System Support Specialist Jobs in Montana

The Cropping Systems Agronomist will lead an applied, field-oriented research program to diversify or intensify current rotation practices in north-central Montana, including cereals, pulses, oilseeds, forages, and other alternative crops. This role requires direct engagement in field activities, including data collection, operation of agricultural machinery, and implementation of research methodologies. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to personally design, conduct, and analyze field studies and are expected to remain actively involved in these core responsibilities. This research should enhance the sustained production and economic viability of the region’s farmers. The Department seeks an individual to identify and address research needs in cropping systems through discussions with stakeholders. The incumbent is expected to cooperate with multi-discipline MSU and public-sector scientists, extension personnel, farmers, private industry, advisory groups, and commodity organizations to develop research priorities and assist in developing management recommendations.

As a faculty member of NARC, the successful candidate will have access to on-site dryland and irrigated research fields, a new greenhouse/headhouse facility, laboratory space, farm- and plot-scale equipment, precision irrigation systems, and the opportunity to utilize 300 head of range beef cattle to expand into crop-livestock systems research. There will also be an opportunity to collaborate with our precision agriculture and extension specialist, the crop variety development and testing program, as well as animal scientists. The research center has a very involved Advisory Council made up of producers and industry stakeholders from the surrounding seven-county area to help guide research center activities.

This is a twelve-month tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor level with research (80%), outreach (10%), and service (10%) responsibilities funded by the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station and the College of Agriculture. This position has no formal teaching responsibilities; however, opportunities to mentor undergraduate and graduate students exist within the College.

This position will involve extensive work in the field. The successful candidate must be able to navigate uneven terrain on foot, work around dust, seeds, and pollen, work in inclement weather, and occasionally move up to 60 pounds.

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 field-based research program will evolve through utilizing the expertise of the successful candidate and input from stakeholders and collaborating researchers. The program could include examining economically sustainable production systems by evaluating adaptation and management strategies for potential alternative crops and rotations, investigating the impacts of biotic and abiotic factors within cropping systems practiced, examining the effects of unique rotations to enhance sustained crop quality and production, or applying technology to crop management and decision-making within new, intensified, and alternative cropping systems in Montana.

The Department of Research Centers represents a unique department with faculty and staff that conduct applied research and outreach programs at seven off-campus research centers throughout Montana. The MAES Research Centers are located strategically throughout the state to address regional needs for agricultural producers. Graduate students in the department work within on-campus departments (e.g., Plant Sciences & Plant Pathology or Land Resources and Environmental Science) to obtain their degrees.

The College founded in 1893 as a Land Grant University, Montana State University (MSU) is composed of nine academic colleges and a graduate school and boasts a friendly, supportive faculty and campus environment. Montana State University set a record for expenditures on research in FY25 at more than $288 million, and has more than doubled its total expenditures since 2019. Among MSU’s academic colleges, the College of Agriculture reported the largest research expenditure at $54.1 million. Currently, the University hosts an enrollment of over 17,000 students, including nearly 2,100 graduate students. MSU is classified as R1 in the Carnegie Classification for “very high research activity,” making it one of only 131 universities nationwide in that category.

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This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.

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.

Exempt