Research Field Technician

Posting Details
Position Information

Classification Title	Temporary Hourly
Employment Category	Temporary
Is this an Hourly position?	Yes
Work Hours/Week	20-30
Overtime Eligible?	Yes
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), Rogers Mesa Research Center (Hotchkiss, CO), and The Grand Valley Research Center (Fruita, CO). The Director is 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	[email protected]
Position Summary	Research Center Overview: As a 100% CERTIFIED ORGANIC research center, WCRC-RM serves as a nationwide knowledge hub for organic agriculture in arid climates. Located in Hotchkiss, CO, the 80-acre property has 30 irrigated acres, a climate-controlled greenhouse, and equipment and infrastructure to support fruit tree orchards, grape vineyards, perennial pasture, and vegetable production.  Their vision adheres to pertinent issues faced by growers with a focus on vegetables and perennial fruit crops, and 100% of the produce is donated to hunger relief organizations.  Research topics include ecological pest and disease management, variety and rootstock trials, and regional adaptation of annual crops.  Summary: At WCRC-Rogers Mesa, we are dedicated to performing applied agricultural research pertinent to current issues faced by growers.  This is achieved through field experimentation, community engagement, and emphasizing organic production and sustainability.  During the employee’s time at WCRC-RM, they will be part of a team, learn the “why” of experimentation, and gain skills in crop production pertinent to research efforts.  Participation in grower outreach and community engagement events will be part of this position’s day-to-day activities.  The position will provide experience for those interested in pursuing professional careers in agriculture. Duties and Responsibilities: In this position, the employee will help to satisfy the needs of research projects and farm tasks.  This may include data collection and input, research at off-site locations, cThe applicant must be willing to work outside for extended periods. Farm tasks may include weed removal, planting, fruit thinning, orchard netting, equipment maintenance, groundskeeping, and irrigation management.. The applicant must have a current driver’s license and a personal means of transportation to/from WCRC-RM.  Additionally, employee may be traveling to off-site locations for research tasks and use their personal vehicle, with mileage financially reimbursed. This position will require availability of up to 30 hrs/week, depending on project responsibilities, with occasional negotiated time on weekends. Requested availability will be Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday each week.  The employee will have weekly meetings with their supervisor on Mondays to review tasks and responsibilities.
Position Minimum Qualifications	Demonstrated interest in farming, gardening, and/or biological research 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 including 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 Willing to work as a team and advocate for themselves and others Ability to take on independent projects

Posting Details

Working Title	Research Field Technician
Posting Number	202400168T
Department	Western Colorado Research Center
Salary Range	$18-$20 per hour
Employee Benefits	Visit CSU’s Human Resources website for detailed benefit plan information for temporary employees in the following University benefit areas: https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/02/benefits-summary-hourly.pdf
Close Date	03/31/2024
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. 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 or expression, or pregnancy and 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/equal access/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 Acting Title IX Coordinator is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO. 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715, [email protected] .        The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836.
Diversity Statement	Ability to advance the department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion through research, teaching and outreach with relevant programs, goals and activities.

Essential Job Duties

Job Duty Category	Research Support
Duty/Responsibility	Weed control (mechanical and manual) Annual crop management Orchard management Data collection Experiment activities (Examples: plant treatments, inoculations, product application, selective harvesting, field marking, seed-starting and planting) Irrigation upkeep/management
Percentage Of Time	70%

Job Duty Category	Farm Support
Duty/Responsibility	Weed control (mechanical and manual) Landscape maintenance Composting Cleaning/organizing Fence-fixing Windbreak and perennial planting
Percentage Of Time	20%

Job Duty Category	Extension/Outreach
Duty/Responsibility	Assist in planning, setup, and execution of public events at the station and local farmers markets. Participate in grower outreach activities (off-site visits).
Percentage Of Time	10%

References

Minimum References Required	3
Maximum References Required	3