Job Information
Colorado State University Manager, Western Colorado Research Center (WCRC) in Fort Collins, Colorado
Posting Detail Information
Working TitleManager, Western Colorado Research Center (WCRC)
Position LocationGrand Junction, CO
Work LocationPosition is fully in-office/in-person
Research Professional PositionNo
Posting Number202401538AP
Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification TitleManagement I
Number of Vacancies1
Work Hours/Week40
Proposed Annual Salary Range$85,000-$105,000 plus comprehensive benefits package. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. A signing bonus of up to $3,000 may be considered for successful candidates.
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, commitment todiversity, equity and inclusion (https://inclusiveexcellence.colostate.edu/about/) , and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
Review our detailed benefits information here. (https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf)
Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator (https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/) .
Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/) !
Desired Start Date12/02/2024
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on09/23/2024
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), located southeast of Grand Junction, CO focuses on tree fruits, wine grape production, ornamental horticulture and mixed vegetables. WCRC -OM is also home to the Community Food Systems Program that supports distribution of fruit and vegetables to schools and hunger relief organizations and offers hands-on service learning for K-12 students.
The WCRC -Rogers Mesa ( WCRC -RM), located west of Hotchkiss, CO, focuses on applied organic agricultural research on regional crops such as apples, peaches, grapes, and mixed vegetables. Research areas include plant disease prevention and treatment, measuring soil health through management practices, organic integrated pest management, variety and rootstock trials, and community initiatives.
The WCRC -Grand Valley ( WCRC -GV) near Fruita, CO, conducts research on agricultural water management through programs focused on evapotranspiration modeling, irrigation technology, water quality, and crop and forage alternatives to those conventionally grown in the Upper Colorado River basin. The WCRC -GV research also supports studies of integrated cropping systems, reduced tillage operations, cover crops, and interseeding, and the site hosts crop variety trials in partnership with industry and other universities.
The position will be based at WCRC -OM in Grand Junction, CO and will travel weekly for work to WCRC -RM in Hotchkiss, CO and WCRC -GV in Fruita, CO.
Named for the confluence of the Gunnison and Grand (later renamed Colorado) Rivers, Grand Junction is widely regarded as the hub of the Western Slope of Colorado. The climate and landscape are high desert in nature with four seasons but relatively mild weather. The surrounding area offers a wealth of outdoor activities for every season, including hiking, biking, rafting, skiing, and golf.
Position Summary
The WCRC Manager is responsible for the management of three agriculture research sites in Western Colorado and provides leadership, direction, and operational supervision. It is a 12-month Administrative Professional position reporting to the Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station Director.
The position will coordinate field operations with Faculty and Research Scientists, Program Leads, and Research Associates and is responsible for efficient farm operations. The manager has authority and responsibility for the collaborative management and stewardship of the financial resources, staff personnel, infrastructure (land, buildings, technology, equipment, etc.), and operational and administrative functions of the WCRC to support research, educational, and outreach programs. This stewardship is exercised by planning, executing, and optimizing WCRC resources and their deployment.
Required Job Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree
Experience in managing agricultural production or land-based, natural resource operations.
Experience in personnel management and supervision.
Demonstrated ability to develop relationships and engage in activities with diverse clientele, communities, and stakeholders.
Excellent skills in written communication and project organization.
Working knowledge and competency in using computer software and technology for common office tasks, communication, planning, and record-keeping.
Personal or professional commitment to follow CSU Principles of Community in interactions with colleagues and clientele.
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.
Preferred Job Qualifications
Master’s degree in agriculture, agricultural business, soil or crop science, horticulture, natural resource management, or closely related discipline.
Experience developing and managing operational budgets.
Experience in personnel management and direct supervision of five or more staff members.
Experience in complying with university, state, and federal rules and regulations.
Demonstrated familiarity with the safe operation, maintenance, and/or repair of farm equipment or other heavy machinery.
Meaningful experience in agricultural research programming and demonstrated understanding of agricultural experiment stations’ missions and their challenges.
Diversity Statement
Ability to advance the department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion through research, teaching and outreach with relevant programs, goals and activities.
