What are the responsibilities and job description for the Farm and Research Assistant position at Montana State University - Office of Student Engagement?
Position Details
Position Information
Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 26398 For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Chengci Chen
cchen@montana.edu
406-994-2210
Classification Title Research Asst III Working Title Farm and Research Assistant Brief Position Overview
The Farm and Research Assistant supports both farm operations and research activities at EARC. Responsibilities include assisting with crop management, equipment operation & maintenance, and facility upkeep during the growing season, as well as helping research scientists process soil, plant samples, and record data into computer systems in the off-season. This role provides hands-on experience in agriculture and agricultural research.
Position Number 4M1344 Department AES EARC Division College of Agriculture/MAES Appointment Type Classified Contract Term Fiscal Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date FLSA Non-Exempt Union Affiliation FOCUS-MFPE FTE 1.0 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary $19.468 per hour, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications. Contract Type Classified Salary If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open
Position Details
General Statement Duties and Responsibilities
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
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? 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 May 22, 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
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Position Information
Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 26398 For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Chengci Chen
cchen@montana.edu
406-994-2210
Classification Title Research Asst III Working Title Farm and Research Assistant Brief Position Overview
The Farm and Research Assistant supports both farm operations and research activities at EARC. Responsibilities include assisting with crop management, equipment operation & maintenance, and facility upkeep during the growing season, as well as helping research scientists process soil, plant samples, and record data into computer systems in the off-season. This role provides hands-on experience in agriculture and agricultural research.
Position Number 4M1344 Department AES EARC Division College of Agriculture/MAES Appointment Type Classified Contract Term Fiscal Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date FLSA Non-Exempt Union Affiliation FOCUS-MFPE FTE 1.0 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary $19.468 per hour, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications. Contract Type Classified Salary If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open
Position Details
General Statement Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist the Farm Operations Manager with crop production tasks during the growing season, including
- Tillage and planting.
- Apply fertilizers and herbicides.
- Operate and maintain equipment.
- Plan and prepare land use for research projects.
- Support the Farm Operations Manager and Superintendent in maintaining the EARC facility and grounds.
- Assist research scientists with collecting, processing, and preparing soil and plant samples during the fall and winter seasons.
- Record and maintain farm operation data.
- Bachelor’s degree in related field.
- Experience operating farm machinery and performing basic farm maintenance tasks.
- Ability to lift heavy objects, work outdoors in various weather conditions, and follow safety protocols.
- Knowledge of farm operation and agricultural research .
- Knowledge of fertilizers, herbicides, and general crop management practices.
- Experience in farm management and/or agricultural research.
- Be highly motivated.
- Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to complete tasks efficiently and responsibly.
- Ability to identify issues and find practical solutions in the field in collaboration with the Farm Operations Manager.
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
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? 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 May 22, 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
- Resume
- Cover Letter
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Salary : $19