Research Agronomist

Colorado State University•Akron, CO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position assists in the management of crop variety and agronomy trials, including tasks such as making plot maps, soil sampling, planting, field notes, harvest, and post-harvest data compilation, analyses, and reporting. The role involves training student interns in the program, writing crop trial updates during growing season for trial entrants, and assisting with organizing and tracking reporting responsibilities for trials. Additionally, the Research Agronomist will manage and update the Crops Testing website and coordinate field day events for the program. The employee will have access to a project vehicle for travel to trials across eastern Colorado, with business-related travel expenses covered.

Requirements

Pre-employment Criminal Background Check
Valid driver's license or access to qualified driver by employment start date
Ability to meet the physical demands of this position which includes occasional heavy lifting (up to 50 lbs.), manual dexterity, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching and handling
Ability to accommodate a Flexible Work Arrangement, to include possible evening and weekend hours during peak seasons
Authorized to work in the United States by employment start date
Research Associate II: Research Associate I + 3 years experience OR B.S./B.A. degree + 3 years professional experience OR Master’s degree
Research Associate III: Research Associate II + experience OR B.S./B.A. degree + 5 years related experience OR Master’s degree + 2 years experience OR PhD
Demonstrated computer skills (e.g., MS Office Suite – Excel, Word, and Outlook)
Attention to detail in data collection, quality control, documentation, and trial management
Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills
Certified Colorado Crop Advisor or ability to become certified within 6 months of hire
Private pesticide or qualified supervisor license in Colorado or ability to acquire within 3 months of hire date

Nice To Haves

Experience with crop production systems in High Plains region
Class A CDL or ability to acquire within 6 months of hire date
Experience working in field crop research
Ability to utilize data validation and statistical analysis software such as SAS or R
Ability to operate field research equipment such as plot combine, tractors, sprayers, etc.

Responsibilities

Plant, manage, and harvest crop plot trials
Communicate closely with co-workers, supervisor, and program director
Operate farm equipment, manage trial alley or weed control spraying, lead harvest and planting
Collect data (planting, observations, and harvest)
Provide determined treatments and operations in a timely manner to help optimize the best possible results and outputs at regular and contract sites
Maintain ongoing relationships with site cooperators to ensure best possible trial site selection, utilization, and cultivating goodwill among cooperators and suppliers
Collect, record, maintain, and transmit data to team members to allow information to be published
Assist in trial implementation
Do appropriate statistical analyses in SAS or R
Assist with publishing results tables along with relevant text reports
Organize trial field days (9 wheat and 2 sorghum) by contacting trial hosts and speakers, creating flyers, obtaining sponsorships, and meal organization as-needed
Assist with effort to expand research results distribution and communications with farmers, industry, and crop researchers by utilizing social media and Extension resources
Determine work directives for summer interns/hourly workers
Ensure that hourly workers are adequately trained for assigned tasks and provide them with supplies and equipment needed to complete assigned tasks
Co-supervise project interns or non-student hourly workers during the summer (up to 4 workers)