Greenhouse Technician

About this role

Job Description Position Summary The Metropolitan Agricultural Research Center (MARC) at the CSU Spur campus seeks a greenhouse technician to manage growing spaces, conduct experiments, and provide administrative support to the research center.

Primary responsibilities are to assist MARC faculty, research scientists, Extension personnel, non-CSU research cooperators, and cooperator farmers in the operations and research at MARC. This includes facility and plant maintenance; planning, execution, and evaluation of research conducted on-site as well as at off-station grower cooperator sites; and education and outreach efforts at MARC in conjunction with larger efforts related to the CSU Spur campus.

This is a highly collaborative role that will support MARC managers, research scientists, faculty, extension professionals, and graduate students.

Due to the nature of the research and educational mission of MARC and Spur, the work schedule will vary. Occasional nights and weekend work will be necessary.

Number of positions available for this role: 2 Signing Bonus: n/a Brief Work Unit Description

Colorado State University’s Spur campus is located at the National Western Center (NWC) in Denver, where CSU maintains a community-engaged research presence alongside 25+ partner organizations advancing urban ecological and sociological research and citizen science programming. The Metropolitan Agricultural Research Center (MARC) at CSU Spur specializes in greenhouse, green roof, vertical farm, and other forms of Controlled Environment and Urban Agriculture. The facility houses 2,400 sq ft of greenhouse space and over 800 sq ft of indoor space dedicated to growing research plants, plus a wet laboratory and various research equipment. Education, outreach, and associated administrative support are also central to the center’s mission. Research Associates located at MARC are assigned to CAES or an academic department at Colorado State University, report to the respective unit lead, and conduct research, education, and outreach programs along the Front Range of Colorado and at other locations in Colorado. Programs at MARC include: • Controlled Environment Agricultural Research (CEAR), with focus on advancing greenhouse technology, plant disease research, and green roof technology and science • Field-scale research in regenerative agriculture for urban and peri-urban systems, with emphasis on community access to an adequate, affordable, nutritious diet and on food and agriculture businesses that create jobs and recirculate capital within the community • Creation of food and agriculture policies that promote local and sustainable food production, processing, and consumption • Community Food Systems — a collaborative and engaged research network integrating sustainable food production, processing, distribution, consumption, and waste management • Marketing and processing practices that create more direct links between farmers and consumers • Climate Smart Agriculture, Data Sciences, and Sensor/Monitoring, with focus on environmental and biological sensor development, data management (CAESRC), energy, and urban agriculture

Essential Job Duties • Initial setup, calibration, adjustment, and operation of hydroponic systems • Execute standard operating procedures related provided in research protocols • Data Tracking and Entry • Facility organization, cleaning, and maintenance • Working with partners on collaborative projects

Conditions of Employment This is a 9-month contract position. Candidates are expected to work the full 9 months.

Supervision Dr. Jake Holley

Minimum Qualifications

• B.A./B.S. degree plus 3 years of professional experience, OR a master’s degree. • Degree(s) in an agricultural or related engineering field such as agronomy, agricultural engineering, entomology, horticulture, plant pathology, soil science, or water resources. • Commitment to work collaboratively and as a team member during the development and implementation of multiple research programs. • Demonstrated capability working in a computerized environment, using office software such as MS Office (Outlook, Excel, Access) or other data management programs. • Capability or willingness to learn to operate various hydroponic and irrigation systems. • Capability to meet physical demands such as frequently and repeatedly lifting 20 lbs. and occasionally 50 lbs., and ability to work in environmental conditions such as inclement weather. • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the start date of the position. The Center will not provide visa sponsorship or cover related costs for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with specialized hydroponic and horticultural research projects in a facility engaged in research, evaluation, and/or education, including execution of research projects and ability to perform experimental procedures. • Experience with programming, installation, maintenance, and data collection using scientific equipment, such as the LI 6800. • Experience with statistical analysis software or other data management platforms. • Outreach experience with producers, interested public, or other stakeholders.

Application Instructions * To apply, you must apply via Workday (official link) and also email all application materials directly to Rachel Sears

Salary Range $20-$25 Required Application Documents To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. 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. Resume/CV 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 pa

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