Field Research Technician Job at Colorado State University
Classification Title
Temporary Hourly
Employment Category
Temporary
Is this an Hourly position?
Yes
Work Hours/Week
0-30
Overtime Eligible?
No
Position Location
Hotchkiss, CO
Does this position qualify for hybrid or remote work?
No
Description of Work Unit
The Western Colorado Research Center (WCRC) consists of three sites that collaborate to advance knowledge in the agricultural, biological, soil, and water-related sciences, while also promoting regional engagement in community development, food systems, and natural resources projects. The three sites are: Orchard Mesa Research Center (Grand Junction, CO), Organic Agriculture Research Station – Rogers Mesa (Hotchkiss, CO), and The Grand Valley Research Center (Fruita, CO). The Director will be based at the CSU Western Campus. The administrative offices of the Western Campus are co-located with staff at the Orchard Mesa Research Center and provide administrative oversight for the three WCRC research centers. The Western Campus also houses the CSU Extension (CSUE) Western Regional Office, the Western Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (WVDL) and the regional Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) office.
ABOUT WESTERN COLORADO RESEARCH CENTER : The Western Colorado Region consists of 21 counties in western Colorado. Grand Junction is located approximately equidistant from Denver and Salt Lake City. The region is generally high elevation ranging from 4,500 to 10,000 feet. The Colorado River is the principal waterway with major tributaries in the region including the Yampa, White, Dolores, San Miguel, Gunnison, San Juan, and Green. Average precipitation and frost-free days in the mountain areas are 18 inches and 96 days, respectively. At lower elevations, average precipitation and frost-free days are 8-12 inches and 150-180 days, respectively. Both irrigated and dryland agriculture occurs in the Region with dryland production occurring mainly at the higher elevations and irrigated production occurring at both higher and lower elevations. The livestock industry is approximately 70% of the western Colorado agriculture economy. Western Colorado agriculture and related industries are very diverse. This diversity is reflected in agricultural crops and production suited to the area and involves large and small operations, diversified/undiversified production, and value-added enterprises, principally wineries.
Search Contact Email
Brad.Tonnessen@colostate.edu
Position Summary
Research Center Overview The Colorado State University Organic Agriculture Research Station at Rogers Mesa (OARS-RM) is located in Hotchkiss, CO. The center focuses on applied agricultural research on regional crops such as apples, peaches, grapes, and mixed vegetables. Research areas include plant disease prevention and treatment, measuring soil health through management practices, organic integrated pest management, variety and rootstock trials, and community initiatives.
Summary This position will encompass diverse activities at the OARS-RM. The employee will be involved in field research, crop production needs, and laboratory experiments. Projects include vegetable variety trials, chickpea variety trials, cover crop experimentation, organic management of Cytospora Canker disease in peaches, pest management in apple orchards, and grape cold tolerance.
Duties and Responsibilities The position will support OARS-RM research activities in the field, greenhouse, laboratory, and office. The applicant must be willing to work outside for extended periods. Jobs will include weed removal, planting, orchard management, equipment maintenance, irrigation management, plant measurements, and data collection. The applicant must have a current driver’s license and a personal means of transportation to/from OARS-RM. Employee may be traveling and staying overnight occasionally and may be eligible to stay at on-site housing. This position will require availability of up to 30 hrs/week, with occasional negotiated time on weekends. The employee will be expected to have weekly meetings with the mentor and station personnel.
Summary This position will encompass diverse activities at the OARS-RM. The employee will be involved in field research, crop production needs, and laboratory experiments. Projects include vegetable variety trials, chickpea variety trials, cover crop experimentation, organic management of Cytospora Canker disease in peaches, pest management in apple orchards, and grape cold tolerance.
Duties and Responsibilities The position will support OARS-RM research activities in the field, greenhouse, laboratory, and office. The applicant must be willing to work outside for extended periods. Jobs will include weed removal, planting, orchard management, equipment maintenance, irrigation management, plant measurements, and data collection. The applicant must have a current driver’s license and a personal means of transportation to/from OARS-RM. Employee may be traveling and staying overnight occasionally and may be eligible to stay at on-site housing. This position will require availability of up to 30 hrs/week, with occasional negotiated time on weekends. The employee will be expected to have weekly meetings with the mentor and station personnel.
Position Minimum Qualifications
- Demonstrated interest in farming and/or gardening
- Capable of utilizing computer applications for word processing and spreadsheet management
- Demonstrated communications skills (both verbal and written)
- Valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license or access to a licensed driver by start date
- Ability to meet the physical demands of this position, which include occasional lifting (up to 40 lbs.) and will require manual dexterity, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching and handling tools.
- Ability to work in environmental conditions to include exposure to weather and noise. Hazards include: working in proximity to moving, mechanical parts
- Ability to accommodate Flexible Work Arrangements (FWA) and to meet seasonal demands as well as varied work hours extending into night and/or weekend
- Ability to demonstrate legal authorization to work in the U.S.
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong desire to pursue agricultural research or work in organic agriculture
- Work experience in farming or gardening
- Is detail-oriented and self-motivated
- Ability to take on independent projects
Posting Details
Working Title
Field Research Technician
Posting Number
202300185T
Department
Western Colorado Research Center
Salary Range
$17-$20 per hour
Employee Benefits
Visit CSU’s Human Resources website for detailed benefit plan information for temporary employees in the following University benefit area: https://hr.colostate.edu/hr-community-and-supervisors/benefits/benefits-eligibility/
Close Date
03/27/2023
Special Instructions to Applicants
Apply by emailing your current resume to:
Brad.Tonnessen@colostate.edu. Please also include contact information for 1 to 3 references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to applicant.
Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.
EEO Statement
Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services.
The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715, titleix@colostate.edu.
The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, oeo@colostate.edu.
The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, oeo@colostate.edu.
Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education.
The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715, titleix@colostate.edu.
The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, oeo@colostate.edu.
The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, oeo@colostate.edu.
Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education.
Diversity Statement
- Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Essential Job Duties
Job Duty Category
Research Field Support
Duty/Responsibility
- Weed control and vegetable variety trials upkeep
- Orchard management practices
- Data collection and entry
- Irrigation upkeep/management
Percentage Of Time
90
Job Duty Category
Extension/Outreach
Duty/Responsibility
- Assist in planning, setup, and execution of public events at the station and local farmers markets
Percentage Of Time
100
References
Minimum References Required
1
Maximum References Required
3
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