Precision Agriculture Testbeds Manager The Precision Agriculture Testbeds Manager is responsible for the operational coordination, project management, and partner engagement activities associated with Montana State University's Precision Agriculture Testbeds at the Lutz Farm and Red Bluff Ranch. This position ensures that external and internal testbed projects move efficiently from initial client discovery through execution, reporting, and closeout using a structured, repeatable process modeled after the Grand Farm testbed framework and adapted to MSU's research and extension environment. The successful candidate will lead the coordination and execution of precision agriculture technology testing, validation, and demonstration projects within Montana State University's Precision Agriculture Testbeds. The candidate will build productive relationships with industry partners, producers, researchers, and students, translating project needs into practical test plans, schedules, and deliverables. The candidate will play a key role in evaluating emerging technologies, including remote sensing, autonomous systems, livestock monitoring tools, and data-driven decision support technologies, under real-world Montana agricultural conditions. The candidate will contribute to workforce development by facilitating student engagement, field demonstrations, applied learning opportunities, and outreach activities, while helping establish a sustainable, industry-engaged testbed program that advances agricultural innovation and economic development.
Required Qualifications:
Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills - Bachelor's degree in agriculture, agribusiness, environmental science, education, project management, or a related field. Demonstrated experience in project or program coordination. Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Experience working across diverse stakeholder groups. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Current Driver's License and ability to travel to meet with clients and access remote facilities. Ability to operate effectively in both office and field environments. Position Special Requirements/Additional Information - Seasonal field activity may require flexible scheduling during peak periods. This position is fully funded for an initial two-year period through the Precision Agriculture Testbeds. Long-term continuation is anticipated through externally funded testbed projects, industry collaborations, and research and economic development grants related to the testbeds. 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.
