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Posting Detail Information

Working TitleResearch Associate I-Horticulture (WCRC-RM)

Position LocationHotchkiss, CO

Work LocationPosition is fully in-office/in-person

Research Professional PositionYes

Posting Number202500491AP

Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional

Classification TitleResearch Associate I

Number of Vacancies1

Work Hours/Week40

Proposed Annual Salary Range$50,000 - $53,000

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, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

+ Review our detailed benefits information here. (https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf)

+ Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

+ For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator (https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/) .

+ Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/) !

Desired Start Date06/09/2025

Position End Date (if temporary)

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on05/05/2025

Description of Work Unit

The Western Colorado Research Center ( WCRC ) consists of three research 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 (Grand Junction, CO), Rogers Mesa (Hotchkiss, CO), and Grand Valley (Fruita, CO).

WCRC – Orchard Mesa ( WCRC -OM), located southeast of Grand Junction, CO focuses on tree fruits, wine grape production, ornamental horticulture and mixed vegetables. WCRC -OM is also home to the Community Food Systems Program that supports distribution of fruit and vegetables to schools and hunger relief organizations and offers hands-on service learning for K-12 students.

The WCRC -Rogers Mesa ( WCRC -RM), located west of Hotchkiss, CO, focuses on applied organic 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.

The WCRC -Grand Valley ( WCRC -GV) near Fruita, CO, conducts research on agricultural water management through programs focused on evapotranspiration modeling, irrigation technology, water quality, and crop and forage alternatives to those conventionally grown in the Upper Colorado River basin. The WCRC -GV research also supports studies of integrated cropping systems, reduced tillage operations, cover crops, and interseeding, and the site hosts crop variety trials in partnership with industry and other universities.

The position will be based at WCRC -RM in Hotchkiss, CO.

Position Summary

This is a full-time, salaried, benefits-eligible position at the Western Colorado Research Center-Rogers Mesa location. Responsibilities will fluctuate but are expected to be split between two categories: Research Support and Operations.

This position will assist and support the work of WCRC faculty, research scientists, program coordinators, and Extension personnel in research and program projects.

This position will support all aspects of farm operations, including field preparation; irrigation and fertility management; weed control; application of agri-chemicals; all phases of orchard, vineyard, cover crop, vegetable crop management; soil health initiatives; operation and maintenance of farm equipment; maintenance of farm facilities; and coordinating the distribution of surplus harvests as aligned with the mission of WCRC .

The applicant must have a current driver’s license. The applicant must be willing to work outside for extended periods. This position may include occasional negotiated time on weekends after normal working hours. The employee will be expected to attend weekly meetings with WCRC personnel.

Required Job Qualifications

+ B.A./B.S. in agriculture or related field OR Associate’s degree in agriculture or related field plus 2 years of relevant specialized training or experience OR High School diploma or GED plus 4 years relevant, specialized training/experience in a similar position.

+ Experience in safe and proficient operation of farm equipment and other heavy machinery such as tractors and a variety of implements, forklifts, farm trucks, and trailers.

+ Current licensing or ability to obtain licensing as a commercial Pesticide Applicator within 6 months of hire.

+ Demonstrated ability to use office and data management programs

+ Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing

+ Capability to meet daily physical demands such as frequently and repeatedly lifting 20 pounds and occasionally 50 pounds and ability to work in environmental conditions such as inclement weather

+ Must have a valid driver’s license or ability to obtain a valid driver’s license or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date.

Preferred Job Qualifications

+ Experience working in orchard, vineyard, vegetable, and greenhouse production systems

+ Training and experience implementing produce safety ( FSMA ) standards

+ Experience working in a research environment

+ Experience working with and directing diverse clientele, personnel, and volunteers

+ Experiencing supervising personnel

Essential Duties

Job Duty CategoryResearch Support

Duty/Responsibility

+ Maintains orchards, vineyards, vegetables, greenhouse, and field production systems throughout the season according to research protocols under the direct supervision of WCRC faculty and staff.

+ Contributes to data collection under the guidance of WCRC faculty and staff.

Percentage Of Time45

Job Duty CategoryOperations

Duty/Responsibility

+ Field operations include field management, irrigation maintenance, integrated pest management, and general farm maintenance (mowing operations, gravel roads, drainage ditches, fallow ground, native space, and fence lines).

+ Facilities and equipment maintenance and repairs, including greenhouse, agricultural structures, and farm equipment

+ Assure environmental, health, and safety compliance by implementing policies, protocols, and standards

+ Coordinating the distribution of surplus crops as aligned with the WCRC mission

+ Supervising seasonal and hourly employees in the completion of operational tasks

Percentage Of Time45

Job Duty CategoryOutreach

Duty/Responsibility

+ Provide clientele information or appropriate resources and contribute to outreach activities such as workshops

+ Assist with outreach activities such as field days

+ Work with volunteers as a part of the outreach and harvest programs

Percentage Of Time10

Application Details

Special Instructions to Applicants

For full consideration, all materials must be RECEIVED no later than 11:59 PM Mountain Time on Monday, May 5, 2025. Please submit the following to apply:

+ Resume – Be sure to include dates (month and year) for relevant experience

+ Cover letter (limited to one page) addressing your interest and qualifications for this position.

+ Contact information for 3 professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.

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. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver’s License

Search [email protected]

EEO

Colorado State University ( CSU ) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

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.

References Requested

References Requested

Minimum Requested3

Maximum Requested3

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

+ Cover Letter

+ Resume or CV

Optional Documents