What are the responsibilities and job description for the Farm Operations Manager position at Montana State University?
This position provides support to the horticultural and agronomic research programs at the WARC, including the supervision of part-time/seasonal employees who assist with these programs. The WARC is one of seven research centers distributed across Montana in the Department of Research Centers under the College of Agriculture and the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station (map of research centers). The WARC is located in southwest Montana in the Bitterroot Valley, 45 miles south of Missoula. The goal of its researchers is to serve Montana fruit and vegetable growers by seeking more profitable ways to produce and market agricultural products. The area boasts spectacular scenery and rural appeal plus an array of recreational activities including fishing, hiking, hunting, photography, skiing, boating, and musical and cultural events.
Duties and Responsibilities
The employee will be responsible for management of agricultural field operations. Duties will include, but are not limited to:
- Maintaining and operating field equipment for planting and harvesting crops, field and grounds maintenance.
- Managing irrigation, soil nutrients, and pests which includes monitoring their levels in fields, maintaining supplies of nutrients and pesticides, mixing and application of these materials, and keeping records of their application.
- Supervision and training field crews to ensure tasks are completed in a safe, effective, and timely manner.
- Managing vegetable, apple, pear, grape, and berry orchard/vineyards including bird netting, pruning and training.
- Implementation of research designs and protocols as planned by research professionals and faculty.
- Managing the grounds including lawn, trees, shrubs, and fences.
- Managing facility maintenance and repair.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Bachelor of Science in an agriculture-related field or work experience in agricultural research.
- Expertise in implementing field-based, agricultural/horticultural research.
- Expertise in farm and crop management.
- Experience in operating and maintaining agricultural equipment/machinery.
- Experience in construction/facilities maintenance.
- Experience in record keeping and data entry and basis analysis.
- Supervisory experience.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Master’s degree in agricultural/horticultural related field.
- Proficiency in experimental design and data analysis.
- Demonstrates skill in written and verbal communication.
The Successful Candidate Will
- Wide breadth of knowledge of crop production and farm operations.
- Extensive knowledge of irrigation systems, farm implements, equipment, tools, and facilities.
- Effectively communicate with faculty, researchers, staff, and students.
- Successfully motivate and supervise staff.
- Excellent organizational and record keeping skills.
- A critical thinker who can effectively prioritize and manage several projects at once.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
- Must possess currently or be eligible to obtain a valid State of Montana Driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record (less than 12 points) as in-state travel will be occasionally required.
- Must possess a Montana Department of Agriculture Government Pesticide Applicators License, or be eligible and able to obtain one within 6-months of hire.
- Must be willing to work outside of traditional business hours when research protocols dictate (occasional weekends or evenings).
- 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
With or without reasonable accommodation, the person in this position must be able to:
- Moving/lifting items up to 100 lbs.
- Working in extreme temperature, weather conditions.
- Working safely with and around pesticides, loud equipment, and heavy machinery
- Working safely in elevated position (e.g. on ladders)
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?
Yes
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 November 20, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
This position is not eligible for 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.
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.
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