Job Description Full Consideration Date (Close Posting Date): March 17, 2026

Description of Work Unit:

The Western Colorado Research Center (WCRC) consists of three research sites that collaborate to advance knowledge in the agricultural, biological, soil, and water-related sciences, while also promoting regional engagement in community development, food systems, and natural resources projects.

The three sites are:

Orchard Mesa (Grand Junction, CO), Rogers Mesa (Hotchkiss, CO), and Grand Valley (Fruita, CO). WCRC-Orchard Mesa (WCRC-OM) is located southeast of Grand Junction, CO, and focuses on tree fruits, wine grape production, ornamental horticulture, and mixed vegetables. WCRC-OM is also home to the Community Food Systems Program, which supports the distribution of fruit and vegetables to schools and hunger relief organizations and offers hands-on service learning for K-12 students. To learn more, visit our website at https://aes.colostate.edu/wcrc/.

Essential Duties:

With the Ag Literacy team, support onsite learning of students in grades K-8 who come to WCRC-Orchard Mesa and the Western Campus as a part of school field trips Lead kitchen activities for field trips Prepare and adapt lessons for field trip goals with supervisor

Conditions of Employment:

Must have a valid driver's license or the ability to obtain a driver's license by the start of employment. The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date; CSU and WCRC will not sponsor a visa for this position.

Supervision:

This position has no supervisory responsibility

Required Job Qualifications:

Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing Experience in working with K-8th grade students in traditional or non-traditional learning environments Experience with food preparation in a community or commercial setting

Preferred Job Qualifications:

Experience instructing the public, especially children, in food preparation Certification in ServSafe Salary Range $18.00-$20.00 per hour 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 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. Inspired by its land-grant heritage, Colorado State University is committed to excellence and engagement, setting the standard for public research universities in teaching, research, service and extension for the benefit of the citizens of Colorado, the United States, and the world. Prospective Employees, click here to learn more about CSU's perks and purpose. Current employees will need to apply for jobs in Workday.