Research Associate Kalispell, MT

Montana State University - Office of Student Engagement

Bozeman (MT)

On-site

USD 55,000 - 75,000

Full time

32 hours ago

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Job summary

Montana State University\u00A0Northwestern Agricultural Research Center (NWARC) near Kalispell, MT, seeks a Research Associate to support its field crop physiology program. The role blends fieldwork, data collection, and equipment operation to advance irrigation, nutrient management, and crop performance.

The successful candidate will design and maintain studies, supervise part-time staff, travel within the state, and collaborate with researchers, producers, and stakeholders to support

Qualifications

B.S. in agronomy, biology or a closely related discipline.
Field research experience in agronomic crops research, such as maintaining and harvesting research plots.
Experience in measuring, collecting, and recording response variables and data management procedures for statistical analysis.
Experience in supervising part-time and temporary help.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

Support the field crop physiology research program.
Assist in the design, establishment, and maintenance of field research studies.
Apply treatments such as irrigation and nutrient applications.
Apply pesticides, insecticides, and herbicides of the field research studies.
Collect, analyze, and summarize research data.
Operate and maintain field and laboratory equipment.
Supervise part-time and seasonal labor as needed.
Collaborate effectively with researchers, producers, and agricultural partners.
Work independently with minimal supervision.
Travel within the state may be required occasionally.

Skills

Field research

Data management

Supervising staff

Communication skills

Education

B.S. in agronomy or related field

M.S. in agronomy or related field

Tools

SAS

ARM

Job description

Position Details

Position Information

Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 27065

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Marilyn Dalen

marilyn.dalen@montana.edu

406-994-4218

Classification Title

Research Professional

Working Title Research Associate *Kalispell, MT*

Brief Position Overview

Montana State University’s Northwestern Agricultural Research Center (NWARC) is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented individual to support its field crop physiology research program. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to applied agricultural research that directly benefits farmers and agribusinesses in Northwest Montana. The successful candidate will be involved in hands-on research across a variety of agronomic crops, helping to advance studies related to irrigation, nutrient management, and crop performance. The position combines fieldwork, data collection, and equipment operation with responsibilities in data management and seasonal staff supervision. Ideal candidates will have a strong foundation in agronomy or a related field, enjoy working outdoors, and be eager to collaborate with researchers, producers, and stakeholders to support MSU’s mission of agricultural innovation and outreach.

Position Number 4C0439 Department AES NWARC Division College of Agriculture/MAES Appointment Type Professional Contract Term Fiscal Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date FLSA Exempt Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining FTE 1.0 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary Commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications Contract Type LOA If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open

Position Details

General Statement

The Northwestern Agricultural Research Center (NWARC) is located near Kalispell, MT, and is an integral part of Montana State University. NWARC is one of the seven Research Centers comprising the Department of Research Centers. Scientists at NWARC conduct agricultural field and laboratory researches, interact with farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, and MSU Cooperative Extension Service.

Duties and Responsibilities

Support the field crop physiology research program.
Assist in the design, establishment, and maintenance of field research studies.
Apply treatments such as irrigation and nutrient applications.
Apply pesticides, insecticides, and herbicides of the field research studies.
Collect, analyze, and summarize research data.
Operate and maintain field and laboratory equipment.
Supervise part-time and seasonal labor as needed.
Collaborate effectively with a variety of stakeholders including researchers, producers, and agricultural partners.
Work independently with minimal supervision.
Travel within the state may be required occasionally.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

B.S. in agronomy, biology or a closely related discipline.
Field research experience in agronomic crops research, such as maintaining and harvesting research plots.
Experience in measuring, collecting, and recording of response variables and the associated data management procedures required for statistical analysis.
Experience in supervising part-time and temporary help.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

M.S. in agronomy, crop science, biology, or closely related field.
Research experience relating to irrigation, nutrient management, and cultivar evaluation/plant breeding.
Knowledge of the crops and production practices associated with Northwest Montana.
Experience with data management and interpretation tools such as SAS, ARM or other statistical software packages.
Experience in the operation and maintenance of field and laboratory equipment.
Experience with pesticides, insecticides, and herbicide application.
Experience in public engagement and/or data presentation during farmer meetings or field day demonstration.

The Successful Candidate Will

Work independently and as part of a team environment.
Highly effective interpersonal skills including the ability to work cooperatively with research faculty, producers and co-workers.
Be meticulous and precise in carrying out work assignments.
Follow instructions, maintain effective attention to detail, meeting deadlines, and prioritizing competing demands.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

Must be willing to work outside of traditional business hours when research protocols dictate.
Must be able to drive a pick-up truck while towing trailers or farm implements.
Must possess a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and meet all State of Montana requirements to operate State/University vehicles. (If successful candidate possesses a valid out-of-state driver’s license, must obtain a valid Montana driver’s license within 60 days of hire.

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

Must be able to enter, exit and operate numerous types of farm machinery.
Must be able to move 60 pounds.
Must be able to safely use seed cleaning and seed processing machinery.
Must be able traverse and remain stationary in rough terrain for long periods of time.
Must be able to work in extreme weather conditions.
Must be able to work with and around dust, pollen-bearing plants and pesticides.

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 14, 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.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents