What are the responsibilities and job description for the 15-25 Agricultural Economist, Livestock Marketing Information Center (LMIC) position at Colorado State University?
Position Location
Lakewood, CO
Work Location
Position qualifies for hybrid/in-office work
Research Professional Position
No
Posting Number
202500388AP
Position Type
Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title
Prof/Indiv Contrib III
Number of Vacancies
1
Work Hours/Week
40
Proposed Annual Salary Range
$65,000 - $80,000 (commensurate on academic credentials and professional experience)
Employee Benefits
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Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on
04/14/2025
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, CSU Extended Campus (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 of budgets is approximately $85 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) and is highly ranked for its online degree programs. Annually, CSU Extended Campus garners enrollments of over 10,000 learners and CSU Extension delivers approximately 500,000 educational contacts.
The Livestock Marketing Information Center (LMIC) has provided economic analysis and market projections concerning the livestock industry, since 1955. It is a North American cooperative effort involving 29 U.S. Land-Grant University Extension programs, eight USDA agencies, and associate industry and educational organizations. LMIC’s 14 associate members include both U.S. and Canadian institutions. Our mission statement is: “to provide timely and comprehensive livestock marketing resources through cooperation.” The LMIC is a non-advocacy virtual center of excellence. Commodities/sectors focused on are cattle/beef; hogs/pork; sheep/lamb; dairy; poultry; and feedstuffs.
Staff continuously produce unbiased and science-based materials to strengthen and supplement education and research activities of cooperating institutions. LMIC specialists conduct applied market analysis, and staff maintain a comprehensive database. The LMIC maintains a website (lmic.info) and uses other forms of electronic distribution.
This position is supported by a combination of funds from the participating cooperating institutions and is administered by Colorado State University Extension. The position is in Lakewood, Colorado, a suburb west of Denver and located on the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains. Several Federal and state government agencies are in the area. Key agricultural organizations and industries are in Denver. The metropolitan area is an important regional center for transportation and recreation as well as cultural activities.
We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities. We invite you to review Colorado State University’s Principles of Community that guide our mission and vision of access, teaching, service, and engagement. Colorado State University encourages professional development and provides an Employee Study Privilege with up to nine credit hours of tuition assistance annually.
Position Summary
The individual in this position is part of the LMIC staff, working under the supervision of the LMIC Director with program direction and guidance from the Executive Committee of the LMIC’s Technical Advisory Committee. The individual writes articles and works closely with a central office team to publish newsletters and special reports. The person in this position supports members by providing materials for use in educational programs and by making presentations as requested.
Required Job Qualifications
- Completed master’s degree in agricultural economics or other relevant discipline. Formal training must include agricultural commodity marketing and price analysis. Degree must be completed prior to start date.
- Ability to analyze and integrate data and information from diverse sources with a strong interest in U.S. agriculture and food systems.
- Demonstrated experience in working with individuals, groups, and staff (teamwork) to accomplish individual and/or group goals as indicated by experience and references.
- Demonstrated experience to communicate (written, verbal, and listening skills) with both technical and non-technical audiences as shown by formal training, publications, work experience, and application materials.
- Strong skills with computer applications (spreadsheet, database, word processing, website tools).
- 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.
Preferred Job Qualifications
- Academic training and experience in analytical forecasting techniques (e.g., econometric analyses, price optimization).
- Understanding of commodity market risk management tools and statistical analysis software (e.g., R, Stata, SAS).
- Professional experience within, or knowledge of, higher education, Extension, and/or the land-grant university system and the USDA.
- Broad knowledge of management and policy issues in food and agriculture systems along with experience or interest regarding key trading partners (exports and imports) of U.S. livestock and meat.
- Experience with websites, spreadsheets, dashboards, charts, tables, and social media for delivery of information and data visualizations.
Essential Duties
Job Duty Category
Economic Analysis, Development, and Distribution
Duty/Responsibility
- Conducts current market analyses, including situation and outlook.
- Writes articles and works closely with central office staff and cooperators to publish newsletters and reports (technical and popular press).
- Performs data evaluation and assists with database management.
- Assists specialists at partner institutions with data and research needs.
- Develops materials for and gives presentations and reports to a wide range of audiences (including producers, industry, Federal government, and academics).
- Oversees enhancement and management of the LMIC database system.
- Supports multi-state and multi-institution outreach efforts and program development.
- Responding to information or assistance requests that are directed to the LMIC.
- Supporting members by providing materials for use in educational programs and by making presentations as requested.
Note: % of job assigned to this duty may be changed as the program develops.
Percentage Of Time
65%
Job Duty Category
Data Entry and Management
Duty/Responsibility
- Assist in daily/weekly/monthly data collection and entry.
- Evaluate data and assist with dataset updates/management.
- Manage report calendar to ensure timely data and information to LMIC members.
- Assist LMIC members with questions regarding data sources and collection information.
- Respond to special project requests as directed by LMIC Director or Executive Committee.
Note: % of job assigned to this duty may be changed as the program develops.
Percentage Of Time
35%
Application Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
For full consideration, all materials must be RECEIVED no later than 11:59 PM Mountain Time on April 14, 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. Three professional references will be requested of applicants that advance in the interview process. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.
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.
For questions regarding the application process, contact the Talent Acquisition office at HR_TA@colostate.edu. For questions regarding the job vacancy, responsibilities, and salary, please contact Dennis Kaan at Dennis.Kaan@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.
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.
Conditions of Employment
Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver’s License, Travel
Search Contact
Dennis Kaan at Dennis.Kaan@colostate.edu
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.
Salary : $65,000 - $80,000
