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Posting Detail Information

Working Title38-25 Extension County Specialist, Horticulture, Jefferson County

Position LocationGolden, Colorado

Work LocationPosition qualifies for hybrid/in-office work

Posting Number202500258F

Proposed Annual Salary Range$52,400-$87,000 (commensurate on academic credentials and professional experience)

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/) !

Position TypeFaculty

Work Hours/Week40

Description of Work Unit

The Office of Engagement and Extension ( OEE ) was organized in 2006 to advance CSU’s engagement and outreach missions. OEE includes CSU Extension, Learning Innovation (including CSU Online), the Colorado Water Center, and a variety of vibrant programs that engage the teaching, research, extension, and service missions of Colorado State University. The Vice President for Engagement and Extension ( VPEE ) is the principal administrative, academic, and fiscal officer for the division, reports to the CSU President, and works closely with the Provost/Executive Vice President. OEE works collaboratively across all Colleges and offices on campus and has strong engagement programs throughout Colorado, the Western US, and globally. At any given time, OEE includes over 400 employees. The total budget is approximately $95 million. OEE is one of the most institutionally comprehensive commitments to engagement and outreach among all land-grant and other universities. Propelled by OEE’s leadership, nationally CSU is a Carnegie Engaged University (2008, 2014), is a member of the Engagement Scholarship Consortium, is an APLU Innovation and Economic Prosperity University (2016, 2024) and is highly ranked for its online degree programs. Annually, Learning Innovation garners enrollments of over 15,000 learners and CSU Extension delivers approximately 500,000 educational contacts.

CSU Extension, organized under OEE , is the academic unit designated to promote the land-grant mission of increasing access to education through the application of university knowledge “in the several pursuits and professions in life” for the people and communities of Colorado, across the United States, and around the world. In partnership with CSU’s colleges and external partners, CSU Extension amplifies the research, teaching, service, engagement, and extension missions of CSU . CSU Extension faculty aim to educate, create, and connect with learners through inclusive, transdisciplinary, and activated engaged scholarship, and innovative, accessible, and connected lifelong education. To learn more about CSU Extension, visitwww.extension.colostate.edu.

Jefferson County (Jeffco) is one of the five counties making up the Denver metropolitan area. Once an agricultural and mining area, Jefferson County is now a thriving suburban, business, industrial and residential community interspersed with small farms, urban agriculture and ranchettes. It’s located where the great plains meet the Rocky Mountains with some of the most magnificent scenery in the country. Outdoor lovers have three national forests and two state parks to choose from as well as a vibrant Open Space parks system. The Jefferson County Extension office, along with this position, is staffed by a county director; two 4-H youth development specialists; a family and consumer sciences specialist; a natural resources specialist; one horticulture program associate; one 4-H program coordinator; a Community and Engagement Specialist; and three support staff. To learn more about Jefferson County Extension, visit the website athttp://jeffco.extension.colostate.eduor the Colorado State University Extension website at:http://extension.colostate.edu.

Colorado State University encourages professional development and provides anEmployee Study Privilege (https://registrar.colostate.edu/staff-faculty-advisor-resources/employee-study-privilege/) with up to nine credit hours of tuition assistance annually.

Tenure/Tenure Track?No

% Research15%

% Teaching50%

% Service35%

% Administration0%

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on09/29/2025

Number of Vacancies1

Desired Start Date

Position End Date

Position Summary

OEE invites applications and nominations for an Extension County Specialist, Horticulture, Jefferson County. This is a full-time, twelve (12) month,non-tenure track Extension faculty position.Faculty rank (https://extension.colostate.edu/csu-extension-faculty/) is dependent upon the candidate’s academic credentials and professional experience and is subject to review by the Extension Promotion Committee. The faculty appointment, evaluation, and promotion standards are centered around the three core duties of extension faculty –educate, create, and connect (https://extension.colostate.edu/csu-extension-faculty/) . Candidates are sought with interests that complement and expand upon current initiatives and education activities in OEE and CSU Extension.

The Extension County Specialist, Horticulture, Jefferson County will provide leadership and guidance in the development, delivery, and evaluation of Extension horticulture, Plant Diagnostics, and Integrated Pest Management ( IPM ), plant pathology and related programs. The position includes oversight of an area budget ($10-$20k), and support of the full-time staff, Volunteer Coordinator for the Jeffco Colorado Master Gardener program, and volunteers. The specialist may supervise Horticulture area staff depending on area growth (i.e. part-time, interns, AmeriCorps); formal supervision of Volunteer Coordinator to be considered depending on professional goals of Specialist, and best interest of the team and programs. The Specialist will have successful teaching, evaluation, and knowledge of horticulture principles, gardening, plant pathology and diagnostics, plants, trees, insects, and urban food systems. They will have a proven track record of working well with people and experience working in the field of laboratory diagnostics to address horticulture issues related to yards, gardens, and small farms. The individual will work well in a team environment, using strong verbal and written communication skills to develop relationships with staff, customers, volunteers, and partners. This individual works as a member of the local county Extension Team and as a local representative of Colorado State University. The specialist works cooperatively with other Extension specialists in their program area, and statewide with specialists and partners to develop and deliver quality educational programming to the citizens of Colorado. This individual works under the guidance and supervision of the Extension Director of Jefferson County.

