Position Summary:

Research Associate I or II (Principal Field Agronomist) responsible for all field operations for the CSU Crops Testing Program, in the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, at Colorado State University This full-time, Administrative Professional position is salaried plus benefits and based in Akron, CO. For more information on CSU benefit plans, see the following link: http://www.hrs.colostate.edu/benefits/fap-insplans-new-hire.html

The successful candidate must be willing to participate in, and contribute to, all Crops Testing activities, including taking primary responsibility for maintenance and repair of all equipment, buildings, and tools belonging to the Crops Testing team. The person in this position will be expected to collaborate with farmers, scientists, government representatives, and crop commodity groups. The normal annual work demands of this position are variable. Overtime and nights away from home will be required during busy planting and harvest times. Employee will have access to a project vehicle to travel to trials located across eastern Colorado. Business related travel expenses will be covered. The incumbent will manage the finances necessary for the operation of the field program. The incumbent will supervise an assistant who will work part of the year as needed. The incumbent must pay special attention to all field data collected and is expected to collect and maintain quality records. A willingness to work in a dynamic team atmosphere that includes the Crops Testing team, graduate students, Cooperative Extension agents, Agricultural Research Station personnel, agricultural company representatives, research associates, and staff at CSU and other universities is expected. Description of Work Unit: The Crops Testing Program has the primary responsibility for providing Colorado crop producers with current, reliable, unbiased, and research-based crop variety trial results for making better variety planting decisions for Colorado producers of winter wheat, corn, sunflowers, oilseeds, dry beans, and sorghum. Crop variety testing has been a public service offered by Colorado State University for over 75 years. The Crops Testing Program conducts collaborative research on bioenergy crops, especially oilseeds for biofuels and sorghum and millet for bioenergy.

Required Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree plus five (5) years relevant experience or Bachelor’s degree plus three (3) years relevant experience. Final hire level of I or II will be commensurate with education/experience combination.
• Demonstrated experience with crop production.
• Must have a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), or secure one within 2 months of employment.
• Must secure a commercial pesticide applicator's license within 2 months of employment.
• Experienced in operation, maintenance, and repair of field machinery and equipment.
• The physical demands of this position include some heavy lifting (50 pds.), frequent un/loading of agriculture machinery, and will require manual dexterity, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, handling and talking. Environmental conditions include exposure to weather and noise. Hazards include proximity to moving, mechanical parts and exposure to chemicals used in weed/pest control and fertilization. Must work occasional extended and weekend hours as necessary during busy planting and harvest times.

Preferred Job Qualifications:

• Educational degree(s) emphasis in agronomy, crop science or closely related field.
• Experience with crops such as winter wheat, corn, sunflowers, oilseeds, dry beans, and/or sorghum.
• Supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated experience with conducting agricultural field research.
• Demonstrated organizational skills.
• General budget management experience.
• General computer skills such as familiarity with MS Office Suite and email usage.
• The candidate must be a self-starter and able to organize a productive daily schedule.
• Effective communication skills.
• Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department's commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience
Position Available: February 15, 2015
For full consideration, applications must be received by: January 5, 2015

Instructions to Applicants:
Please submit the following application materials:

1. A cover letter/statement of interest addressing required and preferred qualifications.
2. A current resume.
3. Names, email addresses, and phone numbers of three professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates.
4. Copy of college transcripts (unofficial transcripts are sufficient). Please remove all references to date of birth or Social Security Number before sending.

Please submit application via email (preferred) to jeannie.roberts@colostate.edu, or mail to:
Jeannie Roberts
Colorado State University
Department of Soil and Crop Sciences
1170 Campus Delivery
Fort Collins, CO 80523.

All materials must be received by January 5, 2015 for full consideration; however the position will be open until a satisfactory candidate has been selected.

If you have any questions concerning this position, contact Dr. Jerry Johnson at 970-491-1454 or jerry.johnson@colostate.edu.

Also please visit our website: http://www.csucrops.com.

Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services. Colorado State University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final candidates being considered for employment. Background checks may include, but are not limited to, criminal history, national sex offender search and motor vehicle history.