Montana State University - Office of Student Engagement
Ft. Keogh Ranch Operations Manager
Montana State University - Office of Student Engagement, Bozeman, Montana, us, 59772
Announced:
3 days ago – please be among the first 25 applicants.
Position:
Ft. Keogh Operations Manager
Classification Title:
Managing Director
Working Title:
Ft. Keogh Ranch Operations Manager
Dept/Division:
AES LARRS Division, College of Agriculture/MAES
Appointment Type:
Professional Contract Term – FY Semester
FTE:
1.0
Benefits:
Eligible.
Salary:
commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.
Contact Darrin Boss
dboss@montana.edu
406-265-6115
Position Overview The Ft. Keogh Operations Manager oversees approximately 55,000 acres of range and agricultural land, facilities, staff, and livestock (cattle and horses) used in the research and educational activities of the USDA, MAES, and Extension. The manager also handles about 1,000 acres of cropland for feedstock production and collaborates extensively to support partner research and education programs.
Duties and Responsibilities
Livestock Facility Operations
– supervise animal health, wellbeing, and feeding; implement AACUC protocols; develop feeding and grazing protocols; manage culling/replacement decisions; oversee all cattle operations (calving, breeding, weaning, pasture moves, maintenance, doctoring, IACUC compliance); manage irrigated and dryland feedstock production.
Operations & MSU Resources
– coordinate equipment/use/maintenance per MSU/ARS policies; oversee fiscal budget; hire, train, and supervise personnel; maintain accurate records; coordinate animal, facility, pasture use; assist with shop direction and equipment scheduling; plan safety meetings; communicate with researchers, educators, partners.
Research & Educational Activities
– lead coordination of research projects; collect and summarize data; supervise Admin Associate as needed.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in agriculture or related field with at least 2 years of professional experience.
Experience in operations and budget management, including supervising personnel.
Experience in livestock management and feedlot operations; low stress handling techniques.
Documented ranch and farm management experience (native range, irrigated/dryland crops, pasture).
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, ration balancing software, databases, network services.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s Degree in an agriculture‑related field.
Livestock research experience.
Montana pesticide applicator license.
The Successful Candidate Will
Have outstanding written and oral communication skills.
Be a team player capable of working with minimal supervision to meet deadlines.
Exhibit excellent record‑keeping and be detail oriented.
Be self‑directed and make sound decisions independently.
Work with federal and state entities for budget and research needs.
Physical Demands
Manage livestock and operate farm machinery.
Lift up to 100 lbs (e.g., feed, baby calves).
Application Details Screening of applications begins
November 19, 2025 ; applications accepted until an adequate applicant pool is established.
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 to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans.
Required Documents
Resume
Cover Letter
Optional Documents Supplemental Questions.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
3 days ago – please be among the first 25 applicants.
Position:
Ft. Keogh Operations Manager
Classification Title:
Managing Director
Working Title:
Ft. Keogh Ranch Operations Manager
Dept/Division:
AES LARRS Division, College of Agriculture/MAES
Appointment Type:
Professional Contract Term – FY Semester
FTE:
1.0
Benefits:
Eligible.
Salary:
commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.
Contact Darrin Boss
dboss@montana.edu
406-265-6115
Position Overview The Ft. Keogh Operations Manager oversees approximately 55,000 acres of range and agricultural land, facilities, staff, and livestock (cattle and horses) used in the research and educational activities of the USDA, MAES, and Extension. The manager also handles about 1,000 acres of cropland for feedstock production and collaborates extensively to support partner research and education programs.
Duties and Responsibilities
Livestock Facility Operations
– supervise animal health, wellbeing, and feeding; implement AACUC protocols; develop feeding and grazing protocols; manage culling/replacement decisions; oversee all cattle operations (calving, breeding, weaning, pasture moves, maintenance, doctoring, IACUC compliance); manage irrigated and dryland feedstock production.
Operations & MSU Resources
– coordinate equipment/use/maintenance per MSU/ARS policies; oversee fiscal budget; hire, train, and supervise personnel; maintain accurate records; coordinate animal, facility, pasture use; assist with shop direction and equipment scheduling; plan safety meetings; communicate with researchers, educators, partners.
Research & Educational Activities
– lead coordination of research projects; collect and summarize data; supervise Admin Associate as needed.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in agriculture or related field with at least 2 years of professional experience.
Experience in operations and budget management, including supervising personnel.
Experience in livestock management and feedlot operations; low stress handling techniques.
Documented ranch and farm management experience (native range, irrigated/dryland crops, pasture).
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, ration balancing software, databases, network services.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s Degree in an agriculture‑related field.
Livestock research experience.
Montana pesticide applicator license.
The Successful Candidate Will
Have outstanding written and oral communication skills.
Be a team player capable of working with minimal supervision to meet deadlines.
Exhibit excellent record‑keeping and be detail oriented.
Be self‑directed and make sound decisions independently.
Work with federal and state entities for budget and research needs.
Physical Demands
Manage livestock and operate farm machinery.
Lift up to 100 lbs (e.g., feed, baby calves).
Application Details Screening of applications begins
November 19, 2025 ; applications accepted until an adequate applicant pool is established.
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 to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans.
Required Documents
Resume
Cover Letter
Optional Documents Supplemental Questions.
#J-18808-Ljbffr