Essential Duties
Job Duty CategoryAdministration
Duty/Responsibility
Supervise WCRC -funded Research Associates and seasonal personnel.
Manage hiring, training, developing, and evaluating WCRC -funded Research Associates and seasonal staff in accordance with University and WCRC processes and policies.
Support professional development of WCRC staff through university or external resources.
Collaborate with the WCRC Strategic Business Manager in the allocation of financial resources through the development and management of budgets, as aligned with the financial administrative processes of the university and WCRC .
Assume responsibility for compliance with all university, state, and federal rules and regulations, which includes but is not limited to: Food Safety Modernization Act; Organic Certifications; pesticide safety; occupational health and safety; and human resources.
Develop WCRC processes and policies for the efficient implementation of administrative duties as needed and in compliance with university policies.
Percentage Of Time30
Job Duty CategoryOperations Management
Duty/Responsibility
Develop strategic and annual operations plans in collaboration with WCRC staff to ensure WCRC employees, programs, and overall objectives are effectively supported.
Support and collaborate with the WCRC staff in the implementation of the strategic and annual operations plans as needed for each individual site and WCRC as a whole. Implementation of the plans includes collaborative decision-making on the deployment of WCRC personnel, land, equipment, and financial resources.
Support and collaborate with WCRC Research Associates to make decisions regarding facilities, infrastructure, and equipment at each site, to meet the objectives of the strategic and annual operations plan. This includes but is not limited to:
ensuring the ongoing maintenance of existing AES facilities and infrastructure;
investing in new or overseeing renovations to existing AES facilities or infrastructure;
developing and monitoring policies, practices, and training systems that ensure high standards of safety for people working and visiting the three research sites;
monitoring, maintaining, and purchasing appropriate equipment and supplies for WCRC operations;
developing and implementing practices or policies regarding equipment and supply usage; and
modifying, repairing, improving, or replacing equipment and supplies as necessary.
Accountable for the upkeep, maintenance, and appearances of all three research sites to facilitate positive public, community, grower, and stakeholder perceptions of Colorado State University’s investment in western Colorado.
Providing occasional assistance to WCRC staff in the implementation of the annual operations plan, which can include participating in field operations when needed.
Percentage Of Time45
Job Duty CategoryResearch Support
Duty/Responsibility
Ensure that WCRC scientists, campus-based researchers, and other research collaborators are supported by facilitating effective communication between staff.
Manage WCRC resources as they are allocated to research projects and programming at WCRC sites.
Ensure that research projects and programming conducted at WCRC sites align with the strategic and annual operation plans of WCRC and CSU Agricultural Experiment Station.
Support WCRC Research Associates in implementing research protocols when necessary.
Foster a collaborative environment between WCRC scientists, campus-based researchers, program leads, collaborators, and staff.
Percentage Of Time15
Job Duty CategoryOutreach
Duty/Responsibility
Communicate the WCRC vision, mission, objectives, and outcomes by engaging with CSU colleagues, the agricultural industries involved with WCRC , and the public to promote and develop interactions that enhance the impact of Colorado State University and WCRC .
Develop and maintain relationships with producers, agricultural or value-added enterprises, community members, educators, and agencies to assess stakeholder concerns and needs.
Work with three sites to support outreach, extension, and advisory activities including meetings, trainings, workshops, field days, and tours.
Percentage Of Time10
Application Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
For full consideration, all materials must be RECEIVED no later than 11:59 PM Mountain Time on Monday, September 23, 2024. Please submit the following to apply:
Resume – Be sure to include dates (month and year) for relevant experience
Cover letter (limited to one page) addressing your interest in this position.
Special Required Documentation – Statement (no more than 3 pages) of how you meet all applicable “Required” and “Preferred” Job Qualifications.Please respond to each bullet point separately.
CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.
References are not required at time of application, but will be requested at a later date from finalists. 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.
Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver’s License
Search ContactBrad.Tonnessen@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. TheOffice of Equal Opportunity (https://oeo.colostate.edu/) 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 theOffice of Civil Rights, Department of Education (https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/howto.html) .
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.
References Requested
References Requested
Minimum Requested
Maximum Requested
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Cover Letter
Resume
Special Required Documentation
Optional Documents
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