Summer Wheat Breeding Field Assistant

Job Description

The Department of Soil and Crop Sciences (SOCR) resides in the College of Agricultural Sciences and has a mission to develop the agro-ecosystems of tomorrow while transforming environmental challenges into opportunities.  Through research, education and extension, the faculty, staff and students work to improve the sustainability of global agricultural systems.  The Wheat Breeding and Genetics program is seeking students to assist with hand harvest and processing of early generation wheat plots.  

SOCR WHEAT BREEDING PROGRAM FIELD ASSISTANT SUMMARY:

LOOKING FOR SUMMER WORK?!?!

The CSU Wheat Breeding Program needs YOU!!!

The CSU Wheat breeding program develops hard winter wheat varieties for wheat growers in Colorado and the central high plains. We have a fun and rewarding opportunity available for you to work outside helping to hand harvest and process small wheat plots at ARDEC in Fort Collins. Summer employees will gain experience in applied plant breeding with tasks such as:

•      Various hand harvest techniques

•      Sample threshing and processing

•      Data collection

•      Planting preparation

•      Assisting graduate students in research

 QUALIFICATIONS:

·       Be curious and excited about agriculture, plant breeding and the work being done in     the CSU Wheat Breeding Program

·       Strong organizational and project management skills

·       Be skilled at working autonomously and as a team member 

·       Be dependable, motivated, flexible, and have strong interpersonal skills

·       All tasks performed require strong attention to detail

·       Ability to persevere through tedious work

·       Ability and desire to work outside in hot, dirty conditions; some heavy lifting up to 50lbs 

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

·       Able to make a commitment to working for the summer 2025 harvest/processing season - July 30-August 22nd.

·       Must be able to get to CSU campus or ARDEC daily for work. We do offer a shuttle between ARDEC and campus if desired.

·       Employees are required to take a one-hour Worker Protection Safety training before working in the field.

·       Training is provided on all tasks.

HOW TO APPLY:

STEP 1: Submit application through Handshake. In addition to the application, please include a resume and a cover letter addressing the following:

·      Why are you interested in this position, and how does it fit in your career development plan? Include items you hope to learn/grow in.

STEP 2: Attend an interview with Wheat Breeding program staff members.

STEP 3: Students will be notified of hiring decision within 1-week of interviews. 

There are approximately 15 positions open at $17.25/hour with a start date around June 30, 2025 and positions will run until August 22, 2025.  The hours are 8-4 Monday through Friday.

Questions can be directed to:  

Emily Hudson-Arns, Senior Research Associate in the Wheat Breeding and Genetics program: emily.hudson@colostate.edu

Benefit Information: Employee Benefit information can be found on HR’s Website.  

Colorado State University may conduct background checks on all final candidates. 

Colorado State University is an equal opportunity/ affirmative action institution and complies with all federal and Colorado state laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding affirmative action requirements in all programs. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in Room 101, Student Services. In order to assist Colorado State University in meeting its affirmative action responsibilities, ethnic minorities, women, and other protected class members are encouraged to apply and to so identify themselves.

Salary Range

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.

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, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

• Review our detailed benefits information here.

• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.

• Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

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.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.