Research Associate II Plant Growth Facility

Colorado State University, United States

Updated: over 2 years ago

Location: Fort Collins, COLORADO

Deadline: 24 Oct 2021

Posting Details

Working Title	Research Associate II Plant Growth Facility
Position Location	Fort Collins, CO
Research Professional Position	Yes
Posting Number	202101091AP
Position Type	Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title	Research Associate II
Number of Vacancies
Work Hours/Week	40
Proposed Annual Salary Range	$42,000 - $50,000 plus comprehensive benefits packet.
Employee Benefits	Colorado State University (CSU) is committed to providing employees with a strong and competitive benefits package that supports you, your health, and your family. Visit CSU’s Human Resources website for detailed benefit plan information for permanent full-time and part-time faculty and administrative professional employees in the following University benefit areas: https://hr.colostate.edu/hr-community-and-supervisors/benefits/benefits-eligibility/ & https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-perks/ .
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on	10/24/2021
Description of Work Unit	Centrally located on the CSU main campus, the Plant Growth Facility (PGF) is a comprehensive plant science research facility available to all Colleges and departments at CSU, including: College of Agricultural Science, College of Natural Sciences, Warner College of Natural Resources and Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering. With over 65,000 square feet of specialized research space, PGF supports over 40 research labs and 12 teaching labs, external research, independent studies, clubs, extension programs/classes, tours, workshops and other community programs. PGF is committed to creating an efficient, effective and safe research environment by creating and implementing standard operating procedures to promote plant and researcher health. Within the PGF space, there are 25+ growth chambers, 30,000 square feet of greenhouse space, classroom and teaching greenhouse, plant imaging lab, cold rooms, root washing stations, various labs and a public conservatory. In addition, PGF maintains regulatory compliance from agencies including Colorado Department of Agriculture, USDA/APHIS, Center for Disease Control and the National Institutes of Health. For additional information about our CSU community, and prospective employee perks and benefits, please consult the university’s website at https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/.
Position Summary	Under the supervision of the PGF manager, this position will focus on the development, implementation and maintenance of a comprehensive Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program, which will meet the diverse needs of ongoing research. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: routine pest scouting, monitoring and recording; weekly scheduled preventative sprays; formulation of pesticide treatment plans; purchasing of pesticides, beneficial insects and related supplies/equipment; and ensuring timely communication of required pesticide application information in accordance to Federal, State and internal standards. This position also involves assisting PGF manager and Assistant Manager with greenhouse related tasks including greenhouse maintenance; research support; development and implementation of SOP’s conservatory plant care; and other duties as needed.
Required Job Qualifications	Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, Environmental Sciences, Natural Resources or highly relevant discipline. Minimum three years experience; to include two years of experience and training on identifying plant insect pests and pathogens and Integrated Pest Management practices. Experience with using basic hand and power tools (such as screw drivers, pliers, channel locks, etc.) Good mechanical and troubleshooting skills (such as assembling/disassembling equipment like Dosatron fertilizer injectors, sprayers, carts, etc.) Ability to balance and prioritize tasks. Ability to work independently without direct supervision in a diverse team environment. Excellent communication, planning and time-management skills. Demonstrated computer skills (Internet, Microsoft Office, mobile apps, data base platforms). Valid Colorado Department of Agriculture Private Pesticide applicators license or ability to obtain such within 90 days of hire. Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date. Ability to accommodate a flexible work arrangement such as a flextime schedule, including occasional weekends and holidays. Ability to meet physical demands of the position and ability to frequently lift and carry 30-60 lbs. Examples include lifting bags of potting soil, empty pallets, full trash cans, trays, etc. Use of carts, wagons and team lifting is also an option.
Preferred Job Qualifications	Experience in a research greenhouse environment. Knowledge and experience with various agricultural and horticultural crops. Experience leveraging agricultural knowledge in a research environment. Experience in various propagation methods, fertilizing techniques, maintenance and/or identification of diverse plant species. Demonstration of greenhouse best management practices such as cultivation techniques, greenhouse environmental control systems, and/or IPM strategies. Experience supporting researchers and/or graduate students in research projects.
Diversity Statement	Demonstrated knowledge of, and relevant ability with, culturally diverse communities among potential target and constituent populations.

Essential Duties

Job Duty Category	Pest & Inventory Management
Duty/Responsibility	Perform weekly routine scouting and record keeping to properly identify pests and problem areas; perform scheduled preventative sprays; distribute and maintain sticky traps; distribute and maintain beneficial insects where appropriate; maintain spray schedule. Maintain constant up-to-date understanding of product labels, Safety Data Sheets, personal protective equipment (PPE) and insect resistance. Communicate with PGF community on pesticide application information; assist in Worker Protection Standard training; ensure compliance with all state and federal regulations. Earn, maintain, and actively use a valid Colorado Department of Agriculture Private Pesticide applicators license or ability to obtain such within 90 days of hire. Purchase pesticides, pesticide sprayers and applicators, biological controls, sticky cards, and other supplies/materials while adhering to University P-Card and Business & Financial Services policies; maintain an up-to-date inventory of all products uses including Pesticide cabinet, PPE, spare equipment parts, safety kits, etc.
Percentage Of Time	60

Job Duty Category	Conservatory and Plant Care
Duty/Responsibility	Maintain and water the Conservatory and teaching plant collection. Complete plant material requests for classes and demonstration.
Percentage Of Time	20

Job Duty Category	Customer Relations
Duty/Responsibility	Assist in the day-to-day operations and customer service; collaborate and consults with PI’s on research projects; provide tours, presentations and outreach activities to students, volunteers, research clients and vendors.
Percentage Of Time	10

Job Duty Category	Supervision
Duty/Responsibility	Oversees and trains hourly employees and volunteers to work in a controlled research environment.
Percentage Of Time	10

Special Instructions to Applicants	For full consideration, please apply online no later than Oct. 24, 2021. Please upload: (1) a cover letter addressing your qualifications; (2) a resume or CV; and (3) contact information for three professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates. Unofficial transcripts may be requested at a later date from finalists. If you have any questions, please contact PGF Manager Tammy Brenner at [email protected].
Conditions of Employment	Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver’s License
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. 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.