FIND_THE_RIGHTJOB.
Program Lead, Variety Testing & Agronomy *Conrad, MT*
Bozeman, United States
The position will be located at Western Triangle Agricultural Research Center (WTARC) between Conrad and Shelby, Montana and close to Glacier National Park. WTARC is one of seven off-campus research centers in the Department of Research Centers. The program lead has excellent opportunities to collaborate across the department, and with people on the main campus in Bozeman, including plant breeders, crop and soil scientists, plant pathologists and others representing various agricultural disciplines. WTARC consists of approximately 70 acres including areas for dryland and irrigated research and is well-equipped with modern field and plot scale equipment, a seed processing laboratory, and a new state-of-the-art greenhouse. Excellent outdoor recreational opportunities exist in the area.
Duties and Responsibilities
Direct the WTARC crop variety testing program both on- and off-station in the surrounding seven-county area:
- 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.
- Develop the program in collaboration with plant breeders and colleagues directing crop variety testing at other research centers, and with those in public and private industry, as appropriate.
- Cooperate with all programs at WTARC.
Provide educational leadership on crop variety selection to farmers and stakeholders in the Golden Triangle area of Montana:
- Direct and assist in presentations.
- Host and contribute to field tours.
- Participate in other events to assist farmers in crop variety selection.
- Work with Extension agents and specialists in planning some of these events.
- Collaborate with other research center and campus faculty.
Meet expectations of annual technical report writing and co-authorship of Extension publications:
- Contribute to popular press materials and in-person outreach activities.
- Participate in securing local, regional, or national grants with collaborators.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Four years of documented, hands-on experience conducting small plot agricultural field research including crop variety testing or plant breeding trials.
- Demonstrated and documented experience in planning, designing, implementing and managing agronomic field research and the associated data.
- Documented experience in the operation of field research equipment such as tractors, seeders, and plot combines.
- Demonstrated experience towing, loading, unloading trailers with field equipment.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- BS or MS in crop science, agronomy, or other plant discipline.
- Experience conducting research in semi-arid regions similar to the Northern Great Plains.
- Demonstrated supervisory experience.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze and summarize data for producer and funding agency reporting.
- Demonstrated potential in contributing to grant proposal development and securing external funding
The Successful Candidate Will
- Help the department and university provide outstanding teaching, scholarship, engagement and service in meeting the goals of the university’s strategic plan.
- Have effective interpersonal skills including the ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, professional and technical staff, students, and stakeholders.
- Have strong written and oral communication skills.
- Demonstrate a commitment to integrating and understanding the experiences of underrepresented groups into research, teaching, engagement, and service.
- Interact across academic disciplines and various cultures.
- Ability to effectively and efficiently work independently with little or no supervision.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
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
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 September 26, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
To apply, please upload the following documents:
To apply, please upload the following documents:
- A cover letter with a Bullet Point specifically addressing EACH of the Required and Preferred Qualifications.
- Resume.
- Contact information for (3) references, that includes direct supervisors.
If cover letter instructions are not followed, the application may not be reviewed by the committee.
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.
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