CoAgMET Station Technician and Data Analyst - Research Associate I
- