Research Field Technician

Colorado State University•Eldred Township, PA

16h•Onsite

About The Position

The Western Colorado Research Center (WCRC) is seeking a Research Field Technician to support field- and laboratory-based agricultural research. This position (up to 40 hours per week) provides hands-on experience in crop production, environmental monitoring, and applied agricultural science. The hire will work alongside researchers and technical staff to support field operations, collect and process plant and soil samples, operate monitoring equipment, and manage research data. The Office of Engagement and Extension (OEE) was organized in 2006 to advance CSU’s engagement and outreach missions. OEE includes CSU Extension, Learning Innovation (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 budget is approximately $95 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, 2024) and is highly ranked for its online degree programs. Annually, Learning Innovation garners enrollments of over 15,000 learners and CSU Extension delivers approximately 500,000 educational contacts.

Requirements

Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date.
The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date; OEE will not sponsor a visa for this position.
Ability to lift 50 lbs.
High school diploma or G.E.D.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing based on submitted application materials.
Demonstrated ability to work in outdoor agricultural field conditions based on submitted application materials.

Nice To Haves

Completed bachelor’s degree.
Interest in agriculture, natural resources, irrigation, or agricultural research.
Demonstrated experience with computer applications and spreadsheet management.

Responsibilities

Support agricultural field research operations by assisting with planting, weed management, harvesting, irrigation activities, and plot maintenance.
Collect field data related to crop growth, soil conditions, and irrigation performance using established research protocols.
Collect and process plant, soil, and water samples including drying, weighing, grinding, labeling, and preparing samples for laboratory analysis.
Operate and maintain environmental monitoring and field instrumentation, including soil moisture sensors, flow measurement devices, handheld meters, environmental monitoring equipment, and data loggers.
Simple maintenance of research equipment, including downloading and organizing data, performing basic quality checks, entering information into spreadsheets, and maintaining research tools and equipment.