Garden Research Assistant - Seasonal

This garden research assistant will assist Colorado State University Extension staff with the establishment, maintenance, and assessment of two CSU Extension demonstration gardens. The garden assistant will manage regular garden cleanups with the Colorado Master Gardener program, work with staff to determine areas that need new plantings and help maintain the gardens through the growing season. This position may also assist with other Extension research and outreach projects as needed.

The growing season runs from March to January. The maximum number of hours worked per season will not exceed 200 hours.

• Make and record observations, take photographs, collect samples of plants, insects, and plant disease.
• Maintaining demonstration gardens by weeding, potentially applying herbicide.
• Assessing and re-planting demonstration plants as needed.
• Managing Garden cleanup schedule for CMG program
• Completing Annual Plant Select Surveys as needed (typically at end of season)
• Attending Annual Plant Select conference
• Other duties as they arise.
• Assist with outreach programs and research projects in the Extension office.

• Abilityto record information and complete reports based on observations.
• Ability to work in potentially hot or cold conditions.
• Knowledge of and the ability to follow scientific research protocol directions.
• Knowledge of plant type – identification of weeds as compared to ornamental plants specific to low-water gardens and ornamental gardens.

License or Certificate: Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Colorado driver’s license within 30 days of hire required.

• Must be able to work in field conditions during the early spring, summer, and fall
• Must be able to work in cool/cold conditions during storage assessments
• Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds, plants, materials, mulch (including rock mulch).

Background Check – Must pass a criminal (CBI) background check.