Posting Detail Information Working TitleResearch Lead/Extension Specialist Position LocationRocky Ford, CO Work LocationPosition is fully in-office/in-person Research Professional PositionYes Posting Number202401569AP Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional Classification TitleResearch Associate IV Number of Vacancies Work Hours/Week40 Proposed Annual Salary Range$80,000 - $90,000. Salary is 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, commitment todiversity, equity and inclusion (https://inclusiveexcellence.colostate.edu/about/) , 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) on09/29/2024 Description of Work Unit The Arkansas Valley Research Center was established in 1888 as the Bent Agricultural Experiment Station and is the oldest continuously operated agricultural experiment station, outside of Fort Collins, in Colorado. The center was established to serve the research needs of the irrigated farming area of southeast Colorado known as the Arkansas Valley, extending from Pueblo County on the west to the Kansas border. It also includes irrigated areas associated with the tributaries to the Arkansas River in El Paso, Huerfano and Las Animas counties. Agricultural production includes livestock and field and vegetable crops. Alfalfa, corn, dry beans, small grains, sorghum, onions, melons, tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers are crops grown under irrigation. The research center houses the Southeast Colorado Area and Otero County Extension office complex and classroom constructed in 2019 and the Rocky Ford Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory administered by the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. The AVRC has two large scale-based weighing lysimeters used for studying crop evapotranspiration, and three automatic weather stations. These instruments are installed on two irrigated fields, one under furrow irrigation and one with a full variable rate linear move irrigation system. This Center is part of a network of 9 research centers (10 sites) throughout the state. Position Summary This position is responsible for research and outreach projects pertaining to commercial vegetable crop (including melons) production, and diverse outreach/extension activities at the Arkansas Valley Research Center ( AVRC ). The individual is also responsible for coordinating the AVRC -related research activities of on-campus faculty and graduate students. The position will also provide leadership for outreach around vegetable crop production issues statewide. This position will support the regional livestock economy by advising and/or assisting with AVRC forage and feed grain research and production, and appropriate outreach within the position’s Extension appointment. All positions at CSU adhere to the Principles of Community. Required Job Qualifications + MS Degree + 5 years of professional experience or Ph.D. plus 2 years of experience. + Educational degree(s) major of emphasis in horticulture, agronomy, pest management, water management, or closely related field. + Demonstrated experience or working knowledge of commercial horticultural crop production. + Demonstrated evidence of research performance and accomplishment such as contract and grant support of independent research, publications/scholarly record, outreach/service activities, and professional recognition, such as awards and/or patents. + Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. + Ability to collaborate and thrive in a team environment. + Demonstrated computer skills (e.g. MS Office Suite, statistical software, communication media) and ability to utilize data analysis software. + Valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license or access to a licensed driver by start date. Preferred Job Qualifications + Experience or demonstrated interest in outreach/engagement activities and/or experience working with commodity groups. + Demonstrated experience of providing leadership with stakeholders on state and local issues related to vegetable crop production. + Demonstrated successful, responsive and collaborative working relationships with area farmers. + Willingness to travel in-state. + Experience or working knowledge of row and forage crop production systems. + Experience or working knowledge of irrigated cropping systems in semi-arid environments. + Qualified Supervisor Pesticide Applicator License from Colorado Department of Agriculture or ability to acquire within 6 months of hire. + Demonstrated personal or professional commitment to diversity and inclusion. Diversity Statement •Personal and professional commitment to diversity and inclusion as demonstrated by involvement in teaching, research, creative activity, service to the profession and/or diversity/inclusion activities. https://inclusiveexcellence.colostate.edu/about/principles-of-community Essential Duties Job Duty CategoryResearch Duty/Responsibility + Identifies, leads, and maintains research initiatives for AVRC . + Manages research initiatives in support of the commercial vegetable crop industry specific or adapted to Colorado conditions. + Seeks and secures external funding to support research. + Provides vegetable crop growers and other stakeholders timely reports in multiple media sources on research objectives. Percentage Of Time60 Job Duty CategoryExtension/Outreach Duty/Responsibility + Provides leadership with stakeholders on state and local issues related to vegetable crop production and disseminates data driven recommendations via outreach and extension activities. + Meet with and consider direction from the AVRC advisory committee through the annual meeting and through direct communication. + Represent AVRC on and take input from the Colorado Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association on industry research and outreach needs. + Be responsive to vegetable and other crop producers’ outreach needs through direct contact or referral to other CSU expertise. Percentage Of Time30 Job Duty CategorySupervision Duty/Responsibility In collaboration with the AVRC management team, determines staffing needs, hiring, training, evaluation, raise/pay rates, and terminations. Percentage Of Time5 Job Duty CategoryOperations Management Duty/Responsibility In collaboration with the AVRC manager: + Allocates and approves budget to address operational needs such as staffing, facilities and equipment and communicates to central AES needs prioritization and projected expenses + Oversees compliance with applicable University, State and Federal rules and regulations. Percentage Of Time5 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 Allan.Andales@ColoState.Edu. 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, Special Requirements/Other - CO Qualified Supervisor License Search ContactAllan Andales: allan.andales@colostate.edu EEO Statement 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/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and 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. TheOffice of Equal Opportunity (https://oeo.colostate.edu/) is located in 101 Student Services. The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715,titleix@colostate.edu. The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,oeo@colostate.edu. The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,oeo@colostate.edu. Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to theOffice of Civil Rights, Department of Education (https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/howto.html) . 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 or CV Optional Documents