The Montana Climate Office (MCO), within the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation at the University of Montana, is seeking applications for multiple Temporary Mesonet Assistant positions. These are 6-month, full-time, hourly appointments based in Missoula, Montana, and will be supervised by the Montana Mesonet Field Manager (MFM).

Mesonet Assistants will support construction and deployment of weather monitoring stations as part of the Montana Mesonet, a statewide network designed to improve weather, flood, and drought monitoring. The Montana Mesonet is being developed through a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) award to the MCO to support enhanced flood and drought prediction across Montana.

Substantial work will take place in eastern Montana this year. Travel will include trips of up to one week with long driving days. Lodging is typically in hotels, though some overnight camping may be required (equipment provided).

Additional information about the USACE project is available at: https://www.drought.gov/drought-research/usace-upper-missouri-river-basin-soil-moisture-and-plains-snow-monitoring-build

• Assist field technicians as directed with all aspects of station construction and installation.
• Test electronic equipment prior to field deployment.
• Test, organize, and prepare materials and equipment for field deployment.
• Maintain materials and supplies inventories required for station construction.
• Complete construction and installation tasks as directed by MFM in the field and office to complete the on-time buildout of weather monitoring stations.
• Assist with preparing and packing materials, vehicles, and trailers for extended field deployments. Complete office, warehouse, and maintenance tasks as assigned.
• Meet all paperwork and reporting requirements of the University of Montana necessary to fulfill roles and responsibilities for this position.
• Serve as public representative of the Montana Mesonet within the broader mission of the MCO.

• High School diploma and one (1) year of experience with general construction practices.
• Knowledge of and ability to work with safe construction practices while fostering a safe working environment.
• Lab or similar experience working with technical equipment.
• Ability and willingness to complete overnight travel throughout Montana for durations up to two (2) weeks per trip.
• Capacity and willingness to perform field work under extreme environmental conditions.
• Demonstrated ability to follow instructions and complete tasks competently and on time.
• Ability to perform manual field work at Mesonet sites (e.g., working on uneven terrain in remote areas, lifting heavy objects, and digging cable trenches and soils pits).
• Valid driver license and ability to operate a pickup truck pulling a trailer.
• Ability to work collaboratively within MCO’s team-oriented environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven ability to operate small construction machinery, i.e., skid steer with hydraulic attachments.
• Three (3) years of experience with general construction practices.
• One (1) year of experience with environmental monitoring electronics or similar technology.
• Ability to safely drive trucks and trailers with loaded equipment.

Work Schedule:Full-time, 1.0 FTE (40 Hours a week), Position requires an alternative work schedule, 6-month temporary appointment.

Screening of applications will begin after the closing date; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

A complete application includes:

1. Letter of Interest – addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position. A general letter salutation such as “Dear Search Committee” or “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable.
2. Detailed Resume – listing education and describing work experience
3. Three (3) Professional References – names and contact information

Must be eligible to work in the United States upon hire. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

The University of Montana is interested in receiving applications from people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action: Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

The Affiliation of the University of Montana (UM Affiliation) is an equal opportunity employer. UM Affiliation does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM’s non-discrimination policy and any applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.

References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. UM partners with SkillSurvey for reference checking. Applicants may receive emails from SkillSurvey to submit reference information.

Testing: Individual hiring departments withing the UM Affiliation may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.

Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM and all affiliated campuses, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9). The University of Montana will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring. Further, based on the September 19, 2025, Presidential Proclamation and accompanying guidance from the USCIS and Dept. of State, the University may not be able to offer H-1B sponsorship. Particularly the University is not able to pay the $100,000 payment accompanying new H-1B visa petitions.