R2026101391 Applied Research for Organic Apple Growers in Western Colorado

Position Summary:

This internship will be based at the Western Colorado Research Center – Rogers Mesa (WCRC-RM), in Hotchkiss, CO.  As a 100% certified organic research center, WCRC-RM serves as a knowledge hub for organic agriculture in arid climates and research adheres to pertinent issues faced by growers.  This internship will be focused on performing applied research in the field and documenting conversations with apple growers through site visits with the mentor.  The main subject of the internship will be on the successful method of codling moth control in apples using exclusion netting.  Growers have adopted this method across the valleys of Western Colorado, but they are starting to see declines in effectiveness.  We are exploring best practices and reasons for the issues.   This will involve speaking to growers and performing experiments at WCRC-RM.

Department Name:

OEE Extension Centers (4048)

Anticipated Start Date:

5/16/2026

Anticipated Weekly Hours:

30 hours per week

Required Job Qualifications:

• Completed course work in Horticulture/Agriculture/Entomology field of study.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively based on written application materials.

Preferred Job Qualifications:

• Experience and/or willingness to work outside for long periods.
• Demonstrated oral communication skills.
• Experience working with spreadsheets and data analysis.

Essential Duties:

• Data collection in research orchards and off-site orchards and conduct grower visits with lead mentor.
• Work with local Extension staff to complete research.
• Complete field work under the supervision of the lead mentor.
• Create a poster that encapsulates the work you completed over the summer and present it to Extension Faculty and Staff at OEE’s Annual Forum next fall.

Application Instructions:

For full consideration, all materials must be RECEIVED in Workday no later than 11:59 PM Mountain Time on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. Please submit the following to apply:

Resume

Special Required Document - This document should address the following three questions:

• In 200 words or less, please describe why you are interested in this internship opportunity.
• In 200 words or less, please tell us a little about yourself - where you are from, why you are at CSU and studying what you're studying, and what are your career ambitions?
• In 200 words or less, please tell us what you hope to learn from an Extension Internship this summer and how will the internship help you to achieve your career objectives?

For questions regarding the application process, contact the OEE HR at OEE_HR@colostate.edu. For questions regarding the job vacancy, responsibilities, and hourly pay rate, please contact Kyla Davis at KylaM.Davis@colostate.edu

Required Application Documents

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents in the Required Application Documents section. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. 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.

Resume/CV, Special Required Documentation

Application Details

• Background Check Language: Colorado State University may conduct background checks on final candidates.
• Benefit Information: Employee benefit information can be found on HR’s Website at https://hr.colostate.edu/currentemployees/benefits/
• For work-study positions, students must have OR be able to obtain work-study before starting employment. Students can check their work study award on Ramweb. If an award isn't shown on their financial aid package, then they should contact the Office of Financial Aid at OFApay@colostate.edu to have an advisor review their eligibility.