MSU-Bozeman Classified Position Vacancy Announcement

Montana State University
Bozeman

Classified Position
Vacancy Announcement
3/4/2013

RESEARCH ASSISTANT III- Moccasin, MT
Department of Research Centers- Central Agricultural Research Center

Announcement
Number

13-209

Position Number

0031

Start Date

Upon successful completion of selection process

Starting Salary

Wage of $13.248 per hour, consideration of higher wage dependent upon demonstrated exceptional relevant qualifications

FTE

1.0 Full-Time *See Notes

Benefits

Eligible for benefits

Bargaining Unit

Montana Public Employees Association

Overtime Status

Exempt from overtime

Overview

The position is located at the Central Agricultural Research Center (CARC) near Moccasin, Montana. CARC is one of seven off-campus research centers in the Department of Research Centers. The mission of the Department of Research Centers is to conduct scientific investigations pertaining to agriculture and natural resources, and to disseminate the results of this research to Extension personnel, farmers, scientists, and others interested in agricultural related research. Knowledge generated by the Department of Research Centers benefits Montana agriculture and the scientific community at local, state and national levels. The Central Agricultural Research Center conducts research on cereal grains, cool season pulse and oilseed crops, annual and perennial forages, cropping systems and soil nutrient management to service the needs of agricultural producers and related agricultural industries on 600 rain-fed acres.

Duties and
Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the CARC Superintendent, the person in this position will conduct all crop and forage production operations, pest control, and fence maintenance at the 600-acre CARC. The individual will be responsible for the timely completion of field crop production operations including monitoring and maintaining field crop species/yield/pesticide /soil nutrient history, planting, field scouting, application of crop maintenance products, conducting crop harvest and delivery of production to market. The Research Assistant III (RA III) will conduct post-research trial area clean up harvest. This individual will carry out foundation seed production, including cleaning and processing. The RA III will make daily decisions on crop production operations, assignment of available support employees, and servicing and maintenance of equipment used. The RA III will insure that production methods and equipment used in farm production operations meet all safety procedures and standards as established by the appropriate regulatory agency. This person will share in the maintenance and cleaning of CARC buildings and facilities used. The day-to-day management of the CARC land requires someone with the ability to exercise excellent independent decision-making skills and good, practical judgment.

Required
Qualifications

1.	Bachelor's degree in crop production, plant biology, soil fertility or related field or three years full time (or part-time equivalent) experience in all phases of annual crop production or a combination of relevant education and experience.
2.	At least two growing seasons' of experience operating farm scale grain drills and grain combine.
3.	Experience servicing and maintaining vehicles and farm equipment. Please list equipment.
4.	Demonstrated ability to work under little supervision while making good decisions and completing workload.

Preferred
Qualifications

1.	Experience in preparation and application of crop fertilizers and pesticides.
2.	Experience in planting, monitoring, and harvesting of crops.
3.	Experience using Excel or other spreadsheet software.

The Successful
Candidate Will

The successful candidate will also have the following abilities: To work independently and as part of a team; communicate effectively both verbally and in written format, with people both internal and external to the organization; successfully interact and cooperate with people of diverse backgrounds, including researchers, faculty and students; accurately follow instructions, procedures and regulations; and represent CARC and MSU in a professional and positive manner.

Special
Requirements

1.	In accordance with MSU policy, hiring will be conditional upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check.
2.	Must possess current or be eligible to obtain a valid State of Montana driver’s license.
3.	Must possess current or be eligible to obtain a State of Montana pesticide applicators license.
4.	Must be able to routinely lift up to 70 lbs.
5.	Must be able to work in severe weather conditions.
6.	Must be able to tolerate prolonged exposure to sunlight, heat, humidity, and tolerate airborne irritants such as dust, pollen, and chemicals.
7.	Must be able to enter, exit, and operate various types of farm machinery.
8.	Must be able to enter all grain combine threshing compartments, necessary to thoroughly remove all seed.

Notes

*Must be willing to work extra hours during evenings or weekends, if needed.

Application
Deadline

Screening will begin March 22, 2013, and will continue until a suitable candidate is chosen.

Application
Procedure

To apply, please submit the following application materials:

The MSU Application Cover Sheet. Download the MSU Application Cover Sheet and pertinent application information by clicking here MSU Classified Employment Application.

Written responses to the Required and Preferred qualifications listed above.

Copies of official transcripts, if applicable

Employment History or Resume

At least three (3) supervisory/professional references with contact information (most recent/current supervisor preferred.

Electronic submissions in Word or PDF are highly preferred but hard copies will be accepted. An original signature on the MSU Application Cover Sheet is required via scanned PDF, fax, or hardcopy original to the address below. Submit materials to:
David Wichmanc/o Lorrie Linhart, Administrative AssociateMSU Central Agricultural Research Center52583 US Hwy 87Moccasin, MT 59462llinhart@montana.edu

Please e-mail or call Search Committee Contact at 406-423-5421 with any questions. Fax: 406-423-5422

Posted

bbclark 3/4/13

Montana State University is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity employer and educational institution. As such, the University does not discriminate in the admission, access to or conduct of its educational programs and activities nor in its employment policies and practices on the basis of race, color, national origin (ancestry), sex, sexual preference/orientation, marital or parental status, age, creed, religion or political belief, mental or physical disability or status as a veteran. As a commitment toward the University's mission to be inclusive and diverse, applications from qualified minorities, women and persons with disabilities are highly encouraged.

Montana State University makes accommodation for any known disability that may interfere with an applicant's ability to compete in the hiring process or an employee's ability to perform the duties of the job. 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 or request accommodation, contact Human Resources, P.O. Box 172520, Montana State University, Bozeman MT 59717-2520; 406-994-3651; humanresources@montana.edu