Plant Diagnostic Technician

Job Description Position Summary

The Colorado State University Plant Diagnostic Clinic (CSU-PDC) is seeking a Plant Diagnostic Technician to support diagnostic laboratory operations and plant health services. The CSU-PDC serves homeowners, commercial growers, Extension personnel, researchers, and state/federal agencies through science‑based plant disease and plant health diagnostics.

This position supports routine and advanced diagnostic activities including sample intake and processing, microscopy, culturing, molecular assays, laboratory organization, data management, and support of outreach and educational activities.

Applications received by 5/29/2026 will receive full consideration.

The Colorado State University Plant Diagnostic Clinic provides plant disease diagnostics, plant and insect identification, and plant health support for Colorado agriculture, landscapes, and natural systems. The clinic is part of the National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN) and collaborates with Extension personnel, regulatory agencies, researchers, and industry stakeholders to support plant health, biosecurity, and food security initiatives.

• Receive, log, and process plant, insect and other related diagnostic samples
• Assist with plant disease diagnostics using microscopy, culturing, serological, and molecular techniques
• Prepare media, reagents, and samples for laboratory testing
• Maintain laboratory organization, equipment and biosafety standards
• Assist with data management, report preparation, and outreach or educational activities

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date
• Must be able to work in laboratory environments involving exposure to plant material, soil, microorganisms, and standard laboratory chemicals
• Must be able to lift and transport packages and laboratory materials weighing up to 30 pounds
• Must be able to perform repetitive laboratory tasks and computer‑based work
• Occasional travel between CSU campuses or outreach events may be required

This position works under the supervision of the Director of the Colorado State University Plant Diagnostic Clinic.

• Bachelor’s degree in plant pathology, biology, microbiology, horticulture, entomology, or a related field
• Experience working in a laboratory environment
• Familiarity with sterile laboratory technique and basic molecular biology methods
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Effective written and verbal communication skills

• Experience with plant disease diagnostics or agricultural laboratory work
• Experience with PCR, qPCR, or other molecular diagnostic methods
• Experience with fungal or bacterial culturing techniques
• Experience using microscopes for diagnostic purposes
• Knowledge of plant pathology, entomology, or plant health systems
• Experience working with Extension programs, agricultural stakeholders, or diagnostic service laboratories

$22.00-$26.00/hour

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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.

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.