Job Description

Full Consideration Date:

03/16/2026

Description of Work Unit:

The Western Colorado Research Center (WCRC) consists of three research sites 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).

The WCRC-Rogers Mesa (WCRC-RM) is a 100% CERTIFIED ORGANIC research center. WCRC-RM serves as a nationwide knowledge hub for organic agriculture in arid climates. Located in Hotchkiss, CO, the 80-acre property has 30 irrigated acres, a climate-controlled greenhouse, and equipment and infrastructure to support fruit tree orchards, grape vineyards, perennial pasture, and vegetable production. Their vision adheres to pertinent issues faced by growers with a focus on vegetables and perennial fruit crops, and 100% of the produce is donated to hunger relief organizations. Research topics include ecological pest and disease management, variety and rootstock trials, and regional adaptation of annual crops.

To learn more, visit our website at https://aes.colostate.edu/wcrc/.

Essential Duties:

• Support the needs of research projects, organic farm operations, and tasks pertaining to organic vegetable production.
• Support research activities for organic control of squash bug and vegetable variety trials, including data collection.
• Work outside for extended periods while doing farm tasks such as weed removal, planting, fruit thinning, orchard netting, equipment maintenance, groundskeeping, and irrigation management.
• Travel off-site to research locations on producers’ fields.

Conditions of Employment:

• Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the start of employment.
• The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date; CSU and WCRC will not sponsor a visa for this position.

Supervision:

This position has no supervisory responsibility.

Required Job Qualification:

• Demonstrated communications skills (both verbal and written)
• Capable of utilizing computer applications for word processing and spreadsheet management
• Ability to meet the physical demands of this position, which include occasional lifting (up to 40 lbs.) and manual dexterity, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and handling tools. Ability to work in environmental conditions, including exposure to weather and noise. Hazards include working in proximity to moving, mechanical parts.

Preferred Job Qualifications:

• Work experience in farming or gardening
• Is detail-oriented and self-motivated
• Willing to work as a team and advocate for themselves and others

Salary Range

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.

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.