Sheep Production Manager — Research Farm

Montana State University; Bozeman (MT); On-site; USD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Montana State University is seeking a dedicated individual to manage sheep production and livestock operations at the Red Bluff Ranch near Norris, MT. The role collaborates with extension specialists and ranch staff to organize lambing and record-keeping for a flock of about 350 ewes.

Responsibilities include leadership in animal health, facility upkeep, equipment maintenance, and participation in field operations, with emphasis on safety and low-stress handling.

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

• 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.

Skills

Outstanding communication

Teamwork

Record keeping

Self-directed

Education

BS in Animal or Range Sciences

Job description

Montana State University is seeking a dedicated individual to manage sheep production and livestock operations at the Red Bluff Ranch near Norris, MT. The role collaborates with extension specialists and ranch staff to organize lambing and record-keeping for a flock of about 350 ewes.

Responsibilities include leadership in animal health, facility upkeep, equipment maintenance, and participation in field operations, with emphasis on safety and low-stress handling.