Research Assistant II

Position Details
Position Information

Announcement Number	STAFF - VA - 24264
For questions regarding this position, please contact:	Peggy Lamb [email protected] 406-265-6115
Classification Title	Research Asst II
Working Title	Research Assistant II
Brief Position Overview	This fluctuating FTE position requires full-time employment during the field season and part-time employment during the off-season, or winter months, depending on workload and grant requirements. This position will assist in field and laboratory research associated with the variety testing program at Northern Agricultural Research Center. The successful applicant will be an active participant in all facets of the variety testing program and is expected to learn research techniques and equipment operation on the job while growing in the position.
Position Number	4N1233
Department	AES NARC
Division	College of Agriculture/MAES
Appointment Type	Classified
Contract Term	Fiscal Year
Semester
If other, specify From date
If other, specify End date
FLSA	Non-Exempt
Union Affiliation	FOCUS-MFPE
FTE	0.75 - 1.0 (flexible hours)
Benefits Eligible	Eligible
Salary	$17.985 per hour, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications
Contract Type	Classified Hourly
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type	Open

Position Details

General Statement	Assist in the variety testing program with the management of agronomic field and laboratory research associated with the variety testing program on- and off-station, near Havre, MT. The successful applicant will be an active participant in all facets of the variety testing program including, but not limited to planning, design, and execution of field crop research.
Duties and Responsibilities	Collect and record field and laboratory research data. Operate and maintain lab equipment including barcode scanners, grinding mills, NIR and Falling Number machine. Maintain weed free research plots and trials. Enter data, assist with reports and presentations utilizing Windows and MS Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). Operate plot scale field equipment including tractors, seeders, forage harvesters and combines. Manage and stock lab and field supplies as needed.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills	High school education. Experience collecting and recording agronomic field and laboratory research data. Experience operating and maintaining scientific lab equipment including balances, barcode scanners, grinding mills, NIR and falling number machine. Experience with Windows and MS Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). Experience with dryland crops common to Montana. Must currently possess or obtain a Montana Government Pesticide Applicator’s License including the Ag Plant Pest endorsement within 6 months of date of hire. Must currently possess a valid US driver’s license.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills	Experience safely operating plot scale field equipment including tractors, combines, seeders, and forage harvester. Experience with Trimble Auto-Steer, or similar automated steering system. Experience safely loading and securing equipment for transport, and towing trailers on the highway, through towns and on dirt farm roads.
The Successful Candidate Will	Outstanding communication skills, both written and oral, as a leader and a coworker. Be a team player. Detail oriented with excellent record keeping skills. Make appropriate decisions in the absence of other leadership. Self-directed.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information	Evenings and/or weekend work will be required as dictated by season, weather, and deadlines. 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	Repetitive movements and standing, bending, or squatting for extensive periods of time; Be able to work around dust, pollen-bearing plants and pesticides; Work in in extreme weather conditions; Being able to enter, exit and operate numerous types of research and farm equipment unassisted; Work around loud machinery is required. 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	Upon completion of a successful search
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:	Screening of applications will begin on March 06, 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