Water Quality and Soil Health Research Assistant

Water Quality and Soil Health Research Assistant page is loaded## Water Quality and Soil Health Research Assistant locations:
Grand Junction, COtime type:
Part time posted on:
Posted Todaytime left to apply:
End Date:
March 11, 2026 (8 days left to apply) job requisition :
R#

Job Description ##
** Position Summary
** The part-time hourly assistant researcher will gain experience assisting in field and lab tasks for water quality projects.  Work will require approximately 25 hours/week during the spring and summer with the possibility of fewer hours during the fall.

Lab activities will include testing and preparing sensors and data loggers, processing soil, water, and plant samples, data entry, general cleaning/lab upkeep, and other tasks as needed. Field activities may include installation/removal of water quality sampling instruments, soil moisture sensors and precipitation/irrigation gauges, soil sampling, and plant growth measurement. All field work will be completed in Colorado, primarily in Fruita, CO, with additional travel around the state as needed.

In addition, the employee may assist with some basic farming operations, work with Extension educational materials, conduct literature reviews, and help with outreach activities, writing, posting on social media, and other project needs. The employee will be able to gain work experience conducting research in irrigated agriculture and water quality as well as Extension practices.

Website:
** Full Consideration Date
** March 11, 2026
** Brief Work Unit Description
** 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. The position will be based at the Western Colorado Research Center-Grand Valley in Fruita, CO.##
** Essential

Job Duties
** Research:

Lab activities will include processing soil, water, and plant samples, data entry, general cleaning/lab upkeep, shipping samples, and other tasks as needed.

Work with emerging technology, including drones, Internet of Things, coding, and 3d Printing, may be available to qualified candidates.

Fieldwork:

All field work will be completed in Colorado, primarily in Fruita, CO. In addition, the employee may assist with some basic farming operations, work with extension educational materials, conduct literature reviews, and help with outreach activities, writing, and other project needs.

Field activities may include installation/removal of water quality sampling instruments, soil moisture sensors and precipitation/irrigation gauges, soil sampling, and plant growth measurement.##
** Conditions of Employment**##
** Minimum Qualifications
** Ability to work independently and with a team Understanding of the scientific method

Curiosity and willingness to learn about water quality monitoring

Excellent communication skills

Ability and willingness to perform physical labor related to field research and laboratory activities

Valid driver’s license****##
** Preferred Qualifications
** Hard working and ambitious

Experience working in lab environment with some research experience

Experience with geographic information system (GIS) software such as Arc Pro Organizational  skills, and familiarity with Outlook and other Office 365 programs

Willingness to travel and conduct field research independently

Interest and experience in agricultural and environmental sciences, but all majors encouraged to apply

Experience with environmental sensors, data entry, and Excel spreadsheets##
** Application Instructions
** To apply, please upload a resume. Please note, applicants may redact information from their…