Precision Agriculture Research Associate *Havre, MT*

Montana State University - Office of Student Engagement; Bozeman (MT); Sur place; USD 60 000 - 90 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

Montana State University’s Precision Agriculture Lab at MSU-NARC in Havre, MT, seeks a Precision Agriculture Research Associate to oversee daily lab operations, field trials, and data analytics. You will serve as the primary field researcher, managing data collection, trial design, and statistical analyses to improve crop inputs and site-specific management.

Qualifications include a Master’s degree in a relevant field, familiarity with remote sensing and satellite imagery analysis, and

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field as listed.
• Experience with remote sensing and satellite imagery analysis.
• Proficiency in statistics using R or Python.
• Strong written and verbal communication with researchers and producers.

Responsabilités

• Lead lab and field operations for precision agriculture trials.
• Design agronomic trials and oversee field implementations.
• Analyze spatial and tabular data using R or Python.
• Support targeted spray systems and precision equipment operations.
• Draft technical reports and extension materials; engage with farmers.

Connaissances

Remote sensing technologies

Satellite imagery analysis

Statistical analysis (R/Python)

Effective communication

Formation

Master’s degree in Precision Agriculture, Agronomy, Agricultural Engineering, Data Science, Spatial Sciences, or related field

Outils

Pix4D software

Drone/UAV operation

Spatial statistics tools

Description du poste

Position Details

Position Information

Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 27156

For questions regarding this position, please contact: Ricardo Pinto [e-mail] 406-994-6374

Classification Title Research Professional Working Title Precision Agriculture Research Associate *Havre, MT*

Brief Position Overview

The Precision Agriculture Lab at Montana State University’s Northern Agricultural Research Center (MSU-NARC) in Havre, MT, seeks a highly motivated and organized Precision Agriculture Research Associate to oversee daily laboratory operations, field research trials, and data analytics workflows. Serving as the primary field researcher, the successful candidate will manage field trial data collection, design agronomic trials, perform statistical analyses, and draft technical reports and extension deliverables. This role supports research and extension programs focused on optimizing crop inputs, site‑specific weed and pest management, satellite and aerial remote sensing, and spatial variability across dryland cropping systems in Montana.

Position Number 4C5015 Department AES NARC Division College of Agriculture/MAES Appointment Type Professional Contract Term Fiscal Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date FLSA Non‑Exempt Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining FTE 1.0 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications. Contract Type LOA If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open

General Statement

The Northern Agricultural Research Center consists of 3,000 acres at the main facility with an additional 3,960 acres of grazing land located in the nearby Bear Paw Mountains. The 3,000 acres on the main facility supports both crop and livestock research activities which is distinctly unique to MSU. The research center has recently completed $2.8 million of construction and renovation, including a new $2.1 million office/laboratory complex. In the spring of 2014, two center pivots suitable for research were installed. A modern research scale greenhouse was funded and designed with construction to be completed in the near future. The research center, when fully staffed, consists of four faculty, two operations managers, research scientist, master’s level technician, and 12 permanent support personnel. A local advisory board made up of area producers and industry representatives from the five surrounding counties, provides guidance on NARC research priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lab & Field Management: Manage daily lab operations, field equipment, sensor inventory, and field schedules. Coordinate, train, and supervise research technicians and student workers in accordance with university protocols and safety standards.
• Experimental Design & Trial Execution: Lead the planning, spatial layout, and field implementation of small‑plot and on‑farm precision agriculture research trials.
• Data Management & Analytics: Manage spatial and tabular field datasets. Perform rigorous statistical analysis (linear/mixed models, spatial statistics) using R or Python to evaluate agronomic and technological performance.
• Targeted Spray & Precision Equipment Operations: Support field operations involving smart/targeted spray systems, precision applicators, digital soil mapping, and field robotics.
• Develop and implement research studies that support precision agriculture practices to enhance farming and livestock efficiency and profitability in Montana.
• Interact effectively with farmers and ranchers on on‑farm experiments to test and refine precision agriculture techniques.
• Contribute to the dissemination of research findings through extension activities, including workshops, field days, and publications.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Master’s degree in Precision Agriculture, Agronomy, Agricultural Engineering, Data Science, Spatial Sciences, or a closely related field.
• Familiarity with remote sensing technologies and satellite imagery analysis.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis using software such as R or Python.
• Effective communication skills (both written and oral) with researchers, educators, research center personnel, and producers.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Targeted Spray Operations: Hands‑on experience with targeted/smart spot‑spraying technology, variable‑rate applicators, or precision spray platforms.
• Proven experience in operating UAV (drones) and processing images using Pix4D software or similar.
• Understanding of experimental design and statistics
• Experience operating agricultural sensors, RTK‑GNSS positioning systems, or ground‑based geophysical sensors.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Excellent organizational, multi‑tasking, and problem‑solving abilities in both office and demanding field environments.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders across agricultural disciplines, including producers, research faculty, extension specialists, and industry partners.
• Establish and maintain effective working relations with co‑workers, faculty, and staff in a team‑oriented environment.

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.

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date Position End Date (if temporary) Open Date Close Date

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.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents