Montana State University - Office of Student Engagement
Ft. Keogh Ranch Operations Manager *Miles City*
Montana State University - Office of Student Engagement, Bozeman, Montana, us, 59772
Ft. Keogh Ranch Operations Manager *Miles City*
Montana State University – Office of Student Engagement.
Position Overview The Ft. Keogh Operations Manager oversees approximately 55,000 acres of range and agricultural land, livestock, facilities, staff, and budget for research and educational activities of USDA, MAES, and Extension. The manager also oversees about 1,000 acres of cropland for feedstuff production.
Duties and Responsibilities
Supervise an employee team focused on animal health, welfare, feeding, and compliance with AACUC protocols.
Develop feeding and grazing protocols for livestock under Animal Use Agreements.
Collaborate with ARS scientists to decide culling and replacement of cattle breeding herds.
Manage cattle operations: calving, breeding, weaning, pasture moves, fence and corral maintenance, veterinary care, and IACUC guidelines.
Coordinate irrigated and dryland feedstuff production with USDA and MAES partners.
Coordinate use, maintenance, and repair of equipment and facilities in alignment with MSU and USDA‑ARS policies.
Oversee MSU budget at Ft. Keogh and adhere to fiscal and procurement policies.
Hire, train, and supervise personnel with Maintenance Supervisor, Feedlot Manager, and Ranch Foremen.
Maintain accurate records: animal inventory, health, hay production, supplements, equipment use, and MSU property.
Plan, execute, and conduct safety meetings for all MSU employees.
Communicate effectively with researchers, educators, partners, and the public in written and oral media.
Provide leadership for coordination of all research projects and supervise data collection and summary.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in agriculture or related field and at least 2 years of professional experience.
Experience in operations and budget management, including supervising personnel.
Experience in livestock management and feedlot operations with low‑stress handling techniques.
Documented ranch and farm management experience, including native range, irrigated and dryland crops, and improved pasture management.
Proficiency in computer applications (Microsoft Office, ration balancing software, database use, IP protocols, network services).
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in an agriculture‑related field.
Livestock research experience.
Montana pesticide applicator license.
Position Special Requirements This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
Physical Demands
Ability to physically manage livestock and operate farm machinery.
Ability to lift 100 lbs (feed and baby calves on a regular basis).
Application All applications will be screened starting January 5, 2026, and will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Required Documents
Resume
Cover Letter
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.
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Position Overview The Ft. Keogh Operations Manager oversees approximately 55,000 acres of range and agricultural land, livestock, facilities, staff, and budget for research and educational activities of USDA, MAES, and Extension. The manager also oversees about 1,000 acres of cropland for feedstuff production.
Duties and Responsibilities
Supervise an employee team focused on animal health, welfare, feeding, and compliance with AACUC protocols.
Develop feeding and grazing protocols for livestock under Animal Use Agreements.
Collaborate with ARS scientists to decide culling and replacement of cattle breeding herds.
Manage cattle operations: calving, breeding, weaning, pasture moves, fence and corral maintenance, veterinary care, and IACUC guidelines.
Coordinate irrigated and dryland feedstuff production with USDA and MAES partners.
Coordinate use, maintenance, and repair of equipment and facilities in alignment with MSU and USDA‑ARS policies.
Oversee MSU budget at Ft. Keogh and adhere to fiscal and procurement policies.
Hire, train, and supervise personnel with Maintenance Supervisor, Feedlot Manager, and Ranch Foremen.
Maintain accurate records: animal inventory, health, hay production, supplements, equipment use, and MSU property.
Plan, execute, and conduct safety meetings for all MSU employees.
Communicate effectively with researchers, educators, partners, and the public in written and oral media.
Provide leadership for coordination of all research projects and supervise data collection and summary.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in agriculture or related field and at least 2 years of professional experience.
Experience in operations and budget management, including supervising personnel.
Experience in livestock management and feedlot operations with low‑stress handling techniques.
Documented ranch and farm management experience, including native range, irrigated and dryland crops, and improved pasture management.
Proficiency in computer applications (Microsoft Office, ration balancing software, database use, IP protocols, network services).
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in an agriculture‑related field.
Livestock research experience.
Montana pesticide applicator license.
Position Special Requirements This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
Physical Demands
Ability to physically manage livestock and operate farm machinery.
Ability to lift 100 lbs (feed and baby calves on a regular basis).
Application All applications will be screened starting January 5, 2026, and will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Required Documents
Resume
Cover Letter
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.
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