Student Laboratory Technician

Classification Title

Student Hourly

Employment Category

Temporary, 12-months with potential to extend

Work Hours/Week

15-25 (depending on student availability) 

Position Location

Fort Collins, CO 80523

Description of Work Unit

The Department of Soil and Crop Sciences is focused on education, research, and outreach to solve the world’s most pressing food production issues and crucial matters about Earth, its ecosystems, and their services. Our faculty and staff apply research-based solutions to benefit Colorado and the world. We offer academic programs to prepare students to address national and global crop production, sustainability, and environmental quality challenges such as waste management, water quality, and reclamation of drastically disturbed lands. There are numerous opportunities for individuals to be involved in cutting edge research related to global food production and ecosystem function and protection.

Position Summary

We seek a student worker to assist with laboratory work on agricultural samples. If you have an interest in regenerative agriculture, soil health, and carbon sequestration, then this job is for you. Special consideration will be given to those with experience processing soil samples. 

The student employee will be responsible for processing soils and plant material for analysis (including sieving, grinding, and weighing). Additional lab analyses may be learned as needed or where there is interest including how to perform measurements including soil pH, carbonates, soil texture, and total carbon and nitrogen. Additional responsibilities include cleaning, acid washing lab equipment, labelling sample containers, and data entry. The technician may also assist with qualitative data entry. 

Technician must work overlapping hours with the supervisor until fully trained and be able to meet all safety requirements of working in the lab. Attention to detail and ability to clearly document work completed is a must. Technician should be able to work consistent hours each week agreed upon by the lab technician and supervisor, though exact hours worked are flexible.

Position Minimum Qualifications

• Previous field work experience, ideally in agricultural or soil science. 
• Previous experience in laboratory sciences, ideally experience in soil sciences, biological, or geosciences. 
• Experience using MS Excel
• Attention to detail
  
   

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in soil processing and analysis (e.g. soil texture determination, sieving, etc.) 
• 2 or 3 years of college-level education in a related field (agricultural sciences, soil science, ecology, geosciences, etc.)

Employee Benefits

Visit CSU’s Human Resources website for detailed benefit plan information for temporary employees in the following University benefit areas: https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/02/benefits-summary-hourly.pdf

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 Statement

Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy and will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services.

The Acting Title IX Coordinator is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO. 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715, titleix@colostate.edu.

The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836.

Diversity Statement

Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Duty/Responsibility

Process soils and plant material for measurement which mainly involves sieving and grinding soils and plant material. Additional lab analyses may be learned as needed or where there is interest including how to perform measurements including soil pH, carbonates, soil texture, and total carbon and nitrogen.  Additional responsibilities could include cleaning, acid washing lab equipment, labelling sample containers, and data entry.