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Livestock Operations Manager – Northern Ag Research Center *Havre, MT*

Job Description

The Northern Agricultural Research Center (NARC) near Havre is a part of the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station headquartered at Montana State University. The center was established in 1915 on the site of what was once Fort Assinniboine, a military post established in the 1880’s. The goal of its researchers is to serve Montana farmers and ranchers by seeking more profitable ways to produce, market, and use agricultural products.

Duties and Responsibilities
Manage the approximate 7,000 acres of agricultural land, facilities and livestock (cattle and horses) used in the research and educational activities of Northern Agricultural Research Center. 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.

General areas of responsibility include but are not limited to:
  • Care and monitoring of all livestock
  • Hiring, training, and supervising all livestock personnel
  • Coordinating use, maintenance, and repair of equipment and facilities
  • Managing livestock activities
  • Coordinating and supervising research and educational activities as described in oral and written protocols
  • Communicating effectively with researchers, educators and the general public
  • Coordinating, collecting and summarizing data generated for research projects at NARC

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
  • MS degree in agriculture, or BS (animal or range science, or related degree) with 2 years of livestock management.
  • Experience supervising personnel.
  • Demonstrated skills in personnel and budget management.
  • Demonstrated ability to follow written and oral University and research protocols.
  • Demonstrated competence in communication skills (individual and in groups) both written and oral.
  • Experience in livestock management and feedlot operations. Recognized ability to handle livestock with Low Stress handling techniques.
  • Experience in and understanding effective horsemanship around livestock.
  • Must possess or be able to obtain a Government and Research Pesticide applicators license, within 6 months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
  • Research experience in an agriculture-related field.
  • Understanding experimental design and statistics.
  • Established ability in Artificial Insemination, synchronization of heat techniques and pregnancy diagnosis.
  • Livestock production within a research enterprise

The Successful Candidate Will
The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic individual who possesses a wide breadth of knowledge of livestock management and operations. He or she will have extensive knowledge of irrigation systems, equipment and vehicles associated with ranching operations, farm implements, equipment, tools, and facilities. This person will effectively communicate with faculty, researchers, staff, and students, and will successfully motivate and supervise staff. The successful candidate will have excellent organizational skills and will be a critical thinker who can effectively prioritize and manage several projects at once.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
Position also requires:
  • Operating farm machinery and implements.
  • A Montana Driver’s License, or the ability to obtain one immediately upon hire.
  • A Montana Commercial Driver’s License, or the ability to obtain one within six months of hire.
  • A Montana government and research Pesticide Applicator’s License, or the ability to obtain one immediately upon hire.
  • Seasonal weekend and/or evening hours.

Physical Demands
  • Moving items up to 100 pounds.
  • Working at elevated positions.
  • Tolerating dusty conditions.
  • Work livestock while on horseback and have ability to handle horses in ranch and feedlot setting.
  • Working with and around pesticides.
  • Working with and around very loud equipment.
  • Working in extreme temperatures and inclement 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?
Yes

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 June 1, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.


Special Instructions
This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

To apply, please upload the following documents:
  • A cover letter with a bullet point specifically addressing EACH of the required and preferred qualifications.
  • Resume
  • Contact information for (3) references, including direct supervisors.

If cover letter instructions are not followed, the application may not be reviewed by the committee.

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.

MO

Montana State University

External employer
Bozeman, MT, United States
Ranch job
Posted on May 13, 2026