Position Details Position Information Announcement Number FAC - VA - 25062 For questions regarding this position, please contact: Charlene Kazmier, Business Operations Manager 406-249-9788 charlene.kazmier@montana.edu Or Peggy Lamb, Search Chair (406) 994-6357 plamb@montana.edu Classification Title Working Title Assistant Professor, Cropping System Agronomist, *Havre, MT* Brief Position Overview The Cropping Systems Agronomist will lead a field-oriented research program to diversify and intensify crop rotations in northcentral Montana. This role involves applied field research to enhance sustainable production and economic viability for producers, and collaboration with diverse stakeholders. Key responsibilities include conducting producer relevant, field-oriented research, communicating research findings, securing extramural grant funding, and participating in outreach activities. This is a twelve-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor position focused on research, outreach, and service, with no formal teaching duties. Faculty Tenure Track Yes Faculty Rank TT Position Number 4B3716 Department AES NARC Division College of Agriculture/MAES Appointment Type Faculty Contract Term Fiscal Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining FTE 1.0 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications; Incentive Program for Researchers is available (Link for more information in the 'Additional Information' section) Contract Type MUS If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open Position Details General Statement This tenure track position is located at Northern Agricultural Research Center ( NARC ), a diversified crop and livestock research facility located seven miles southwest of Havre, MT (pop. 9,400). The average farm size in northcentral MT is over 4,000 acres and major crop production includes wheat, barley, pulses, canola, mustard, flax, safflower, alfalfa, and annual and perennial forages. Havre offers year-round outdoor recreational opportunities along the Milk River, in the Bear Paw Mountains and at multiple large reservoirs. Hunting, fishing, hiking, boating, golfing, skiing, ice skating, civic organizations, and community events, along with cultural attractions including museums, galleries, concerts, and live theater keep locals busy and draw visitors from across the state. Historical attractions nearby include the Montana Dinosaur Trail, Bear Paw Battlefield, Fort Assinniboine, and the Wahkpa Chu’gn Buffalo Jump. Havre is a small town with a low crime rate and is the regional commercial hub for the Hi-Line. Also located in Havre, but not part of the research center, is Montana State University-Northern, north central Montana’s comprehensive university offering degrees at the associate, baccalaureate, and master’s levels. Duties and Responsibilities The Cropping Systems Agronomist will lead an applied field-oriented research program to diversify or intensify the current rotation practices in northcentral Montana which includes 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 sustained production and economic viability of the region’s farmers. The Department seeks an individual who will identify and address cropping systems research needs 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 , you 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. The successful candidate will also have the 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 Committee made up of producers and industry stakeholders from our seven-county area to help steer 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 Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills + Ph.D. in Agronomy, Crop Science, Plant Physiology, or a closely related field, at time of hire. + Documented experience in crop production and cropping systems research. + Demonstrated experience in planning, designing, and implementing field research, and interpreting research results using accepted, innovative, and strategic scientific methodology. + Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed journal articles and outreach materials commensurate with training and experience. Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills + Documented successful grant writing experience. + Post-doctoral research experience. + Experience with semi-arid small grain and alternative crop production systems prevalent in the Northern Great Plains region of North America. + Interest in integrating greenhouse trials to supplement field research. + Experience with producer outreach activities. + Personal experience operating field research equipment including tractors, seeders, and combines. + Demonstrated ability to interact/collaborate across academic disciplines and cultural backgrounds, both within the university and with external constituents. The Successful Candidate Will + Excellent oral and written communication skills. + Help MSU continue to provide innovative and impactful agricultural research. + Develop a successful and interdisciplinary agronomic research and education program addressing the needs in Montana agricultural sectors. + Work cooperatively with people of various backgrounds Position Special Requirements/Additional Information + Must possess a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and meet all State of Montana requirements to operate State/University vehicles. (If successful candidate possesses a valid out-of-state driver’s license, must obtain a valid Montana driver’s license within 60 days of hire.) + Possesses or will obtain a Montana Government Pesticide Applicator License within six months of hire. + In accordance with MSU policy, hiring will be conditional upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check. Access the Departmental Role and Scope (https://ag.montana.edu/policies/rcrolescope19.html) , Incentive Program for Researchers (https://www.montana.edu/research/osp/ipr\_description.html) , and Faculty Handbook (https://www.montana.edu/policy/faculty\_handbook/) , for additional details relevant to this position. 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 This position will involve extensive work in the field. The successful candidate must have the ability to navigate uneven terrain on foot, work around dust, seeds, and pollen, work in inclement weather, and move up to 60 pounds on occasion. 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. The Program 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 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 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 FY24 at more than $257 million, exceeding the prior year’s total by 12%, and 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. Posting Detail Information Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search Position End Date (if temporary) Open Date Close Date Applications will be: Screening of applications will begin March 3, 2025. However, applications will continue to be accepted until a robust applicant pool is established. Special Instructions To apply, please upload the following documents: + A cover letter specifically addressing each of the Required and Preferred Qualifications. + Curriculum Vita. + Contact information for (3) references, that includes direct supervisors. 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.