Research Associate Kalispell, MT

Montana State University

Kalispell, Northern (MT, KY)

On-site

USD 55,000 - 75,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Montana State University’s Northwestern Agricultural Research Center (NWARC), located near Kalispell, MT, seeks a field research specialist to support the field crop physiology program. The role involves designing, establishing, and maintaining field studies, applying treatments, collecting and analyzing data, and supervising part-time staff.

Collaboration with researchers, producers, and agricultural partners is essential. Travel within Montana may be required occasionally.

Qualifications

BS in agronomy, biology or closely related discipline.
Field research experience in agronomic crops research, including 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 design, establishment, and maintenance of field research studies.
Apply treatments such as irrigation and nutrient applications.
Apply pesticides, insecticides, and herbicides for field studies.
Collect, analyze, and summarize research data.
Operate and maintain field and laboratory equipment.
Supervise part-time and seasonal labor as needed.
Collaborate with researchers, producers, and agricultural partners.
Travel within the state may be required occasionally.

Skills

Field research

Data collection

Data analysis

Supervising staff

Written & oral communication

Education

BS in agronomy/biology or related

MS in agronomy/crop science/biology (preferred)

Tools

SAS

Statistical software

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.

Position Information

Announcement Number

STAFF - VA - 27065

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

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

Salary Commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications

Contract Type

LOA

If other, please specify

Recruitment Type

Open

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

Number of Vacancies

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.

Required Documents