Posting Detail Information Working TitleResearch Associate I Potato Crop Management Position LocationCenter, Colorado Work LocationPosition is fully in-office/in-person Research Professional PositionYes Posting Number202501349AP Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional Classification TitleResearch Associate I Number of Vacancies1 Work Hours/Week40 Proposed Annual Salary Range$40,000 to $45,000 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 Date01/05/2026 Position End Date (if temporary) To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on10/27/2025 Description of Work Unit The San Luis Valley Research Center is part of a network of 7 research centers (9 sites) throughout the state. The first San Luis Valley Research Center was established in 1888 (the same year the main station at Fort Collins was established) on 200 acres of state land near the Rio Grande River, seven miles east of Del Norte. The research center has a continuing commitment to the people of the San Luis Valley ( SLV ) and the State of Colorado to provide research information, conduct extension education and seed certification programs. Beginning in 1940, the principal research activity was focused on selecting potato varieties adaptable to the region. In 1979 a potato breeding program was initiated to complement the selection activity. Research on cultural practices including disease and pest studies was also conducted. In the early 1920s, the Colorado Certified Seed Growers Association initiated a seed certification program located on the Colorado State University campus which was co‑located at the SLVRC in 1964. Position Summary Support Field and laboratory activities for the soil fertility and agronomic work at SLVRC . Requires combination of field and laboratory skills and knowledge of the analytical methodologies. 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. 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. + Strong organizational skills and attention to detail + 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. + Willingness and ability to work in adverse field conditions + Basic computer skills and experience with MS Office + 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 start date of the position. The PRC will not provide visa sponsorship for these positions. + Private Applicator Pesticide License, or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire. Preferred Job Qualifications + Completed BS. in a relevant sub-discipline of Agricultural Sciences (e.g. Horticulture, Soil and Crop Sciences, Agricultural Biology or Water Sciences) + Knowledge, understanding and ability to advance SLV production systems impacting Colorado agriculture and the environment. + Demonstrated experience in research and extension that includes the areas of horticultural production, agroecology and/or regenerative agriculture. + Ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships within the university, Engagement with outside cooperators. Essential Duties Job Duty CategorySupervision Duty/Responsibility + Supervises non-student hourly employees to collect data in the field and in the laboratory. + Field data collection includes petiole sampling for nutrient analysis, tuber sampling for evaluation of tuber bulking. + End of season harvest to determine treatment effect on yield. Percentage Of Time25% Job Duty CategoryResearch Duty/Responsibility + Help in field layout of experimental plots. + Inputs all data collected into excel spreadsheet, and into SAS statistical program. + Apply fertilizer, water, and plant/harvest experimental plots on/off station. Percentage Of Time75% Application Details Special Instructions to Applicants For full consideration, please apply online by October 27, 2025, 11:59pm (MT). Complete applications include: + Cover letter addressing required and preferred qualifications, + Current resume, and + Contact information for 2 professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates. + Optionally you may upload Unofficial transcripts or HS/ GED certification. This may be requested of finalists at a later date for educational verification. 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. CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you need assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact. Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver’s License, Special Requirements/Other - Private Pesticide License Search ContactSamuel Essah - samuel.essah@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 Requested2 Maximum Requested2 Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*). Applicant Documents Required Documents + Cover Letter + Resume Optional Documents + Unofficial Transcripts + Other