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Research Associate – Cropping Systems & Nutrient Management *Conrad, MT *
The Western Triangle Agricultural Research Center (WTARC) supports agricultural producers in Montana’s Golden Triangle region through applied research and the dissemination of research-based information to the broader public. Dryland cropping systems in the region include winter wheat, spring wheat, durum, barley, oilseeds, and pulses, while more than 300,000 irrigated acres supporting production of malt barley, wheat, canola, and perennial forages. Research at WTARC focuses on small-grain, oilseed, and pulse crop variety evaluation; crop and soil fertility management; and integrated pest management. Infrastructure at WTARC includes a climate-controlled greenhouse with supplemental lighting; research laboratories (with plans for new chemistry and instrumentation lab); plant and soil sample processing facilities; and modern plot-scale research equipment for planting, pest control, and harvesting. The center also features a new lateral-move irrigation system dedicated to research. WTARC research priorities are guided by an advisory board composed of regional producers and industry representatives. WTARC is one of seven off-campus research centers within Montana State University’s Department of Research Centers and consists of approximately 75 acres of rainfed and irrigated cropland. The research center is located approximately 10 miles north of Conrad, Montana (population ~2,800), and 70 miles north of Great Falls (population ~60,000). Glacier National Park is located approximately 1.5 hours from the research center, with numerous additional outdoor recreation opportunities nearby.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist with the planning, establishment, and management of field and greenhouse experiments in cropping systems, nutrient and fertilizer management, and plant stress mitigation for Montana crops.
- Lead field and laboratory activities, including experimental design, plot layout, planting, in-season management, sample processing and analysis, and harvest operations in dryland and irrigated systems.
- Collect high-quality agronomic, soil, plant, and environmental data following established protocols and quality control procedures, including development or adaptation of protocols for non-conventional or novel research studies as needed.
- Operate field and laboratory instrumentation, including gas exchange, environmental monitoring, optical sensing, and analytical equipment (e.g., IRGA, portable meteorological stations, SPAD meters, soil sensors, spectrophotometers, and pH/EC meters).
- Process soil and plant samples and conduct basic soil and plant nutrient analyses, including sample preparation, chemical extractions, instrumental measurements, and quality assurance, with coordination of internal and external analytical laboratories as needed. More complex analysis may be performed as the program advances and more equipment is acquired.
- Manage research data, including data entry, organization, quality control, visualization, and preliminary statistical analyses, and assist with advanced data analysis and interpretation in collaboration with the principal investigator.
- Work independently and exercise problem-solving skills to ensure continuity of research activities when the principal investigator is unavailable.
- Supervise, train, and coordinate the work of part-time employees and student interns.
- Contribute to the preparation of research reports, extension publications, grant-related deliverables, and peer-reviewed manuscripts.
- Assist with maintaining research equipment, tools, and laboratory facilities, and ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and operational procedures.
- Coordinate research activities with Extension personnel, collaborating scientists, technicians, students, and external partners, and participate in outreach activities including field days, producer meetings, conferences, and presentations as needed.
- Travel within the state to support research activities, with occasional out-of-state travel for meetings, conferences, and professional development.
- Perform other research-related duties as needed to support WTARC’s Agronomy Program objectives and timelines.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Master’s degree in Agronomy, Plant Science, Soil Science, Plant Nutrition, Nutrient Management, Plant Physiology, or a closely related discipline. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree and strong research experience (3+ years) may be also considered.
- Demonstrated experience conducting field and greenhouse agronomic tasks, including pre-planting soil preparation, plot establishment and maintenance, in-season management, and harvest operations.
- Experience operating field and greenhouse research equipment, including tractors, fertilizer applicators, planters, harvesters, irrigation systems, meteorological instruments, and plot-scale research equipment.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience using statistical data analysis software such as SAS, R, SigmaPlot, GraphPad Prism, and others.
- Demonstrated experience with agronomic data and sample collection, including sample handling, preparation, documentation, and adherence to safety and quality control practices.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Experience working with small-grain and pulse cropping systems common to Montana, including wheat, barley, pea, lentil, and other regionally relevant crops, under dryland and irrigated conditions.
- Experience conducting soil and plant nutrient analyses and working with complex laboratory analytical methods, including chemical extractions, instrumental measurements (ICP, C/N auto-analyzer), and data quality assurance procedures.
- Experience using unmanned aerial systems (UAS/drones) for agricultural research applications, including mission planning, image acquisition, and basic data processing.
- Experience with multispectral and/or hyperspectral imagery and image analysis techniques for assessing crop performance, nutrient status, or plant stress.
- Experience creating digital content (e.g., photos, videos, short educational materials) to communicate research and outreach activities through social media platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
- Experience or familiarity with artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, or advanced analytical approaches applied to agricultural research, such as image recognition, computer vision, predictive modeling, or decision-support tools using agronomic, physiological, or remote sensing data.
The Successful Candidate Will
- Conduct high-quality agronomic research and data collection to support agricultural productivity in the Golden Triangle Region and the continued development of the WTARC’s Agronomy Program.
- Demonstrate strong organizational skills and attention to detail, following guidance from the principal investigator to maintain high standards of data quality and scientific integrity.
- Work independently and collaboratively in a field-based research environment, maintaining friendly relationships with supervisors, colleagues, students, staff, and stakeholders.
- Apply effective problem-solving, time management, and multitasking skills while demonstrating initiative and commitment to professional growth.
- Be adaptable and willing to work under variable environmental conditions and during peak field seasons.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
- Ability to work flexible hours when required by research protocols, including early mornings, evenings, or weekends, during peak field and research seasons.
- May require work outdoor for extended periods under variable weather conditions including heat, cold, wind, and dust.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license, maintain an acceptable driving record, and meet all State of Montana and University requirements for operating state or university vehicles. A successful candidate holding an out-of-state license must obtain a Montana driver’s license within 90 days of the hire date.
- Must be able to safely operate a pick-up truck while towing trailers or farm implements.
- Must possess or be able to obtain a Montana Department of Agriculture Government Pesticide Applicator License, including demonstration and research, agricultural plant pest control, and seed treatment classifications, within six months of hire.
Physical Demands
- Must be able to lift 60 pounds.
- Must be able to work in extreme weather conditions.
- Must be able to work with and around dust, pollen-bearing plants, herbicides, and pesticides.
- Must be able to walk and stand in uneven terrain for extended periods.
- Must be able to safely enter, exit, and operate various types of farm machinery.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
This position has supervisory duties?
No
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on March 17, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.
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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