Water Quality and Soil Health Research Assistant
Colorado State University
Job Description
Position Summary
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.
Website: https://agsci.colostate.edu/waterquality/
Full Consideration Date
March 11, 2026
Brief Work Unit Description
The Department of Soil and Crop Sciences is focused on education, research, and outreach to solve the world’s most pressing food production issues and crucial matters about Earth, its ecosystems, and their services. Our faculty and staff apply research-based solutions to benefit Colorado and the world. We offer academic programs to prepare students to address national and global crop production, sustainability, and environmental quality challenges such as waste management, water quality, and reclamation of drastically disturbed lands. There are numerous opportunities for individuals to be involved in cutting-edge research related to global food production and ecosystem function and protection.
The position will be based at the Western Colorado Research Center-Grand Valley in Fruita, CO.
Essential Job Duties
Research:
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.
Fieldwork:
All field work will be completed in Colorado, primarily in Fruita, CO. 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, 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.
Conditions of Employment
Minimum Qualifications
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
Preferred Qualifications
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
Application Instructions
To apply, please upload a resume. 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.
Salary Range
$20.00-$25.00 per hourRequired Application Documents
To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. 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.
Resume/CVEmployee 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.
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.
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.