Research Associate I – Water Quality Research Associate

Colorado State University, United States

Updated: 23 days ago
Location: Fort Collins, COLORADO
Deadline: 07 Apr 2024

Posting Details
Posting Detail Information


Working Title Research Associate I – Water Quality Research Associate
Position Location Fort Collins, CO
Work Location Position is fully in-office/in-person
Research Professional Position Yes
Posting Number 202400398AP
Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title Research Associate I
Number of Vacancies
Work Hours/Week 40
Proposed Annual Salary Range $42,000-$50,000 Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion , and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
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Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 04/07/2024
Description of Work Unit
Founded in 1870, Colorado State University is among the nation’s leading research universities and enrolls approximately 32,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Located an hour north of the Denver metro area, Fort Collins is a vibrant community of approximately 157,000 residents that offers the convenience of a small town with all the amenities of a large city. Fort Collins is situated on the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains with views of 14,000 foot peaks, and offers access to numerous cultural, recreational, and outdoor opportunities.
This position will provide research and operations support in the Agricultural Water Quality Program (AWQP) in the Department of Soil and Crop Science at Colorado State University. The AWQP operates throughout the State of Colorado carrying out applied research, demonstration, and outreach related to Agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs) and associated water quality. All work is done in close collaboration with the private and public sector partners and the agricultural community at large. CSU works directly with the Colorado Department of Agriculture and The Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment. The AWQP focuses on applied research and outreach, providing producers with timely tools and information to address the State’s water quality and agronomic challenges.
Position Summary
This unique position will allow the right candidate to support the AWQP in a diverse array of field research, lab, and operations activities. The AWQP has statewide agronomic and water quality research and demonstration projects; this position would spend approximately two thirds of their time supporting all aspects of these projects in the field. This includes site design and planning, installation and maintenance of instrumentation and all project research areas, soil and plant sample collection and processing, data entry and analysis. In addition to field research, the position will work with the AWQP team to enhance the outreach and Extension component of the program. This may include contributing to work on peer reviewed journal articles, factsheets, technical bulletins, and other outreach publications. The AWQP works with diverse public and private sector partners. This position will help strengthen existing relationships and support collaborative opportunities. This position will be the first point of contact for addressing student questions related to fieldwork. The AWQP team works closely together on all aspects of the work mentioned above and this position will be expected to support any other program goals as needed.
Required Job Qualifications
  • BA/BS degree
  • Experience working in agricultural research.
  • Excellent written, communication, organizational and interpersonal skills.
  • Knowledge and experience in the application of word processing, spreadsheets, presentation and data management software.
  • Demonstrated capability working in a computerized environment, using office software such as MS Office (Outlook, Excel, Access) or other data management programs.
  • Ability to travel and work independently at remote field sites.
  • Ability to meet the physical demands of this position which includes some heavy lifting (up to 50 lbs.), manual dexterity, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and handling. Heavy lifting would be approximately 2% of the time with access to equipment or another person to assist. 
  • Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a valid driver’s license or access to a licensed driver by the proposed start date.
  • The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date. The department cannot sponsor a visa for this position.
Preferred Job Qualifications
  • Degree in agricultural sciences, natural resources, engineering, environmental science, ag. Economics, watershed sciences, or other closely related disciplines.
  • Experience working in agricultural research or working knowledge of production agriculture.
  • Demonstrated ability to organize and implement projects with attention to detail.
  • Demonstrated ability to problem solve, prioritize tasks, and manage time to meet deadlines.
  • Experience with field research instrumentation installation and maintenance
  • Familiarity with geographic information systems (GIS) and related software (e.g., ArcGIS Pro) and/or drones
  • Willingness and ability to learn environmental sensor development and deployment.
  • Experience with scientific sample processing and/or lab work.
  • Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, ability to consider and respect diverse perspectives, and build consensus among diverse groups.
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 Duties


Job Duty Category Research
Duty/Responsibility
  • Under the leadership of AWQP staff, support and implement research experimental sites; 
  • Support the installation and maintenance of instrumentation;
  • Conduct water, soil, and plant sample collection and processing;
  • Collect data, enter data into applicable software, and provide statistical analysis to meet research grant objectives, timelines, and deliverables.
Percentage Of Time 65
Job Duty Category Outreach and Extension
Duty/Responsibility
  • Work with a diverse set of public and private sector partners; maintain existing relationships and seek new collaborative opportunities. 
  • Help organize and present at field days, workshops, conferences, and other relevant events. 
  • Help write and edit outreach publications.
Percentage Of Time 20
Job Duty Category Supervision
Duty/Responsibility
  • Support training, guidance, scheduling and coordination with student hourly employees as needed.
Percentage Of Time 15

Application Details


Special Instructions to Applicants
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but for full consideration apply by April 7, 2024. CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.
To apply, please upload a cover letter that addresses the required and preferred job qualifications, a resume, unofficial transcripts, and the contact information for three professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.
Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver’s License - or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date, Travel
Search Contact [email protected]
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, [email protected] .
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, [email protected] .
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, [email protected] .
Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education .
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.

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