Position Details Position Information Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 24295 For questions regarding this position, please contact: Hannah [email protected] Title Research Professional Working Title Research Associate Brief Position Overview The Animal Science Research Associate will manage research and data collection for livestock-related studies at Northern Agricultural Research Center ( NARC ). This individual is directly responsible to the Animal Scientist (Dr. Hannah Speer) at NARC .Position Number 4C1466 Department AES NARC Division College of Agriculture/MAES Appointment Type Professional Contract Term Fiscal Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date FLSA Exempt Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining FTE 1.0 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary $38,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications Contract Type LOA If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open Position Details General Statement The Northern Agricultural Research Center consists of 3,000 acres at the main facility with an additional 3,960 acres of grazing land located in the nearby Bear Paw Mountains. The 3,000 acres on the main facility supports both crop and livestock research activities which is distinctly unique to MSU . The research center has recently completed $2.8 million of construction and renovation, including a new $2.1 million office/laboratory complex. In the spring of 2014, two center pivots suitable for research were installed. A modern research scale greenhouse was funded and designed with construction to be completed in the near future. The research center, when fully staffed, consists of three faculty, two operations managers, research scientist, master’s level technician, and 12 permanent support personnel. A local advisory board made up of area producers and industry representatives from the five surrounding counties, provides guidance on NARC research priorities.Duties and Responsibilities
Participate in the design, establishment and maintenance of field investigations of the livestock programs at NARC .
Interact effectively with the Department Head, Superintendent, faculty and other professionals in managing farm/ranch units (Fort Assiniboine, Thackeray Ranch, and lease lands) in support of the research and education programs of the center and the department.
Manage research livestock and animals; this includes feeding, observing and addressing animal health issues, and supporting livestock research or management personnel.
Coordinate and supervise research and educational activities as described in written and oral protocols.
Provide specific management unique to livestock and animals involved in scientific research protocols.
Communicate effectively with researchers, educators and the general public.
Coordinate, collect, and summarize data generated for livestock research projects at NARC .
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Bachelor’s degree in animal science;
Experience in livestock and farm/ranch operations;
Demonstrated competence in computer skills (Microsoft office suite, ration balancing software, database use, network services, etc.);
Effective communication skills (both written and oral) with researchers, educators, research center personnel, and producers.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Master’s degree in animal science or a related field;
Experience with livestock/agriculture research and animal care protocols;
Knowledge of lab techniques for feed and forage analysis;
Understanding of experimental design and statistics.
The Successful Candidate Will
Have excellent organizational skills.
Be able to communicate with all disciplines of agriculture, from producers to scientists.
Have the ability to understand and follow written and oral University and research protocols.
Establish and maintain effective working relations with co-workers, faculty, and staff in a team-oriented environment.
Capable and willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions, ranging from extreme heat to extreme cold.
Ability to safely handle and be around livestock. Prior experience with livestock is preferred, and a demonstrated understanding of safety protocols around these animals is essential.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
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
Must be willing to work outside of traditional business hours when research protocols dictate.
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. Requires sitting and walking up and down stairs.This position has supervisory duties? No 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 on April 9, 2024; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.Special Instructions Diversity Statement Montana State University values diverse perspectives and is committed to continually supporting, promoting and building an inclusive and culturally diverse campus environment. MSU recognizes the importance of work-life integration and strives to be responsive to the needs of dual career couples.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. MSU’s Non-Discrimination Policy and Discrimination Grievance Procedures can be located on the MSU Website: https://www.montana.edu/hr/recruitment/dualcareer.html