The primary office location for this position is in Golden, Colorado. While this position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, the individual in this position is expected to maintain a balance establishing a presence in the primary office, to effectively carry out the duties of the position. The work schedule will vary, and occasional nights and weekend work will be necessary.

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

Required Job Qualifications

+ Completed bachelor’s degree in horticulture science, plant pathology, agriculture, or a closely related field. (Please note, a successful candidate without a completed master’s degree will be required to complete a master’s degree within five years from the start of employment to advance through the faculty ranks. Failure to do so will result in termination unless a compelling reason is accepted by the Vice President of Engagement and Extension).

+ 2+ years professional experiencerelevant to theEssential Job Duties(below) of this position.

+ Course work and/or professional experience must provide a broad and significant understanding of the discipline areas associated with the position.

+ 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.

+ The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date; Extension will not sponsor a visa for this position.

Faculty rank (https://extension.colostate.edu/csu-extension-faculty/) will be determined by candidate’s academic credentials and professional experience.

Preferred Job Qualifications

+ Completed master’s degree in Horticulture science, plant pathology, agriculture, or a closely related field.

+ Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the areas of horticulture, plant/insect identification and diagnostics, backyard gardening, small farms, food systems and sustainable landscaping.

+ Ability to lead groups, plan, implement, facilitate, teach, and evaluate educational and outreach programs.

+ Evidence of ability to develop relationships with Extension colleagues, volunteers, community members, partners, and agencies to assess conditions, define needs, and deliver strategies to achieve goals and measure desired outcomes.

+ Experience with identification and management of pests (insects, diseases, weeds, etc.), plant nutrient deficiencies, and abiotic stressors in a variety of settings.

+ Experience choosing and recommending the plants and methods needed to establish native landscapes.

+ Ability to plan, organize, work, teach and interact with varied populations, including stakeholders with varied backgrounds, knowledge of the discipline area associated with position.

+ Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Special Instructions to Applicants

For full consideration, allmaterials must be RECEIVED no laterthan 11:59 PM Mountain Time on Monday, September 29, 2025. Please submit the following to apply:

+ Resume

+ Cover Letter

+ Special Required Documentation – Statement (no more than 5 pages) of how you meet all applicable “Required” and “Preferred” Job Qualifications. Please respond to each bullet point separately.

All applicants will be contacted approximately 15 working days after the deadline regarding their status. Next steps and interview dates will be shared to those moving forward. Four professional references will be requested of applicants that advance in the interview process. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.

For questions regarding the application process, contact the Talent Acquisition office [email protected]. For questions regarding the job vacancy, responsibilities, and salary, please contact Jeni Carter at [email protected].

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.

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

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.

Search ContactJeni Carter at [email protected]

Essential Duties

Job Duty CategoryEducate

Duty/Responsibility

+ Develop and conduct educational programming in response to local needs.

+ Work collaboratively with local government and organizational partners to develop, implement, evaluate and report impacts of non-credit educational programming for adult and youth audiences.

+ Works in coordination with colleagues, partners and volunteers to address diagnostic, AskExtension, site visit, lawn check, and commercial inquiries.

Percentage Of Time50%

Job Duty CategoryCreate

Duty/Responsibility

+ Develop and provide programming for varied audiences.

+ Engage and collaborate with community-based organizations and constituents to understand community needs and develop support for existing and new program efforts.

+ Employ effective technology in managing and/or delivering educational programs.

+ Identify resources (grants, contracts, in-kind contributions, cost recovery fees, etc.) to enhance programs, support programming efforts and practice cost recovery.

+ Manage program funds in compliance with CSU and county fiscal policies and reporting requirements.

+ Support facility needs of program and demonstration gardens- i.e. irrigation contracts/needs, composting.

+ Oversee Plant Diagnostic Clinic volunteer scheduling and processes; works in coordination with CSU Spur campus and Volunteer Coordinator for CMG .

+ Leads Horticulture department in collaborative decision-making for program changes and best practices.

+ Assists Jeffco team in marketing, program planning, and administration towards meeting local needs.

+ Author and/or develop scholarly works that enhance programming delivery and / or general knowledge. Materials developed may include but are not limited to journal articles, websites, fact sheets, poster sessions, reports, newsletters, electronic media, lesson plans, activity sheets, presentations at professional meetings, etc.

Percentage Of Time35%

Job Duty CategoryConnect

Duty/Responsibility

+ Communicate and coordinate resources, research, and programming with faculty/staff at CSU , county, and other organizations.

+ Develop and support strong equitable working relationships with Extension staff, CSU faculty, local/county agencies, community leaders and private industry organizations to address priority needs.

+ Develop relationships and work with advisory groups and local leaders; cooperate with Extension Specialists in other counties to assess informal education needs in the area, develop/revise plans of work, implement educational strategies, and measure and report programmatic impacts.

+ Maintain a strong working relationship with the Board of County Commissioners, including responding to requests for consultation, research, and other assistance.

+ Provide conflict resolution, mediation and/or facilitate public dialogues.

+ Engage with public officials in policy decision influence.

+ Travel to and participate in meetings, professional development, events and periodic activities requiring travel and/or overnight stays.

Percentage Of Time15%

References Requested

References Requested

Minimum Requested3

Maximum Requested3

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

+ Cover Letter

+ Resume

+ Special Required Documentation

Optional Documents