10 Montana State University Jobs

Position Details

Position Information

Announcement Number
STAFF - VA - 27014

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Paul Nugent
paul.nugent@montana.edu
406-994-2515

Classification Title
Research Professional

Working Title
Precision Agriculture Testbed Operations Specialist

Brief Position Overview

Precision Agriculture Testbed Operations Specialist supports MSU's role in the Headwaters Tech Hub effort by managing on-farm technology systems at Lutz Farm and Red Bluff Ranch. This hands-on role focuses on implementing, maintaining, and operating advanced precision agriculture tools while supporting research, education, and industry collaboration. The position works closely with students, faculty, and partners to enable real-world technology validation.

Position Number
4C0586

Department
Land Resources & Environ Sci

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
Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.

Contract Type
LOA

If other, please specify

Recruitment Type
Open

Position Details

General Statement

This position is part of Montana State University's precision agriculture program within the College of Agriculture. The program supports agricultural technology testing, demonstration, and workforce development through field-based learning at MSU farms and partner sites. The position will be housed in the Department of Land Resources & Environmental Sciences.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead installation and maintenance of precision agriculture systems (sensors, UAVs, GPS, IoT networks).
• Operate and troubleshoot field-based data systems and infrastructure.
• Support execution of testing protocols, including data collection and sensor deployment.
• Coordinate testbed access and activities for research and industry collaborators.
• Provide technical support for testbed student activities, training, and field-based instruction.
• Assist with demonstrations, field days, workshops, and training events.
• Support implementation of applied technologies such as variable-rate input systems and livestock monitoring tools.
• Pilot UAS (drones) in support of field monitoring, herbicide application, or granular product applications.
• Operate and support agricultural equipment in field production environments (tractors, sprayers, drills, spreaders, sampling equipment).
• Install, configure, calibrate, and troubleshoot integrated precision agriculture systems (RTK/GNSS, auto-steer, ISOBUS, controllers, displays).
• Manage, process, and organize agricultural datasets, including GIS-based mapping and spatial analysis.
• Develop and document technical procedures, workflows, and training materials

Required Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

1. Experience operating agricultural equipment in field environments.
2. Experience working with agricultural sensors and data systems.
3. Experience collecting, managing, or troubleshooting technical or environmental data.
4. Ability to work independently in field environments.
5. Ability to obtain and maintain an FAA Part 107 UAS operator license
6. Ability to obtain and maintain a state of Montana herbicide applicator license and appropriate endorsements for aerial application via UAS.
7. Experience collecting, managing, or processing field-based agricultural data.

Preferred Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

1. Experience with precision agriculture technologies (UASs, RTK GPS, IoT sensors, vehicle guidance).
2. Experience supporting testing, validation, or demonstration projects.
3. Familiarity with agricultural data systems or software tools.
4. Experience working with students or educational programs.
5. Experience with ISOBUS systems, rate controllers, and implement integration.
6. Experience with GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS Pro) and spatial data workflows.
7. Experience with machine telemetry, connected equipment, or cloud data platforms.
8. Experience with UAV or remote sensing systems for field data collection.
9. Experience with agricultural research farms, field trials, or technology validation.
10. Experience with major precision ag platforms (e.g., John Deere, Raven, Emlid).

The Successful Candidate Will

• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to work in outdoor, field-based environments.
• Effective communication with faculty, students, and industry partners.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and coordinate activities.
• Attention to detail in data collection and system operation.
• Ability to diagnose and solve field technology issues independently during active operations.
• Ability to translate field operation needs into technical equipment, software, and data requirements.
• Ability to document technical workflows and communicate solutions to diverse users.
• Ability to coordinate multiple technologies, timelines, and partners simultaneously.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

• Valid driver's license and ability to operate trucks, trailers, and agricultural equipment.
• Requires regular fieldwork in varying weather conditions.
• May require travel between MSU farms and research sites.
• Occasional evening or weekend work for field activities or events.
• Required to obtain and maintain and FAA Part 107 UAS operator license by the 2027 field season
• Required to obtain and maintain a State of Montana herbicide applicator license and appropriate endorsements for aerial application via UAS by the 2027 field season.
• Valid driver's license and ability to operate trucks, trailers, and agricultural equipment.

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 requires regular outdoor work and the candidate must be able to:

• Lift, carry, and install field equipment, sensors, cabling, GPS receivers, and related hardware.
• Work in active agricultural environments with dust, machinery, uneven terrain, and variable weather conditions.

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?
No

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies
1

Desired Start Date

Position End Date (if temporary)

Open Date

Close Date

Applications will be:

Screening of applications will begin on July 15, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Special Instructions

This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.

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.