Posting Detail Information Working TitlePlainsman Operations Technician II Position LocationWalsh, CO Work LocationPosition is fully in-office/in-person Research Professional PositionNo Posting Number202501238AP Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional Classification TitleTechnical/Support II Number of Vacancies Work Hours/Week40 Proposed Annual Salary Range$50,000 to $62,000 with a comprehensive benefits package. Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. 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/) . + 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/) ! Desired Start Date Position End Date (if temporary) To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on09/22/2025 Description of Work Unit The Plainsman Research Center is part of a network of 10 research centers throughout the state. The Plainsman Research Center is located in Southeastern Colorado near the town of Walsh. Research conducted in this area of the historic dust-bowl include full and limited irrigation using sprinkler irrigation, as well as tillage comparisons of no-till, strip-till, conventional-till, and subsoiling. Crops include wheat, grain sorghum, forage sorghum, corn, sunflower, bean, canola, and alternative crops. Position Summary This position provides operations support for the Plainsmen comprehensive research program. PRC and campus-based researchers are supported by technical activities such as; data collection, record keeping, harvest, irrigation, and other crop maintenance. This position also conducts field, irrigation, and farm activities, including equipment operation and maintenance. Licensures will be trained/required for regulated activities. Occasional supervision of temporary staff likely during seasonal peaks. This position reports to the Manager. Required Job Qualifications + Bachelor’s Degree, OR Associate’s degree plus 2 years of professional work experience, OR High School Diploma (or GED ) plus four years of professional experience. Degree(s) and/or professional experience with an emphasis in field crop production. + Demonstrated ability and experience in the operation and maintenance of general farming equipment. + Ability to meet the physical demands of this position that include heavy lifting (50 lbs. on a frequent basis; manual dexterity; stooping; kneeling; crouching; and handling. + 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. + Private Applicator Pesticide License, or ability to obtain within 6 months (180 days) of hire. + The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the start date of the position. The PRC will not provide visa sponsorship for these positions. Preferred Job Qualifications + Colorado Certified Operator Pesticide Applicator License + Commercial Drivers License + Experience operating, maintaining, and repairing center pivot irrigation systems. + Skills and experience in general mechanic work Essential Duties Job Duty CategoryAgronomy Research Operations Duty/Responsibility + Supports technical activities of PRC and campus-based researchers. + This includes data collection, record keeping, harvest, irrigation, and other crop maintenance activities. + All of the aforementioned activities are carried out to support the PRC’s comprehensive research program. Percentage Of Time30 Job Duty CategoryField Operations Duty/Responsibility + Conduct field, irrigation, farm operations using large and small scale machinery, equipment and vehicles. + Meet demands during peak spring planting, spraying and fertilizing, summer irrigation and fall harvest and tillage. + Operate heavy, technically advanced equipment, provide hauling/trucking with vehicles requiring appropriate license; apply and mix chemicals needed to optimize crop production and research needs; and support other critical farm operational duties. + Provide Farm operations support of researchers, stakeholders and external clientele. Percentage Of Time70 Application Details Special Instructions to Applicants Interested applicants must submit a cover letter which addresses how professional experiences align with identified required and preferred qualifications of the position, a current resume, and the names, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of three (3) professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates. If you have questions, please contact Zane.Jenkins@colostate.edu. This position will remain open until filled. However, for full consideration, please apply by 9/22/2025. 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. 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 Search ContactZane Jenkins, Zane.Jenkins@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 Requested3 Maximum Requested3 Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*). Applicant Documents Required Documents + Cover Letter + Resume Optional Documents