Reforestation Tree Seedling Research Technician

Job Description

Position Summary:

This position supports an applied research project evaluating the use of local biochar and waste wool pellets in growing media for native tree and shrub seedlings at a conservation nursery. The person in this position will design and conduct pot trials, collect and analyze plant growth data, and assess how biochar and wool pellets influences germination, root development, and overall seedling health. Working closely with CSU Extension, nursery staff, and research partners, the position will contribute to science-based recommendations that inform nursery production practices and regional reforestation efforts.

Full Consideration Date:

6/2/2026

Description of Work Unit:

The Office of Engagement and Extension (OEE) was organized in 2006 to advance CSU’s engagement and outreach missions. OEE includes CSU Extension, Learning Innovation (including CSU Online), the Colorado Water Center, and a variety of vibrant programs that engage the teaching, research, extension, and service missions of Colorado State University. The Vice President for Engagement and Extension (VPEE) is the principal administrative, academic, and fiscal officer for the division, reports to the CSU President, and works closely with the Provost/Executive Vice President. OEE works collaboratively across all Colleges and offices on campus and has strong engagement programs throughout Colorado, the Western US, and globally. At any given time, OEE includes over 400 employees. The total budget is approximately $95 million. OEE is one of the most institutionally comprehensive commitments to engagement and outreach among all land-grant and other universities. Propelled by OEE’s leadership, nationally CSU is a Carnegie Engaged University (2008, 2014), is a member of the Engagement Scholarship Consortium, is an APLU Innovation and Economic Prosperity University (2016, 2024) and is highly ranked for its online degree programs. Annually, Learning Innovation garners enrollments of over 15,000 learners and CSU Extension delivers approximately 500,000 educational contacts.

To learn more, visit our website at https://learn.colostate.edu/.

Essential Duties:

• Calculate growing media blends for trials, and mixing and seeding blends

• Water, fertilize, thin, and weed plants

• Scout and manage growing spaces for pests and quality issues

• Regularly document plant growth and trial observations

• Document project efforts and compile research findings into regular updates and research reports

Conditions of Employment:

• Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date.

• The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date; OEE will not sponsor a visa for this position.

Supervision:

This position has no supervisory responsibility.

Required Job Qualifications:

• Interest in nursery crop production

• Interest in conducting research to improve plant production outcomes

• Strong time management, organizational skills, and attention to detail

Preferred Job Qualifications:

• Experience with greenhouse crop production

• Experience with seeding, irrigation, weeding, and pruning of plant material

• Experience working independently, while maintaining communication with a larger team

Application Instructions:

For full consideration, all materials must be RECEIVED no later than 12:00 AM Mountain Time on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Please submit the following to apply:

• Resume

• Cover Letter

For questions regarding the application process, contact the OEE HR at [email protected]. For questions regarding the job vacancy, responsibilities, and salary, please contact Derek Lowstuter at [email protected].

Salary Range

$21.00 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.

Cover Letter, 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.