Posting Detail Information
Working Title42-25 Agricultural Research Associate I
Position LocationFort Collins, CO
Work LocationPosition qualifies for hybrid/in-office work
Research Professional PositionNo
Posting Number202501312AP
Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification TitleResearch Associate I
Number of Vacancies1
Work Hours/Week40
Proposed Annual Salary Range$45,000-$55,000 (commensurate on academic credentials and professional experience)
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/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.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/) .
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Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on10/13/2025
Description of Work Unit
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.
This work will be a mixture of office and lab work (Fort Collins, CO) and field work in Akron, CO at the Central Great Plains Research Station, a USDA - ARS facility which collaborates with Colorado State University. The Central Great Plain Research Station is an agricultural research facility with a primary emphasis upon dryland cropping systems. The research facility is approximately 600 acres which conducts both large- and small-scale research. The current emphasis of research is on dryland precision agriculture looking at management aspects and impacts upon cropping systems that are currently utilized in the High Plains Region. Ancillary fieldwork at locations near Akron and/or Fort Collins (e.g., the Agricultural Research Development and Education Center) may be required.
Colorado State University encourages professional development and provides anEmployee Study Privilege (https://hr.colostate.edu/current-employees/benefits/other-benefit-programs/academic-privileges/) with up to nine credit hours of tuition assistance annually.
Position Summary
Under the supervision of the Regional Specialist and the Research Leader this position will focus on the implementation of the research protocols conducted at the facility. This position will collaborate with research faculty to administer research protocols which will include data collection, analyses, and data summaries. The position will require field work outside in conditions that can be either extreme heat or wind for collection of samples. Daily work schedule during the growing season can be variable when field work entailing travel to site locations is needed. Day travel to off-station sites is sometimes required. The work will predominantly be indoors in a laboratory setting, but will also involve fieldwork outside in cropped fields, so applicants must be able to lift 40 lbs.
This full-time position is grant funded and anticipated to last 12 months with possible extension, pending performance and continued funding. If additional funding is not secured, this position will end or may be reduced in time/effort.
Required Job Qualifications
Completed a bachelor's degree in agricultural science, natural resources, or applicable program.
Willingness to work in field conditions in inclement weather.
Ability to work independently without direct supervision in a team environment.
Good communication, planning and time-management skills.
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.
The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date; the Colorado Water Center will not sponsor a visa for this position.
Preferred Job Qualifications
Experience in designing, managing, and executing scientific experiments in field, lab, and computational environments.
Experience leveraging agroecological knowledge in a research environment.
Experience working in field conditions.
Ability to work independently.
Experience with analytical balances, laboratory procedures, and field sampling.
Essential Duties
Job Duty CategorySoil and Plant Sample Processing and Analysis
Duty/Responsibility
Inventory and process plant and soil samples.
Dissect plant tissue for insect presence.
Support analytical analyses of soil and plant samples.
Assisting in the research process by performing a variety of standardized or routine duties in a laboratory, field, or greenhouse environment.
Dissection of plant tissue, grinding of soil and plant tissue.
Providing laboratory support (e.g., washing lab glassware, preparing soil and plant samples for analysis, lab cleanup).
Percentage Of Time70%
Job Duty CategoryField Sampling
Duty/Responsibility
Assist field crew with field work as needed.
Fieldwork and traveling to field sampling sites, data recording and data entry, and other tasks related to field and laboratory analysis.
Percentage Of Time20%
Job Duty CategoryData Recording and Curation
Duty/Responsibility
Record and input data.
Support maintenance of database.
Data entry, data analysis, and database maintenance.
Percentage Of Time10%
Application Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
For full consideration, allmaterials must be RECEIVED no laterthan 11:59 PM Mountain Time on Monday, October 13, 2025. Please submit the following to apply:
Resume
Cover Letter
Special Required Documentation - Statement (no more than 5 pages) of how you meet all applicable "Required" and "Preferred" Job Qualifications. Please respond to each bullet point separately.
All applicants will be contacted approximately 15 working days after the deadline regarding their status. Next steps and interview dates will be shared to those moving forward. Four professional references will be requested of applicants that advance in the interview process. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.
For questions regarding the application process, contact the Talent Acquisition office atHR_TA@colostate.edu. For questions regarding the job vacancy, responsibilities, and salary, please contact Joel Schneekloth at Joel.Schneekloth@ColoState.edu.
CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.
References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver's License, Travel
Search ContactJoel Schneekloth at Joel.Schneekloth@ColoState.EDU
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.
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 for the finalist before a final offer. 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.
References Requested
References Requested
Minimum Requested
Maximum Requested
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Cover Letter
Resume
Special Required Documentation
Optional Documents
