Research Associate I - CO Certified Seed Potato
Full Time
Center, CO 81125
Posted
Job description
Position Location
Center,CO
Work Location
Position is fully in-office/in-person
Research Professional Position
Yes
Posting Number
202300359AP
Position Type
Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title
Research Associate I
Number of Vacancies
1
Work Hours/Week
40
Proposed Annual Salary Range
$30,000 - $35,000 plus benefits.
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University (CSU) is committed to providing employees with a strong and competitive benefits package that supports you, your health, and your family. Visit CSU’s Human Resources website for detailed benefit plan information for permanent full-time and part-time faculty and administrative professional employees in the following University benefit areas:
https://hr.colostate.edu/hr-community-and-supervisors/benefits/benefits-eligibility/ &
https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-perks/.
Desired Start Date
05/01/2023
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on
03/12/2023
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
The Research Associate I provides support to the PCS Manager, Assistant Manager, faculty, and staff in executing the operations and administrative/financial functions. CPC Service related duties and responsibilities include: coordination of the CPC Service account per contract; certification data collection, input , and verification, and general support. Disease lab technician duties and responsibilities include: media preparation, conducting ELISA & PCR tests; helping maintain lab organization, supplies, and cleanliness; and supporting seasonal activities related to the Rouging plot.
The successful candidate must be a self-starter and willing to follow instructions, accept responsibility, and perform tasks with minimal direction. The candidate must have an interest and ability to work, collaborate, and communicate in a team environment with individuals of diverse, socio-economic backgrounds.
This position is located at the San Luis Valley Research Center in Center, CO.
This position is located at the San Luis Valley Research Center in Center, CO.
Required Job Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree OR a combination of education and relevant experience in Business Administration, Agricultural Business Management, Project Management, or highly related field may be substituted on a year-by-year basis.
- GED plus 4 years OR
- Associate Degree plus 2 years
- Knowledge and experience with MS Office Suite applications.
- Demonstrated communication skills
- Ability to lift/carry up to 100 lbs. with assistance (to help lift sacks of potatoes in the field during planting/harvest) ; push/pull up to 50lbs.; perform sustained work at shoulder height in front; and bend, kneel, and squat repetitively throughout the work shift
- 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 US by employment start date. The department will not sponsor visa for this position.
Preferred Job Qualifications
- Associate’s degree or higher educational degree(s)
- Formal plant science training in chemistry, plant pathology, botany, and general horticulture including laboratory work/training and experience is highly desired.
- Evidence of attention to detail and ability to develop and maintain high quality records and other documentation is desirable.
- Demonstrated written and oral skills for communicating technical information to clientele and others.
- Interest and ability to work, collaborate, and communicate in a team environment with individuals of diverse, socio-economic backgrounds.
Diversity Statement
Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Essential Duties
Job Duty Category
CPCS Coordination and Data Management
Duty/Responsibility
Manages the Colorado Potato Certification Service account per contract; invoices certified seed growers for services, collects and deposits receipts, pays invoices, prepares departmental purchase orders, purchase requisitions and payroll entries for seasonal PCS employees, completes monthly billings for certification fees, and records deposits for fees. This position also works closely with the Colorado Potato Administrative Committee to reconcile all tags and bulk certificates used for sale of Colorado certified seed potato stocks.
Inputs and/or verifies from computer information all forms of certification data and verifies its reasonableness by comparing against other sources of information available, schedules summer field and storage inspections, prints certified seed potato tags. prints and distributes summer and PHT inspection results, and tracks bulk certificates, performs desk top publishing of official documents such as the annual seed directory and Rules and Regulations, works with the SLVRC website to manage updates and verify their accuracy, and maintains PCS computer software and upgrades.
Provides word processing and data input for general and specific correspondence, reports, presentation materials and other PCS, Extension and Research Center activities, maintains mailing lists, compiles reports, prepares camera ready copy, photocopying, filing, prepares travel documents, makes travel arrangements, meeting arrangements, and other duties as assigned.
Maintains accounting records. Monitors budgets and prepares financial reports. Communicate certification information to seed potato growers and the potato industry. Answer questions and provide information and advice on technical or administrative project issues.
Percentage Of Time
50
Job Duty Category
Disease Lab Technician
Duty/Responsibility
Assist the Disease Lab Supervisor in disease testing and laboratory activities. This will include, but not be limited to: Assist in disease testing assays required by the Colorado Certified Seed Potato rules and regulations including; a) PCR testing as well as ELISA testing and bioassay plants for the major potato viruses and other disease issues, b) gram stains, differential biochemical media and specific antiserum techniques for bacterial and fungal detection, and c) any other testing or testing techniques as deemed necessary by PCS. This will include maintaining the facility in a clean, organized manner.
Assist in other pertinent duties relating to the PCS as directed by the PCS assistant manager and PCS Manager. This may include providing support during the planting, harvest, and maintenance of the Rouging plot as well as help with winter test plots. This individual must be able to work independently after appropriate direction and will be responsible for maintaining good working relations with the Manager, other PCS staff, and other CSU personnel.
Percentage Of Time
50
Application Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
For full consideration please apply on line by March 12, 2023 at 11:59pm MST.
Complete applications include:
Complete applications include:
- Cover Letter addressing your qualifications
- Resume
- Unofficial Transcripts
- Contact information for 2 professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates.
Questions about the position? Please contact Sharon Yust at sharon.yust@colostate.edu.
Conditions of Employment
Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver’s License
Search Contact
Sharon Yust, email: sharon.yust@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. The
Office of Equal Opportunity 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 the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education.
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 the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education.
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.
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