Sheep Foreman

Montana State University - Office of Student Engagement

Bozeman (MT)

On-site

USD 55,000 - 85,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Job summary

Montana State University is seeking a Sheep Foreman to manage day-to-day operations at Red Bluff Ranch and related MSU facilities, overseeing 12,000 acres of land, cattle, sheep, and horses used for research and teaching.

The role leads student labor, coordinates animal health, records production data, prepares for lambing of 350 ewes, and helps organize sales and events while collaborating with sheep extension specialists and livestock operations.

Qualifications

BS in Animal or Range Sciences or closely related field.
Experience monitoring and handling sheep and/or cattle.
Experience working with agricultural facilities and equipment.
Experience with equipment operation.
Desire to develop leadership skills.

Responsibilities

Lead sheep management and work with extension specialists and researchers.
Organize student labor, supplies, facilities, and lambing of 350 ewes.
Record and monitor sheep production data.
Prepare MSU animals for ram sales and events.
Provide leadership for MSU sheep management.
Monitor flock health including BCS, nutrition, and supplementation.
Use GPS/Activity monitors for sheep management.
Assist in calving 250 cows annually.
Maintain livestock facilities and repair equipment.
Operate and maintain haying, farming, and heavy equipment.

Skills

Sheep handling

Cattle handling

Leadership

Record keeping

Education

BS in Animal or Range Sciences or closely related field

Tools

Equipment operation

Farm machinery

Job description

Position Details
Position Information
Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 27091 For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Kellen Marlow
kellen.marlow@montana.edu
406-600-6095
Classification Title Livestock Research Technician Working Title Sheep Foreman Brief Position Overview
This employee will work closely with the Red Bluff Ranch Manager and Livestock operations management in carrying out day-to-day agricultural operations of approximately 12,000 acres of agricultural land, facilities, and livestock (cattle, sheep, and horses) used in the
research and educational activities conducted at the Red Bluff Research Facility (Norris, MT)
BART Farm and Fort Ellis. The successful candidate will have a strong desire to develop their skills in sheep production management.
Position Number 4M1438 Department Animal & Range 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 Exempt Union Affiliation FOCUS-MFPE FTE 1.0 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications. Contract Type Classified Salary If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open
Position Details
General Statement
The Red Bluff Ranch is located near Norris in Madison County, Montana, along the west side of the Madison River and is used for both teaching and research. Most of this ranch is rangeland with cattle and sheep maintained year round, as well as limited hay meadows along the valley bottoms. Elevations range from 4,600 feet to 6,200 feet above the Madison River canyon.
Duties and Responsibilities

Work closely with sheep extension specialists, sheep researchers, and livestock operations management team to carry out and implement management of MAES station sheep.
Take a lead role in organizing student labor, animal health supplies, barn facilities, and overall preparing for and execution of lambing the flock of 350 ewes.
Take a lead in collecting and recording sheep production records.
Assist in organizing and preparing MSU animals for rams sales, producer meetings, and other events.
Provide leadership for management of MSU sheep.
Flock health, ie. weekly flock health checks, treatments, Body condition scoring (BCS), nutrition and supplementation, grazing management.
Use of technology to track and manage sheep. Application of GPS/Activity monitors for sheep management.
Assist in care and monitoring of all livestock calving out 250 cows annually. Participate as part of a team in day-to-day animal health, well-being, and feeding.
Participate in livestock facility operations, maintenance, and improvements.
At the direction of the Red Bluff Ranch Managerand Livestock Operations Manager, assist with shop direction and organization, repair of research equipment, and operate and perform maintenance and repair of all haying, farming/ranching, and heavy equipment.
Participate in all cattle and sheep operations including but not limited to calving, lambing, breeding, weaning, pasture moves, fence and corral maintenance, doctoring, and AACUC guidelines at MSU facilities while practicing low stress livestock handling techniques .
Participate in feedstuff production, seeding, spraying , irrigating, and harvesting both irrigated and dryland hay.
Assist with prioritization of equipment scheduling , maintenance, and repair.
Participate in fence repair.
Participate in weed control.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

BS in Animal or Range Sciences or closely related field.
Demonstrated experience in monitoring and handling sheep and/or cattle.
Demonstrated experience working with agricultural facilities and equipment.
Demonstrated experience with equipment operation.
Desire to develop leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

Documented experience with ranching and livestock operations.
Documented experience with sheep production and/or research
Demonstrated experience with equipment maintenance and minor repairs.
Proficient with hand tools including welding, metal, and wood work.

The Successful Candidate Will

Have outstanding communication skills both written and oral.
Have experience working as a team member.
Have experience working with minimal supervision to meet deadlines and obligations.
Have excellent record keeping skills and be detailed oriented.
Be self-directed and be able to make appropriate decisions in the absence of other leadership.

This position is critical to the research, teaching, and extension effort of the Department of Animal and Range Sciences and the College of Agriculture. The actions of this individual can affect the public perception of the department and the college. The individual hired for this position will have demonstrated the ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with co-workers and the public and will have demonstrated the ability to represent MSU in a productive, professional and courteous manner. This person will have daily contact with the Red Bluff Ranch Manager and any co-workers, frequent contact with the Department Head and Animal and Range Sciences Faculty and graduate students, and routine contact with other MSU faculty, students, professionals, cooperators, and agricultural producers.
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.

Must have or be able to obtain a research and demonstration pesticide license for agricultural plant pests and vertebrate classification.
Must possess currently or be eligible to obtain a valid State of Montana Driver’s license and a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and have an acceptable driving record (less than 12 points) as occasional travel will be required.
This position is an agriculturally designated position and requires non-traditional work schedules and evenings, weekends, and holidays.

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.

Move parts, equipment, and livestock that weigh up to 150 lbs.
Work in extreme temperatures and inclement weather conditions.
Move on slippery or uneven terrain.
Work with and around pesticides and dust born particles.
Work with and around hazardous machinery that is extremely loud.
Handle and work with unpredictable livestock that can cause serious injury.

This position has supervisory duties? No
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 8, 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