Laboratory assistant

Colorado State University; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

Colorado State University seeks a Laboratory Assistant to provide technical support for the Soil, Water, and Plant Testing Laboratory. This position includes analyzing samples, communicating with clients, and offering guidance on testing results. A B.S. in soil science or a related field is mandatory, with a preference for M.S. degrees. Ideal candidates should possess strong communication skills and the ability to handle physical demands.

Benefits

Collaborative atmosphere

Focus on work-life balance

Qualifications

• Demonstrated strong written and oral communication skills.
• Experience in analyses for soil, water, and/or plant samples.
• Ability to meet physical demands of the position.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day technical support for the SWPT Lab.
• Perform analyses for soil, water, plant, and manure/compost samples.
• Aid clients with recommendations based on soil and water analyses.

Skills

Communication

Soil Analysis

Customer Service

Education

B.S. Degree in Soil Science or closely related field

M.S. Degree in Soil Science or closely related field (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Soil and Plant Grinders

Job description

Classification Title

Temporary Hourly

Employment Category

Temporary

Is this an Hourly position?

Yes

Work Hours/Week

0-40

Overtime Eligible?

Yes

Position Location

CSU Spur Terra Building, 4780 National Western Drive, Denver, CO, 80216

Does this position qualify for hybrid or remote work?

No

Description of Work Unit

The Soil Water and Plant Testing Laboratory is housed at the CSU Spur campus in Denver, CO. About the Spur Campus: The CSU System, along with its partners, comprises three buildings focused on water, food and agriculture, animal health, and sustainability at the National Western Center (NWC). Within the Spur buildings, CSU conducts research and convene experts from around the globe; students of all ages engage with science and technology, and have opportunities for exploratory learning, transforming their thinking about food, water, and health and the careers available in these fields. Partners will participate in programming the space and bring evolving content to the year-round campus. These facilities include laboratory space, classrooms, public education spaces, outdoor spaces, a flexible theater, a rooftop greenhouse and more. All three facilities are targeting LEED Gold, and their operations should reflect the state-of-the-art in sustainability and healthy building operations. Construction on the CSU buildings is underway, with anticipated opening of one building in late 2021 and the other two in 2022.
Learn more at CSU Spur | Something for every learner.

The SWPT Lab is committed to fostering and maintaining a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment, rooted in CSU’s Principles of Community.

Search Contact Email

[e-mail]

Position Summary

The primary position’s responsibility is to provide day-to-day technical support for the CSU Soil, Water, and Plant Testing (SWPT) Laboratory. The employee should have a working knowledge of equipment, instruments and methods used in the SWPT Lab. The individual will perform analyses for samples (soil, water, plant, forages/feeds, and manure/compost) received by the lab, following standard methodologies and quality assurance and control protocols. The lab assistant will aid in providing guidance to clients with respect to soil, water, and plant analyses (e.g., fertilizer recommendations, other corrective actions).

Position Minimum Qualifications

• A B.S. Degree in the field of soil science, or closely related field
• Employees must be able to provide documentation to their employers to show their identity and prove their authorization to work.
• Demonstrated strong written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrate experience in analyses for soil, water, and/or plant samples
• Demonstrated computer skills and standard computer software (Microsoft Office)
• Ability to complete tasks in a timely manner with or without direct supervision.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of this position, which include: some heavy lifting (up to 50 lbs.) on a frequent basis and will require manual dexterity, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and handling.

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. Degree(s) must be in the field of soil science, or closely related field, with an emphasis in soil fertility, chemistry and/or soil health
• Demonstrate strong understanding of soil analyses principles, methodologies, and procedures Experience processing soil, water, plant, and manure/compost samples
• Experience using equipment and instruments such as soil and plant grinders, balances, ovens, sieves, shakers, pH and EC probes, ICP, IC, Elementar Analyzers, Titrator, and multi-channel pipettes Experience in designing and conducting research experiments, collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data
• Experience with recommending management decisions based on testing results
• Demonstrated customer service skills and excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Posting Details

Working Title

Laboratory Assistant

Posting Number

202500353T

Department

Agricultural Experiment Station

Salary Range

$18.81 to $23.00 per hour. Hourly salary commensurate w/experience.

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

• Review our detailed benefits information here.
• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.
  

Close Date

06/12/2025

Special Instructions to Applicants

Email: [e-mail] with your resume and a cover letter addressing your experience with the minimum and preferred qualifications.

CSU Spur, Terra Building, Room T-316, 4780 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.
References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates. 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.

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 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.

EEO

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.

Essential Job Duties

Job Duty Category

Sample Preparation

Duty/Responsibility

Aids in the preparation (grinding, drying, weight) of soil, plant, and manure/compost for analytical testing

Percentage Of Time

20

Job Duty Category

Sample Analysis

Duty/Responsibility

Perform sample analysis activities, data collection, and recording.

Percentage Of Time

30

Job Duty Category

Samples Receiving

Duty/Responsibility

Aid in receiving, book-inning and sorting samples based on analyses requested and coordinating testing activities with other lab personnel.

Percentage Of Time

10

Job Duty Category

Sample Reporting

Duty/Responsibility

Aid in reporting results with recommending management decisions based on testing results

Percentage Of Time

30

Job Duty Category

Customer Service

Duty/Responsibility

Communicate with clientele about their needs, aid with inquiries about lab services

Percentage Of Time

10

References

Minimum References Required

3

Maximum References Required

3