Job Information
Colorado State University Garden Instructor - WCRC-OM in Fort Collins, Colorado
Position Information
Classification TitleTemporary Hourly
Employment CategoryTemporary
Is this an Hourly position?Yes
Work Hours/Week15-20
Overtime Eligible?Yes
Position LocationGrand Junction, CO
Does this position qualify for hybrid or remote work?No
Description of Work Unit
The Western Colorado Research Center ( WCRC ) consists of three research farms 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 (OM), located southeast of Grand Junction, CO focuses on tree fruits, wine grape production, ornamental horticulture, and mixed vegetables. OMRS 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.
The position will be based at WCRC -OM in Grand Junction, CO. The desired start date for this position is May 27, 2025; however, some work could start earlier.
Search Contact Emailamanda.mcquade@colostate.edu
Position Summary
The employee will collaborate with the program team at WCRC -OM and off-campus partners to meet goals of agriculture literacy programs as a part of the Morgridge Family Foundation HUB initiative. The intent of this position is to connect students to authentic, hands-on learning opportunities in the gardens, fields, and orchards of WCRC -OM. The employee will support onsite learning for students aged K-12, which includes coordinating with onsite instructors from the Eureka McConnell Science Museum, scheduling the use of spaces and facilities, and setting up the outdoor spaces for lessons. The employee will act as a “guest instructor” for students for lessons that are developed in coordination with CSU supervisor. The employee will help maintain the outdoor learning spaces.
The applicant must have a current driver’s license and a personal means of transportation to/from WCRC -OM.
Position Minimum Qualifications
Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing.
Experience working with students in a learning environment
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with others as a team member.
Ability to work in environmental conditions such as inclement weather.
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 Qualifications
Previous experience in gardening.
Strong desire to connect students to food, agriculture and natural resources through experiential education.
Detail-oriented and self-motivated.
Posting Details
Working TitleGarden Instructor - WCRC-OM
Posting Number202500129T
DepartmentWestern Colorado Research Center
Salary Range$20-$22 per hour
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. (https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/02/benefits-summary-hourly.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/) !
Close Date03/09/2025
Special Instructions to Applicants
Apply by emailing your current resume to:amanda.mcquade@colostate.edu (sri.pinnamaneni@colostate.edu) . Please also include contact information for 1 to 3 references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to applicant.
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. 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.
Essential Job Duties
Job Duty CategoryEducation Coordination
Duty/Responsibility
Coordinates educational visits to WCRC -OM fields, gardens, orchards, and teaching kitchen.
Develops and/or implements lessons to engage students in garden and/or food-based education
Maintains outdoor learning spaces for student learning
Percentage Of Time100%
References
Minimum References Required1
Maximum References Required3
Documents Needed To Apply
Required Documents
Resume
Cover Letter
Optional Documents
Colorado State University
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