Water Quality and Soil Health Research Assistant
About The Position
The part-time hourly assistant researcher will gain experience assisting in field and lab tasks for water quality projects. Work will require approximately 25 hours/week during the spring and summer with the possibility of fewer hours during the fall. Lab activities will include testing and preparing sensors and data loggers, processing soil, water, and plant samples, data entry, general cleaning/lab upkeep, and other tasks as needed. Field activities may include installation/removal of water quality sampling instruments, soil moisture sensors and precipitation/irrigation gauges, soil sampling, and plant growth measurement. All field work will be completed in Colorado, primarily in Fruita, CO, with additional travel around the state as needed. In addition, the employee may assist with some basic farming operations, work with Extension educational materials, conduct literature reviews, and help with outreach activities, writing, posting on social media, and other project needs. The employee will be able to gain work experience conducting research in irrigated agriculture and water quality as well as Extension practices.
Requirements
- Ability to work independently and with a team
- Understanding of the scientific method
- Curiosity and willingness to learn about water quality monitoring
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability and willingness to perform physical labor related to field research and laboratory activities
- Valid driver’s license
Nice To Haves
- Hard working and ambitious
- Experience working in lab environment with some research experience
- Experience with geographic information system (GIS) software such as ArcPro
- Organizational skills, and familiarity with Outlook and other Office 365 programs
- Willingness to travel and conduct field research independently
- Interest and experience in agricultural and environmental sciences, but all majors encouraged to apply
- Experience with environmental sensors, data entry, and Excel spreadsheets
Responsibilities
- Lab activities will include processing soil, water, and plant samples, data entry, general cleaning/lab upkeep, shipping samples, and other tasks as needed.
- Work with emerging technology, including drones, Internet of Things, coding, and 3d Printing, may be available to qualified candidates.
- All field work will be completed in Colorado, primarily in Fruita, CO.
- Assist with some basic farming operations, work with extension educational materials, conduct literature reviews, and help with outreach activities, writing, and other project needs.
- Field activities may include installation/removal of water quality sampling instruments, soil moisture sensors and precipitation/irrigation gauges, soil sampling, and plant growth measurement.
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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
