Extension and Scientific publications, including:
- CONTRIBUTING TO POPULAR PRESS MATERIALS AND IN-PERSON OUTREACH ACTIVITIES.
- PARTICIPATING IN SECURING LOCAL, REGIONAL, OR NATIONAL GRANTS WITH COLLABORATORS.
To be successful in this role, the candidate must have a strong background in agronomy or a related field, as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills. They should be able to work independently with minimal supervision and demonstrate a commitment to integrating and understanding the experiences of underrepresented groups into research, teaching, engagement, and service.
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.
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer and 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.
