What are the responsibilities and job description for the Extension Gardener, Mesa County position at Colorado State University?
Classification Title
Temporary Hourly
Employment Category
Temporary
Is this an Hourly position?
Yes
Work Hours/Week
15-20
Overtime Eligible?
Yes
Position Location
Grand Junction, CO
Does this position qualify for hybrid or remote work?
No
Description of Work Unit
CSU Extension, a division of the Office of Engagement & Extension, is a major component of the University’s outreach. Extension is dedicated to serving current and future needs of Coloradans by providing educational information and programs across the state.
The Tri-River Area (TRA) is a four-county partnership including Mesa, Delta, Montrose, and Ouray counties. Mesa County has a population of approximately 160,000 with Grand Junction as the primary urban community. Grand Junction serves as a major trade and medical center for western Colorado and eastern Utah. The area population is growing as people relocate for employment, retirement, and the desirability of the area as a place to live. Natural wonders provide abundant year-round recreational activities including camping, skiing, hiking, hunting, and fishing.
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.
Search Contact Email
Mollie.Freilicher@colostate.edu
Position Summary
The Extension Gardener will work with CSU Extension staff to maintain and improve the grounds and to support horticulture programming. Duties include weed control, mowing, using and maintaining tools (including hand tools, lawn mower, and string trimmer), irrigation maintenance, and other gardening duties and program support on the grounds.
Term of Position / Time Commitment:
This opportunity will be offered from April to October 2025 or as weather or unforeseen natural elements allow. The Extension Gardener position is expected to complete approximately 15-20 hours of work per week. This is a seasonal, Non-Student Hourly position.
Location and Service Conditions:
This position is based at the CSU Extension Office, within the Mesa County Fairgrounds (2775 Highway, Grand Junction). The gardens are approximately 4.5 acres and consist of demonstration gardens, a native plant garden, and an arboretum. Most of the position will be spent outside, in the elements.
This position is based at the CSU Extension Office, within the Mesa County Fairgrounds (2775 Highway, Grand Junction). The gardens are approximately 4.5 acres and consist of demonstration gardens, a native plant garden, and an arboretum. Most of the position will be spent outside, in the elements.
Position Minimum Qualifications
- Ability to work in Grand Junction, CO.
- Ability to stand, stoop, sit, bend twist and occasionally lift 50 up to pounds.
- Ability to safely operate hand and mechanical garden tools and machinery.
- Ability to work in all types of weather.
- Experience in gardening, with the ability to distinguish between a weed and a garden plant.
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely as demonstrated through application materials and experience.
- Demonstrated basic computer literacy.
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of weed identification and best management practices to manage weeds, while maintaining garden plants and trees in good condition.
- Experience mixing and properly spraying pesticides (insect and weed control).
- Knowledge of techniques and tools for general irrigation repairs.
- Able to adjust, fix, and schedule irrigation.
Posting Details
Working Title
Extension Gardener, Mesa County
Posting Number
202500152T
Department
CSU Extension - Western Region
Salary Range
$16.50 per hour
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.
- Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
- For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.
Close Date
03/24/2025
Special Instructions to Applicants
For full consideration, all materials must be received directly at https://jobs.colostate.edu/ no later than 11:59 PM Mountain Time on Monday, March 24, 2025. Please submit the following to apply:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- List 2 professional references: name, title, organization, relationship, contact phone, and contact email.
For questions regarding the program, the position, qualifications, or job duties please contact Mollie Freilicher at Mollie.Freilicher@colostate.edu.
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.
Essential Job Duties
Job Duty Category
Gardening and Weed Control
Duty/Responsibility
- Weed control of arboretum and demonstration gardens.
Percentage Of Time
70%
Job Duty Category
Grounds Maintenance
Duty/Responsibility
- Mowing of lawn areas.
- Spreading of mulch and rock and pathway maintenance.
- Cleaning and care of tools.
- Organization of the shed/work area.
- Painting and maintenance of garden structures (benches, pergolas, fences, sheds, signposts, etc.).
- Tilling and spreading soil, removal of soil from lab.
- Set up of the plant sale and other special events.
- Installation of signage.
- Changing the marquee.
Percentage Of Time
30%
References
Minimum References Required
2
Maximum References Required
Salary : $17
