Range And Row, LLC  

Great Falls, MT 

Job purpose 

Range And Row, LLC is looking to hire a variable-time, Research Assistant to support field research activities.  The Research Assistant’s role is to support the day-to-day needs of the Research Leader as they plan and execute tasks required to conduct agricultural research trials.  Some tasks require multiple people for a single task, and at other times there may be multiple separate tasks that need to occur simultaneously.  These tasks may include measuring field sites, preparing and operating research-scale farm equipment, taking field notes, preparing seed packets, collecting samples, and more.  

As Range And Row grows, and as this employee builds skills, this role is expected to flex to continue to support alignment between employee skillset/interests and business needs.  

Duties and responsibilities 

Most tasks to be completed while working side-by-side with Research Leader.  Occasionally, some tasks will be assigned as solo work.  In all cases, training and familiarization will be provided, along with PPE as required.  

Operate research-scale farm equipment, including but not limited to a ~70hp tractor and plot drill/planter 

Prepare equipment prior to heading to the field (e.g., Lubrication, modification, calibration) 

Measure and mark field sites with flags and other tools 

Make observations and record specific notes within field trials 

Fill packets with seed, fertilizer, or other products  

Label and organize seed packets 

Collect soil/tissue samples and assist with packaging and shipping of samples 

Start/stop/move irrigation equipment 

Other duties as assigned 

Qualifications 

Minimum Qualifications include: 

Familiarity with farming operations and/or agronomy concepts 

High School diploma or equivalency 

Ability to lift 50+lbs 

Ability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions with limited accommodations 

Flexible to work long and variable hours as dictated by weather and other scheduling factors 

Agility to change plans in real-time as priorities and conditions demand 

Legally qualified to work in the United States 

Preferred Qualifications: 

Experience working with agricultural research plots, field demos, or other specialty ag projects 

Experience operating tractors and/or other equipment 

Experience maintaining ag equipment 

Education related to agronomy, soil and/or plant health, or agricultural/diesel mechanics 

Flexible to work weekends as needed 

Current driver’s license with safe driving history 

Working conditions 

This role requires long periods of time outdoors in variable conditions including heat, cold, wind, sun, etc.  Vehicles at the field site will serve as the “office” and a short drive will be required to use restroom facilities or other related services. 

Physical requirements 

This job does require occasional heavy lifting (50+lbs), bending, reaching, standing, etc.  While these activities are not occurring throughout the entire day, a moderate degree of physical ability is required to over the course of the day and season.  A successful candidate will need to be able to complete these activities in the work environment described with only limited special accommodations.    

Work Schedule 

This job may require many sequential days of work, including 8+ hours days and/or weekend work.  Alternatively, there may be days where no work is needed for 1 or more days in a row, or days with less than 8 hours of work.  This schedule will remain flexible to accommodate the needs of the business and weather conditions.  

While there is no guarantee of any certain number of hours/week, we will work together to identify tasks that align with the employees skills to fill in days/or weeks with limited primary work hours.  This is dependent on availability of these additional tasks, and upon the business needs and goals.  

Direct reports 

This is not a supervisory position.