We are currently accepting applications for the 2024 season

Are you excited about farming? Do you want to be part of research that will help Montana farmers? Then we're looking for someone like you! Our seasonal workers make it possible for us collect, analyze, and share useful information about crop varieties and growing practices that can help small farmers succeed. Current research projects include field and laboratory studies of forage and cereal grains, apples, grapes, and cold-hardy berries, vegetables and fermentation. 

As a seasonal employee, you may work directly with lead scientists, research associates, other seasonal helpers, or independently. Occasionally, you will be expected to travel off the farm to work at our associated research sites. The season begins either April 1 or May 1 and runs through October 31. These dates may be modified for the right candidate. The regular work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm (including ½ hour unpaid lunch break and two paid 15-minute breaks), adjusted for high temperature days. We ask workers to maintain some flexibility depending on project needs.

Please note that most of our fields and landscapes are managed conventionally, meaning that pesticides are regularly applied. We may ask—but do not require—seasonal workers to apply these chemicals or to participate in pest control. Pesticide safety training is provided to all employees, and all staff are notified of the spray schedule and safe field re-entry intervals.

Seasonal Field Research Assistants

Job tasks vary depending on the season, weather, and research needs:

  • Collecting data in crop variety trials
  • Harvesting fruit, vegetable, and cereal crops
  • Pruning, grafting, and fertilizing fruit crops
  • Controlling weeds and pests
  • Managing irrigation
  • Maintaining lawn and landscaping

All seasonal employees must be able to perform the following essential functions:

  • Working independently as well as part of a team
  • Repeated stooping, bending, crouching, kneeling, and reaching high and low
  • Remaining standing or seated and stationary for long periods
  • Walking (up to several miles per day) to different parts of the property and in sometimes muddy fields
  • Lifting and carrying items weighing up to 50 lbs across the length of a field
  • Using hand tools such as shovels, rakes, and hoes, and power tools such as weed whackers, drills, or reciprocating saws
  • Being exposed to extreme weather conditions (e.g., cold, heat, and sunshine—supervisory staff do their best schedule field work during the coolest parts of the day in midsummer and assign indoor tasks during inclement weather)
  • Driving farm vehicles, including trucks, tractors, and lawn mowers (appropriate training is provided for specialty farm equipment)

See below for educational opportunites, application process, and diversity statement for this position.

Educational Opportunities

As employees at WARC, you gain firsthand experience in growing, monitoring, and harvesting an array of grains, pulses, vegetables and fruits. We utilize a variety of machinery, motorized and hand tools as well as scientific equipment both in the field and in the lab. As a research facility we also collect data to assess crop varieties and planting methods so that we can make recommendations to local growers.

We are happy to share what knowledge we have about plants, animals, insects, tractors, trucks, and scientific research. We host one field day each season, and you are invited to attend scheduled farm visits. In addition to weekly staff meetings, we hold occasional meetings with on-campus staff to discuss ongoing research projects as well as published research. We encourage interested employees to attend.

Application

Please submit a resume, cover letter and questions to WARC Admin, Kierstin Schmitt, Kierstin.schmitt@montana.edu. Employment will remain open until we have filled all of our seasonal positions. We will begin the hiring process around March 1. 

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. 

Montana State University is committed to providing a working and learning environment free from discrimination. 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, religion, national origin, ethnicity, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, gender, age, political beliefs, marital or family status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation or preference. In support of the University’s mission to be inclusive and diverse, applications from qualified minorities, women, veterans 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. To request an accommodation, contact the Human Resources Office, PO Box 172520, Montana State University, Bozeman MT 59717-2520; 406-994-3651; recruitment@montana.edu .

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 at this link: https://www.montana.edu/policy/discrimination/procedures/