Sheep Foreman

Montana State University - Office of Student Engagement; Bozeman (MT); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Montana State University is seeking a Sheep Foreman at the Red Bluff Ranch near Norris, MT. The role involves leading sheep operations, coordinating with extension specialists, and ensuring day-to-day livestock management for cattle, sheep, and horses within MAES facilities.

The successful candidate will develop leadership skills, manage flock health, and oversee data collection while contributing to teaching and research activities at MSU facilities.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead management of MSU sheep and coordinate with extension specialists and livestock operations management.
• Organize student labor, manage sheep facilities, and oversee lambing for a flock of 350 ewes.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Record keeping

Teamwork

Education

BS in Animal or Range Sciences

Tools

GPS monitoring

Job description

Position Details

Position Information

Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 27091 For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Kellen Marlow

[e-mail]

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.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

• 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

• 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

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.