Job Information
Colorado State University Field Support Technician - WCRC-OM in Fort Collins, Colorado
Position Information
Classification TitleTemporary Hourly
Employment CategoryTemporary
Is this an Hourly position?Yes
Work Hours/Week20-40
Overtime Eligible?Yes
Position LocationGrand Junction, 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 farms 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 Orchard Mesa (Grand Junction, CO), Rogers Mesa (Hotchkiss, CO), and Grand Valley (Fruita, CO).
WCRC -Orchard Mesa (OM), located southeast of Grand Junction, CO focuses on tree fruits, wine grape production, ornamental horticulture, and mixed vegetables. OMRS is also home to the Community Food Systems Program, which supports the distribution of fruit and vegetables to schools and hunger relief organizations and offers hands-on service learning for K-12 students.
The position will be based at WCRC -OM in Grand Junction, CO.
Search Contact Emailamanda.mcquade@colostate.edu
Position Summary
The employee will collaborate with the program team at WCRC -OM and off-campus partners to meet the goals of agriculture literacy programs and career development pathways as a part of the Morgridge Family Foundation HUB initiative. Responsible for establishing, maintaining, and managing agricultural areas of WCRC -OM for hands-on learning by K-12 students, post-secondary students, and the general public. Employee will support all aspects of field vegetable production, including greenhouse management, field preparation, equipment operation, weed control, crop management, fertilization and soil health initiatives, irrigation, cover crop management, and harvest and distribution of horticultural crops. Employee will support activities of other staff at WCRC as the activities relate to creating and managing other outdoor learning spaces. This includes maintenance of garden and hoophouse areas. Employee will help support educational programming with K-12 students and community volunteers.
The applicant must be willing to work outside for extended periods. To avoid the heat in the summer months, hours may be in early mornings and potentially evenings.
The applicant must have a current driver’s license and a personal means of transportation to/from OMRS .
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 40 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 TitleField Support Technician - WCRC-OM
Posting Number202500110T
DepartmentWestern Colorado Research Center
Salary Range$17-$20 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. (https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/02/benefits-summary-hourly.pdf)
Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator (https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/) .
Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/) !
Close Date02/25/2025
Special Instructions to Applicants
Apply by emailing your current resume to:amanda.mcquade@colostate.edu (sri.pinnamaneni@colostate.edu) . Please also include contact information for 1 to 3 references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to 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
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 CategoryField Support
Duty/Responsibility
Weed control
Perform planting, irrigating, cultivating, harvesting, storing crops and various tasks important to the Agricultural Literacy program
Record keeping
Percentage Of Time100%
References
Minimum References Required1
Maximum References Required3
Documents Needed To Apply
Required Documents
- Resume
Optional Documents