Program Coordinator II

Montana State University - Office of Student Engagement; Bozeman (MT); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The Montana Seed Growers Association (MSGA) provides seed certification services to ensure genetic purity and a reliable seed supply for Montana growers and the seed industry.

The program coordinator II role supports administration, database work, and field inspections, with responsibilities spanning sample processing, paperwork, communications, and special projects. DOE with MSU affiliation indicates collaborative agriculture programs and travel as needed.

Qualifications

• One year of post-secondary education and two years of relevant office or clerical experience or equivalent.
• Proficiency with computers and standard office software including Word, Excel, and Access.
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to follow established procedures and instructions.
• Experience maintaining detailed records, files, and databases.
• Strong written communication including formatting, proofreading, grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
• Ability to communicate professionally with internal and external customers by phone, email, correspondence, and in person.

Responsibilities

• Receive and process seed samples using MSGA’s Seed Tracking Database.
• Link samples to certification fields and create sample records.
• Assign certification numbers and verify seed lot information.
• Prepare certification paperwork and tag templates; ensure PVP labeling.
• Conduct seasonal field inspections in specified Montana counties.
• Assist with mailings, newsletters, and email communications (Constant Contact).
• Support meetings and other office tasks; contribute marketing ideas.

Skills

Office administration

Word processing

Excel

Communication

Databases

Education

Post-secondary education

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

MS Access

Seed Tracking Database

Job description

Position Details

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Heather Unverzagt

[e-mail]

406-994-7372

Classification Title Program Coord II Working Title Program Coordinator II Brief Position Overview

Under the supervision of the Montana Seed Growers Association (MSGA) Program Coordinator, this position provides administrative, database, certification, communications, and field inspection support for MSGA programs and operations.

Position Number 4N1078 Department Plant Sciences Division College of Agriculture/MAES Appointment Type Classified Contract Term Fiscal Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date FLSA Non-Exempt Union Affiliation FOCUS-MFPE FTE 0.5 - 0.7 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary $21.00 per hour, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications. Contract Type Classified Hourly If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open

General Statement

The Montana Seed Growers Association (MSGA) provides seed certification services to help ensure genetic purity, varietal identity, and a reliable supply of high-quality seed for producers and the seed industry.

Duties and Responsibilities

Receiving and Processing Seed Samples

• Receive and process seed samples using MSGA’s Seed Tracking Database.
  • Link samples to the appropriate certification field(s).
  • Creating sample records.
  • Assigning certification numbers.
  • Verifying that sample information matches the corresponding seed lot, including variety, owner, and seed class.
• Ensure physical samples are accurately labeled and properly prepared for delivery to the Montana State Seed Laboratory for testing.

Certification Paperwork and Seed Tags

• Prepare and process certification tags and annual certification paperwork.
  • Enter seed lot information into MSGA tag templates.
  • Determine appropriate Plant Variety Protection (PVP) and PVP Title V labeling requirements.

Field Inspections

• Conduct seasonal seed certification field inspections from approximately May through September each year. The primary inspection area includes Beaverhead, Silver Bow, Jefferson, Broadwater, Meagher, Madison, Gallatin, and Park Counties.
• Serve as an on-call inspector for other areas of Montana as needed.

Mailings and Communications

• Assist with preparing and distributing large-scale mailings, newsletters, and other member and customer communications.
• Create and distribute email communications through Constant Contact, including formatting content, maintaining accurate recipient lists, and ensuring information is sent to the appropriate audiences.
• Assist with proofreading and reviewing communications for accuracy, clarity, and professionalism prior to distribution.

Special Projects

• Create/contribute to new marketing ideas.
• Assist in preparation for meetings and overall support for the other positions in the office.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• One year of post-secondary education and two years of relevant office or clerical experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proficiency with computers and standard office software, including word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access preferred.
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to accurately follow established procedures and instructions.
• Experience maintaining detailed records, files, and databases.
• Strong written communication skills, including formatting, proofreading, grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
• Ability to communicate professionally and respond to questions from internal and external customers by phone, email, correspondence, and in person.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Knowledge of the certified seed industry, agricultural production, or related seed certification processes.
• Experience working with agricultural producers, seed companies, laboratories, or other industry partners is preferred.

The Successful Candidate Will

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills; the ability to work effectively with employees, customers, and the public; professionalism and courtesy in representing the Montana Seed Growers Association; discretion in handling confidential information; and the ability to effectively use equipment and tools required for the position.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

This position may require occasional travel for field work, training, meetings, conferences, or other MSGA-related activities. Work may also include outdoor field assignments and exposure to agricultural environments.

Physical Demands

Position duties may include lifting and moving materials weighing up to 50 pounds; working outdoors in varying weather conditions; and exposure to dust, agricultural chemicals, fumes, and other field-related 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.

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 October 15, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Special Instructions

This position is not eligible for 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