Precision Ag Testbeds Program Lead

Montana State University; Bozeman (MT); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Part time

Job summary

Montana State University in partnership with the Headwaters Tech Hub engages in precision agriculture testbeds at the Lutz Farm and Red Bluff Ranch. The role coordinates client discovery, planning, and execution of project work with faculty, farm staff, and RED/finance partners, ensuring scope, budget, and timelines are respected.

The successful candidate will advance applied research, extension support, and workforce development through field demonstrations, publications, and partner

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, agribusiness, environmental science, education, project management, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in project or program coordination.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience working across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Current Driver’s License and ability to travel to meet with clients and access remote facilities.
• Ability to operate effectively in both office and field environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead initial client discovery meetings to understand proposed technologies, intended use cases, and project objectives.
• Assess alignment between client needs and available testbed capabilities, infrastructure, and timelines.
• Guide clients through completion of the Testbed Project Intake Form to capture technical requirements, constraints, and expectations.
• Synthesize information into draft project plans and coordinate with faculty, technical staff, farm managers, and Headwaters Tech Hub personnel.
• Assess feasibility, identify resource and staffing needs, estimate timelines and costs, and ensure objectives are clearly represented with realistic scope.
• Coordinate with MSU RED office to support contracting processes and track approvals and documentation.
• Maintain communication with clients regarding contract status, timelines, and next steps; coordinate testbed-related grants and subawards; assist in preparing technical/progress reports.
• Oversee project execution by coordinating internal resources, monitoring field activities, ensuring reports meet contractual requirements, and supporting post-project reviews.
• Support dissemination of results via publications, extension materials, and partner-facing summaries; lead coordination of outreach events including Annual Precision Agriculture Demo Day.

Skills

Project coordination

Communication skills

Travel readiness

Organizational abilities

Stakeholder coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in agriculture/agribusiness/environmental science/education/project management

Master’s degree in related field (preferred)

Job description

Montana State University in partnership with the Headwaters Tech Hub engages in precision agriculture testbeds at the Lutz Farm and Red Bluff Ranch. The role coordinates client discovery, planning, and execution of project work with faculty, farm staff, and RED/finance partners, ensuring scope, budget, and timelines are respected.

The successful candidate will advance applied research, extension support, and workforce development through field demonstrations, publications, and partner