Assistant Farm Manager

Announcement Number STAFF – VA – 25129

For questions regarding this position, please contact: 

Mike Giroux

[email protected]

406-994-7877

Classification Title Program Mgr

Working Title Assistant Farm Manager

Brief Position Overview 

This individual will work in concert with the Farm Operations Manager in carrying out day to day activities in support of the farm operations, research, and outreach functions. This person works and interacts effectively and cooperatively with faculty, research and administrative professionals, and part time employees in support of the mission of the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES). The individual represents MSU and the College of Agriculture/MAES in a professional, friendly, and courteous manner.

Position Number 4M1335

Department Dean of Agriculture

Division College of Agriculture/MAES

Appointment Type Classified

Contract Term Fiscal Year

Semester 

If other, specify From date 

If other, specify End date 

FLSA Exempt

Union Affiliation FOCUS-MFPE

FTE 1.0

Benefits Eligible Eligible

Salary $24.388 – $30.485 hourly, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications

Contract Type Classified Salary

If other, please specify 

Recruitment Type Open

General Statement 

Montana State University provides education, research, and outreach programs focused to meet the changing needs of Montana. The College of Agriculture and the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station generate and disseminate knowledge and technological solutions to increase the competitiveness of Montana’s communities, preserve environmental quality, and improve the quality of life for all our citizens.

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Assist in field operations pertaining to all facets of crop production, crop management, and seed handling, conditioning, treating, packaging, and distribution.
• Conduct planning and record-keeping activities including timing of field rotations, planting, crop maintenance, harvest, and post-harvest field cleanup.
• Conduct crop- and seed-specific purity monitoring.
• Aid researchers with establishing and maintaining experiments.
• Assist in the maintenance, repair, and security of facilities including buildings, fences, grounds, and landscaping.
• Operate, calibrate, maintain, and repair farm and shop equipment including tractors, combines, sprayers, tillage, and haying equipment and maintain records on equipment usage, maintenance, repairs, and related inventory.
• Participate and lead in short- and long-term strategic planning of farm operations and routine and strategic capital purchases when requested.
• Assist in ordering materials, parts, and supplies needed for maintenance and repair of equipment and the station’s physical plant, confirming budgetary approval.
• Assist in training and supervision of seasonal hourly employees regarding the safe operation and use of equipment.
• Assist in enforcing CoA and MAES policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Make recommendations for enhancing workflow and efficiency.
• This position occasionally requires work on evenings and/or weekends.

1. Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
2. Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy or closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
3. Demonstrated experience with farming practices and equipment.
4. Demonstrated experience managing facilities and equipment.
5. Demonstrated experience supervising employees.
6. Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
7. Demonstrated mechanical or welding experience.
8. Demonstrated experience with budgeting and/or fiscal management.
9. Demonstrated willingness to collaborate with agricultural researchers.
10. Demonstrated experience with common office computers and programs.

The Successful Candidate WillThe successful candidate will be an enthusiastic, motivated individual who works as a team member in support of the mission of the MAES. A successful candidate will:

• Think critically and effectively prioritize and manage several projects at once, understanding priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Follow instructions and work cooperatively with others.
• Work well independently.
• Have knowledge of the practices required to optimize yields including seedbed preparation, planting, fertilization, irrigation, pest management.
• Have basic knowledge of gas and electric welding, auto and farm mechanics, basic carpentry, plumbing, and electrical skills.
• Have excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Build positive working relationships.
• Be precise and detail oriented, maintaining a safe and clean work environment.
• Carry out the duties of the position in an efficient manner.
• Have excellent organizational skills.
• Practice flexibility in dealing with changing working environments, protocols, and priorities.
• Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record (less than 12 points) at time of hire. Do NOT send a copy of the driver’s license.
• Must have, or be able to obtain, a Montana pesticide applicators license within six months 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.

• Physical Demands
• Must be able to enter, exit, and operate numerous types of farm equipment.
• Requires working around loud machinery and working at elevated positions (grain bins, roofs).
• Must be able to move 80 pounds;
• Requires repetitive movements and stationary positions for extensive periods of time.
• Must be able to work with and around dust, pollen-bearing plants and pesticides; requires the ability to wear a respirator or related safety equipment.
• Must be able to work in extreme weather conditions.

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

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 October 25, 2024; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Special Instructions 

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.

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