Greenhouse Technician

Position Summary

The Metropolitan Agricultural Research Center (MARC) at the CSU Spur campus seeks a greenhouse technician to manage growing spaces, conduct experiments, and provide administrative support to the research center.

Primary responsibilities are to assist MARC faculty, research scientists, Extension personnel, non-CSU research cooperators, and cooperator farmers in the operations and research s includes facility and plant maintenance; planning, execution, and evaluation of research conducted on-site as well as at off-station grower cooperator sites; and education and outreach efforts at MARC in conjunction with larger efforts related to the CSU Spur campus.

This is a highly collaborative role that will support MARC managers, research scientists, faculty, extension professionals, and graduate students.

Due to the nature of the research and educational mission of MARC and Spur, the work schedule will vary. Occasional nights and weekend work will be necessary.

Colorado State University's Spur campus is located at the National Western Center (NWC) in Denver, where CSU maintains a community-engaged research presence alongside 25+ partner organizations advancing urban ecological and sociological research and citizen science programming.

The Metropolitan Agricultural Research Center (MARC) at CSU Spur specializes in greenhouse, green roof, vertical farm, and other forms of Controlled Environment and Urban Agriculture. The facility houses 2,400 sq ft of greenhouse space and over 800 sq ft of indoor space dedicated to growing research plants, plus a wet laboratory and various research equipment. Education, outreach, and associated administrative support are also central to the center's mission.

Research Associates located at MARC are assigned to CAES or an academic department at Colorado State University, report to the respective unit lead, and conduct research, education, and outreach programs along the Front Range of Colorado and at other locations in Colorado. Programs at MARC include:

• Controlled Environment Agricultural Research (CEAR), with focus on advancing greenhouse technology, plant disease research, and green roof technology and science
• Field-scale research in regenerative agriculture for urban and peri-urban systems, with emphasis on community access to an adequate, affordable, nutritious diet and on food and agriculture businesses that create jobs and recirculate capital within the community
• Creation of food and agriculture policies that promote local and sustainable food production, processing, and consumption
• Community Food Systems — a collaborative and engaged research network integrating sustainable food production, processing, distribution, consumption, and waste management
• Marketing and processing practices that create more direct links between farmers and consumers
• Climate Smart Agriculture, Data Sciences, and Sensor/Monitoring, with focus on environmental and biological sensor development, data management (CAESRC), energy, and urban agriculture

• Initial setup, calibration, adjustment, and operation of hydroponic systems
• Execute standard operating procedures related provided in research protocols
• Data Tracking and Entry
• Facility organization, cleaning, and maintenance
• Working with partners on collaborative projects

This is a 9-month contract position. Candidates are expected to work the full 9 months.

Dr. Jake Holley

• B.A./B.S. degree plus 3 years of professional experience, OR a master's degree.
• Degree(s) in an agricultural or related engineering field such as agronomy, agricultural engineering, entomology, horticulture, plant pathology, soil science, or water resources.
• Commitment to work collaboratively and as a team member during the development and implementation of multiple research programs.
• Demonstrated capability working in a computerized environment, using office software such as MS Office (Outlook, Excel, Access) or other data management programs.
• Capability or willingness to learn to operate various hydroponic and irrigation systems.
• Capability to meet physical demands such as…