Field Research Assistant
About this Job
Looking for a summer job? Interested in agriculture, horticulture, biology, and/or working outside? Want more hands-on experience conducting applied research in the field?
We are hiring a part-time research assistant to help with field experiments and maintenance of the on-campus Heritage Garden. We will be working on a few Agrivoltaics projects which combine growing agronomic crops under a series of solar panels that have variable transparencies. Environmental and crop growth data will be collected to determine best management practices for Colorado growers interested in using their land as dual-purpose to generate extra income. Another project you may work on is an organic hemp trial that will look to determine organic management options for insect control in the field.
Work includes but is not limited to:
-Working closely with research and farm staff to collect and analyze data.
-Assistance with maintenance and operation of research fields, greenhouse, and laboratory.
-Assistance in planting, upkeep (weeding and mowing), irrigation, and harvesting of research plots.
-May assist with written reports and associated literature searches.
-Other duties as assigned.
Job Requirements:
-Must be able to work during summer break and fall harvesting season in 2024.
-Must possess a valid driver’s license.
-Must have a reliable means of transportation to and from the Horticulture Research Farm (ARDEC South- 15 min north of central campus).
-Must be detail oriented.
-Must be willing to work outdoors for extended periods of time (we do a lot of hand weeding) and be able to lift 50lbs.
-Preferred individual will be in a horticulture, agriculture, or biology program or have a background in horticulture or related field (please specify in cover letter).
-Applicants with the ability to safely use hand and power tools are preferred. These include lawn mowers, line trimmers, and small hand planters/tools.
-Mus be a current student with plans of remaining a student through the 2024-2025 academic year.
Career Competencies include:
-Critical Thinking/Problem Solving: Identify important problems and questions, then gather, analyze, and evaluate information from diverse sources before forming a strategy decision or opinion.
-Global Context: Demonstrate an understanding of diverse people, cultures, and systems; understand actions have local and global implications for the future.
-Personal Accountability: Demonstrate integrity, honesty, dependability, responsibility; accepts guidance and develops effective work habits.
Apply by May 8th, 2024.
Start Date: May 15th, 2024.
No end date/continuing position
How to apply: Please apply through Handshake.
Attach resume, cover letter and contact information for 2 references.
Colorado State University may conduct background checks on all final candidates.
Benefit Information: Employee Benefit information can be found on HR’s Website.
About Colorado State University – Department of Horticulture & Landscape Architecture (1173)
Welcome to CSU’s Department of Horticulture & Landscape Architecture! The faculty, staff, and students of our department work to feed people body and soul in Colorado and around the world. The challenge is great with population growth, urbanization, and climate change setting the context in which we work. Our goal is not just to meet people’s minimal caloric needs, but to provide nutritious, safe food and beautiful environments that contribute to all aspects of individual and community health. Some of these aspects include: -parks and sports fields where we relax and exercise, national parks and forests where the environment is preserved while we enjoy it, -vegetable and fruit production to nourish us, packing and storage sheds to keep our food safe and secure, -entrepreneurs, small businesses, and corporations that sustain our economy, -mines and wind farms designed to balance use and preservation of resources, -flowers and landscapes that beautify our urban, suburban, and rural communities, -built, natural, and social environments where individuals and society can flourish, and -hops fields and vineyards that improve the quality of our lives and bring us joy. The fields of horticulture and landscape architecture are widely diverse, and the people of CSU’s Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture improve lives in many ways all over the world!