Research Associate – Pulse Crop Survey Program

Montana State University

Bozeman, Northern (MT, KY)

On-site

USD 55,000 - 75,000

Full time

5 days ago

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Job summary

Montana State University is seeking a Research Associate to oversee the Pulse Crop Survey Program, coordinating field surveys and data management to support pest and disease monitoring across Montana.

The role emphasizes independent work, data reporting, and collaboration with producers, researchers, and extension teams, with travel across the region and opportunities for growth in applied plant pathology and agricultural technology.

Qualifications

Master’s degree in Plant Pathology or closely related field.
Experience with plant disease identification, crop scouting, and field research.
Demonstrated ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Experience with Microsoft Office and basic computer applications.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and conduct field surveys for pulse crop pests and diseases across Montana.
Collect, identify, and document samples; maintain survey records with established protocols.
Prepare reports, maps, and outreach communications for producers and stakeholders.

Skills

Communication skills

Independent worker

Microsoft Office

Field research

Education

Master’s in Plant Pathology

PhD in Plant Pathology

Tools

ArcGIS

Survey123

Drones

Job description

Research Associate – Pulse Crop Survey Program

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.

Position Information

Announcement Number

Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 27081

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Working Title Research Associate – Pulse Crop Survey Program

Brief Position Overview

This position will work under the supervision of the Associate Professor of Plant Pathology at the Eastern Agricultural Research Center to coordinate and conduct a regional pulse crop pest and disease survey program. Responsibilities include surveying commercial fields, collecting and managing field data, communicating findings with producers and agricultural stakeholders, supporting outreach activities and applied research that improve pest and disease management in Montana. The position serves as a link between agricultural producers, researchers, and other stakeholders by providing timely pest and disease information that supports management decisions and future research priorities. Training will be provided for program-specific survey protocols, ArcGIS Survey123, drone operations, and communication platforms.
This position provides a unique opportunity to help build and shape a growing regional pest and disease survey program while developing a broad range of skills in applied plant pathology, integrated pest management, agricultural technology, data management, and science communication. The successful candidate will work directly with Montana producers, agricultural professionals, and university researchers and will have opportunities to take increasing responsibility for program development, stakeholder engagement, applied research, and future expansion. We encourage candidates at different stages of their careers to apply. Whether you are beginning your career or bringing substantial experience in plant pathology, agriculture, or a related field, this position offers opportunities to develop new skills, contribute to a growing program, and take on increasing responsibility.

Position Number

Position Number 4C5635

Department

Department AES EARC

Division

Division College of Agriculture/MAES

Appointment Type

Appointment Type Professional

Contract Term

Contract Term Fiscal Year

Semester

If other, specify From date

If other, specify End date

FLSA

FLSA Exempt

Union Affiliation

Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining

FTE

FTE 1.0

Benefits Eligible

Salary Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.

Contract Type

Contract Type LOA

If other, please specify

Recruitment Type

Recruitment Type Open

General Statement

This position provides scientific and technical support for the Pulse Crop Pest and Disease Survey Program at the Eastern Agricultural Research Center under the supervision of the Associate Professor of Plant Pathology. The Research Associate will coordinate and conduct field surveys, identify economically important pests and diseases, collect and manage survey data, communicate findings with agricultural stakeholders, and assist with applied research and outreach activities that support Montana’s pulse crop industry.

Duties and Responsibilities

Conduct field surveys for economically important diseases and insect pests of pulse crops throughout Montana.
Collect, identify, and document plant and insect samples while maintaining accurate survey records using established protocols and digital data collection tools.
Prepare timely reports, maps, and communications for producers and agricultural stakeholders through email, social media, websites, and other outreach platforms.
Develop and maintain professional relationships with producers, crop consultants, diagnostic laboratories, researchers, and other collaborators.
Assist with applied research projects, diagnostic activities, and preparation of educational materials and reports.
Present survey findings at field days, grower meetings, stakeholder meetings, and other outreach events.
Operate university vehicles and other equipment, including unmanned aerial systems (drones), following university and FAA guidelines.
Supervise temporary employees and student workers as assigned.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

Master’s degree in Plant Pathology or a closely related discipline.
Experience with plant disease identification, crop scouting, field research, or related agricultural work.
Demonstrated experience conducting independent field work in agricultural or natural resource settings.
Demonstrated ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.
Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Experience using Microsoft Office and basic computer applications.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

Ph.D. in Plant Pathology or a closely related discipline.
Experience conducting plant disease or integrated pest management surveys.
Experience working with agricultural producers or other stakeholders.
Experience with GIS , ArcGIS Survey123, drones, or other precision agriculture technologies.
Experience preparing technical reports, outreach materials, or presentations.
Experience supervising students or temporary employees.

The Successful Candidate Will

Work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
Build positive working relationships with producers, agricultural professionals, and research collaborators.
Communicate scientific information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, sound judgment, and professionalism.
Adapt to changing field conditions and learn new technologies and survey methods.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

Must possess or have the ability to obtain a valid Montana driver’s license within 3 months of hire
Extensive travel throughout Montana is required during the growing season.
Ability to safely operate a pickup truck on highways, gravel roads, and unimproved field roads.
Occasional overnight travel to attend stakeholder meetings, conferences, and training.
Occasional evening and weekend work may be required during peak survey periods.
Must obtain an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate if not already certified.

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 move up to 40 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
Must be able to traverse for extended periods on uneven agricultural terrain.
Must be able to position self while collecting field samples.
Must be able to safely operate university vehicles for extended periods and travel frequently throughout Montana.
Must be able to repeatedly enter and exit vehicles while conducting field surveys.
Must be able to work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, dust, and light precipitation.
Must be able to work with and around pesticides, plant materials, and dusty environments; requires the ability to wear a respirator or other required personal protective equipment.

This position has supervisory duties?

This position has supervisory duties? No

Number of Vacancies

Number of Vacancies 1

Desired Start Date

Position End Date (if temporary)

Open Date

Close Date

Applications will be:

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