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Posting Detail Information

Working TitleDirector of Colorado Seed Programs

Position LocationFort Collins, CO

Work LocationPosition qualifies for hybrid/in-office work

Research Professional PositionNo

Posting Number202501704AP

Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional

Classification TitleManagement II

Number of Vacancies

Work Hours/Week40

Proposed Annual Salary Range$85,000-$120,000 plus benefits. 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, 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 Date

Position End Date (if temporary)

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on12/31/2025

Description of Work Unit

The Department of Soil and Crop Sciences is focused on education, research, and outreach to solve the world’s most pressing food production issues and crucial matters about Earth, its ecosystems, and their services. Our faculty and staff apply research-based solutions to benefit Colorado and the world. We offer academic programs to prepare students to address national and global crop production, sustainability, and environmental quality challenges such as waste management, water quality, and reclamation of drastically disturbed lands. There are numerous opportunities for students to be involved in cutting edge research related to global food production and ecosystem function and protection.

Position Summary

The Director of Colorado Seed Programs is responsible for the strategic leadership and operational management of the Colorado Seed Growers Association ( CSGA ), the Seed Technology Education Program ( STEP ) (https://agsci.colostate.edu/seeds/step-into-the-world-of-seeds), and the broader suite of seed-related programs at Colorado State University. This includes direct supervision of the managers of the Seed Certification Program, the Colorado Seed Testing Laboratory, and the Agronomy Foundation Seed Program.

In collaboration with the CSGA Board of Directors, the Director will oversee all certification and financial activities of CSGA , ensuring alignment with the mission and standards of the Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies ( AOSCA ). The Director will provide leadership and oversight for the Certification Manager, Field Inspector Manager, and guiding the formulation and implementation of policies that uphold the integrity and purpose of seed certification.

In addition to field-based responsibilities, the Director will provide strategic direction, operational oversight, and programmatic engagement for both the Colorado Seed Testing Laboratory and the Agronomy Foundation Seed Laboratory. This includes supporting laboratory managers in setting performance goals, ensuring compliance with industry standards, fostering innovation in testing and seed quality assurance, and promoting continuous improvement in service delivery and stakeholder engagement.

The Director will lead and train staff in conducting field inspections, evaluate inspection outcomes, and ensure timely and accurate reporting. The role also supports an active CSU Extension educational program through seminars, field days, and the development of written and digital resources for regional stakeholders.

A key component of this role involves cultivating partnerships with the seed industry, commodity groups, and governmental agencies to enforce seed production standards, establish and refine certification procedures, and enhance customer service programs that promote satisfaction and trust. The Director will also champion initiatives that elevate the visibility and reputation of Colorado’s seed programs, both regionally and nationally.

Finally, the Director will provide leadership in advancing inclusive excellence within the seed industry and fostering a professional and inclusive working environment. This position encompasses seed certification for all crops in Colorado, excluding potatoes and watermelons.

Required Job Qualifications

+ B.S. degree in an agricultural field or a closely related discipline

+ Demonstrated strong leadership skills with the ability to manage multiple programs, teams, and organizational partnerships

+ Proven supervisory experience, including staff development and performance evaluation

+ Excellent interpersonal and team-building skills

+ Strong written and verbal communication abilities, with experience presenting to diverse audiences and stakeholder groups

+ Proficiency in standard office software and digital communication tools

+ Willingness and ability to travel occasionally overnight (primarily within Colorado, with potential for interstate travel)

+ Must possess a valid driver’s license or have access to a licensed driver by the start date

Preferred Job Qualifications

+ M.S. degree or equivalent in an agricultural field or a closely related discipline

+ Knowledge of and experience with seed industry practices, including seed certification, seed production, seed testing, and applied research

+ Familiarity with state and national seed laws and regulatory frameworks governing seed quality and certification standards

+ Demonstrated experience in business or financial management, including budgeting, reporting, and strategic planning

+ Proven ability to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and cooperation across academic, industry, and regulatory partners

+ Demonstrated commitment to advancing inclusive excellence through research, outreach, service, or program development that engages a broad range of stakeholders

Essential Duties

Job Duty CategoryProject Management and Oversight

Duty/Responsibility

+ Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for Colorado Seed Growers Association ( CSGA ), Seed Certification, Colorado Seed Testing Laboratory, Agronomy Foundation Seed Program, and the Seed Technology Education Program ( STEP )

+ Provide support and direction to the Managers of the Seed Lab and Foundation Seed units, ensuring alignment with university goals, industry standards, and stakeholder needs

+ Promote the visibility, impact, and integration of all seed-related programs within Colorado State University and in collaboration with the CSGA Board of Directors

+ Foster a culture of professionalism, inclusive excellence, and continuous improvement across all seed-related departments and programs

Percentage Of Time25

Job Duty CategoryField Inspection and Training

Duty/Responsibility

+ Supervise, train, and support the Manager of the field inspectors’ program; conduct field inspections and provide coverage during peak workload periods

+ Perform scouting of seed production fields as needed, which includes physically demanding tasks such as walking through uneven terrain, stooping, kneeling, and working in varying environmental conditions including heat, dust, and wind

Percentage Of Time20

Job Duty CategoryResearch and Teaching

Duty/Responsibility

+ Develop research objectives and implement policies and procedures for seed certification, including onboarding new crops and ensuring compliance with state and national seed laws

+ Direct the Seed Technology Education Program ( STEP )

+ Engage with breeding and crop testing programs within the College of Agricultural Sciences to support research, innovation, and integration of certified seed into university-led initiatives

Percentage Of Time20

Job Duty CategoryExtension, Outreach, and Service

Duty/Responsibility

+ Collaborate regularly with seed industry stakeholders, commodity groups, and clientele to maintain high standards of seed quality, certification compliance, and customer service

+ Build and maintain strong relationships with growers, seed producers, and other industry participants to ensure open communication, responsiveness to field-level concerns, and alignment with evolving agricultural needs

+ Represent CSGA in the Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies ( AOSCA ) and contribute to national policy discussions and standard setting

+ Lead educational outreach through CSU Extension, including newsletters, bulletins, presentations, and field days to inform and engage producers and stakeholders

Percentage Of Time20

Job Duty CategoryAdministration

Duty/Responsibility

+ The Director oversees daily operations of Colorado Seed Programs, including certification, testing, and foundation seed departments, while ensuring compliance with AOSCA standards.

+ Responsibilities include responding to stakeholder inquiries, managing reports, enforcing seed production protocols, and refining certification procedures.

+ The role also involves supervising and training field inspectors, conducting field scouting under physically demanding conditions, and maintaining strong connections with growers, industry partners, and university collaborators to promote seed program excellence.

Percentage Of Time15

Application Details

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but for full consideration, all materials must be received by 12/31/2025. Applicants should upload the following: (1) A cover letter addressing your qualifications; (2) CV or resume; and (3) contact information of three professional references, one of who is/was an immediate supervisor, who has firsthand knowledge of an applicant’s professional abilities. References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates. For inquiries about the position, contact search chair Esten Mason ([email protected]). For additional information about Colorado State University, consult the university’s website atwww.colostate.eduandhttps://hr.colostate.edu/.

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 - or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date, Travel - primarily statewide

Search ContactEsten Mason, [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