What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Field Technician - WCRC-RM position at Colorado State University?
Classification Title
Temporary Hourly
Employment Category
Temporary
Is this an Hourly position?
Yes
Work Hours/Week
32-40
Overtime Eligible?
Yes
Position Location
Hotchkiss, CO
Does this position qualify for hybrid or remote work?
No
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: WCRC – Orchard Mesa (OM) in Grand Junction, CO, WCRC – Rogers Mesa (RM) near Hotchkiss, CO, and WCRC – Grand Valley in Fruita, CO.
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 position will be based at WCRC-RM near Hotchkiss, CO.
Search Contact Email
Bryan.Braddy@colostate.edu
Position Summary
This position will perform general labor and research farm support at WCRC-RM. Duties may include weed removal, planting, harvesting and post-harvest care, irrigation assistance, plant measurements, orchard management, fruit thinning, and data collection.
The position will support WCRC-RM research and farm activities in the field, greenhouse, laboratory, and office. The applicant must be willing to work outside for extended periods. To avoid the heat in the summer months, hours may be in the early mornings and potentially evenings.
The applicant must have a current driver’s license and a personal means of transportation to/from WCRC-RM. This position may include occasional negotiated time on weekends. The employee will be expected to attend weekly meetings with station personnel.
Position Minimum Qualifications
- Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with others, as a team member.
- Ability to work in environmental conditions such as inclement weather and to meet daily functional demands such as strenuous and repetitive field tasks, including lifting 50 pounds.
- 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.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous work experience in farming or gardening (at least one year).
- Strong desire to work in agriculture and/or to pursue agricultural research.
- Detail-oriented and self-motivated.
- Capable in computer applications for word processing and spreadsheet management.
Posting Details
Working Title
Research Field Technician - WCRC-RM
Posting Number
202500095T
Department
Western Colorado Research Center
Salary Range
$17-$20 per hour
Employee Benefits
Visit CSU’s Human Resources website for detailed benefit plan information for temporary employees in the following University benefit areas: https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/02/benefits-summary-hourly.pdf
Close Date
03/07/2025
Special Instructions to Applicants
Apply by emailing your current resume to: bryan.braddy@colostate.edu. Please also include contact information for 1 to 3 references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to the applicant.
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. 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 Statement
Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy and will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services.
The Acting Title IX Coordinator is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO. 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715, titleix@colostate.edu.
The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836.
The Acting Title IX Coordinator is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO. 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715, titleix@colostate.edu.
The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836.
Diversity Statement
Ability to advance the department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion through research, teaching and outreach with relevant programs, goals and activities.
Essential Job Duties
Job Duty Category
Field Support
Duty/Responsibility
- Perform planting, irrigating, cultivating, weeding, harvesting, storing crops and various tasks important to the research initiatives and farm operations at WCRC-RM
- Data collection, processing, and entry
- Facilities maintenance
Percentage Of Time
70%
References
Minimum References Required
3
Maximum References Required
3
Salary : $17 - $20
