Job Description

Position summary:

This position assists in the management of crop variety and agronomy trials (including but not limited to making plot maps, soil sampling, planting, field notes, harvest, and post-harvest data compilation, analyses, and reporting). This position will help train student interns in the program, write crop trial updates during growing season for trial entrants, and assist with organizing and tracking reporting responsibilities for trials. This position will also manage/update the Crops Testing website and be the coordinator of field day events held by the program. Employee will have access to a project vehicle to travel to trials located across eastern Colorado. Business related travel expenses will be covered.

Full consideration date: Monday, May 11, 2026, 11:59pm (MT)

Essential Job Duties:

• Research Project Management:

  • Plant, manage, and harvest crop plot trials. Communicate closely with co-workers, supervisor, and program director. Operate farm equipment, manage trial alley or weed control spraying, lead harvest and planting. Collect data (planting, observations, and harvest). Provide determined treatments and operations in a timely manner to help optimize the best possible results and outputs at regular and contract sites. Maintain ongoing relationships with site cooperators to ensure best possible trial site selection, utilization, and cultivating goodwill among cooperators and suppliers. Collect, record, maintain, and transmit data to team members to allow information to be published. Assist in trial implementation. Do appropriate statistical analyses in SAS or R. Assist with publishing results tables along with relevant text reports.

• Extension:

  • Organizer for trial field days (9 wheat and 2 sorghum) by contacting trial hosts and speakers, creating flyers, obtaining sponsorships, and meal organization as-needed. Assist with effort to expand research results distribution and communications with farmers, industry, and crop researchers by utilizing social media and Extension resources.

• Supervision:

  • This position has supervisory authority and determines work directives for summer interns/hourly workers. This position ensures that hourly workers are adequately trained for assigned tasks and provides them with supplies and equipment needed to complete assigned tasks.

Supervision:

Co-supervise project interns or non-student hourly workers during the summer (up to 4 workers).

Conditions of Employment:

• Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for all new hires)

• Valid driver's license or access to qualified driver by employment start date.

• Ability to meet the physical demands of this position which includes occasional heavy lifting (up to 50 lbs.), manual dexterity, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching and handling.

• Ability to accommodate a Flexible Work Arrangement, to include possible evening and weekend hours during peak seasons.

• Authorized to work in the United States by employment start date.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education and experience:

  • Research Associate II - Research Associate I + 3 years experience or B.S./B.A. degree + 3 years professional experience or Master’s degree.

  • Research Associate III - Research Associate II + experience or B.S./B.A. degree + 5 years related experience e or Master’s degree + 2 years experience or PhD.

• Demonstrated computer skills (e.g., MS Office Suite – Excel, Word, and Outlook).

• Attention to detail in data collection, quality control, documentation, and trial management.

• Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills.

• Certified Colorado Crop Advisor or ability to become certified within 6 months of hire.

• Private pesticide or qualified supervisor license in Colorado or ability to acquire within 3 months of hire date.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with crop production systems in High Plains region.

• Class A CDL or ability to acquire within 6 months of hire date.

• Experience working in field crop research.

• Ability to utilize data validation and statistical analysis software such as SAS or R.

• Ability to operate field research equipment such as plot combine, tractors, sprayers, etc.

Salary Range

$62,000 - $75,000

Required 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.

Cover Letter, Resume/CV

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.

• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.

• Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

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.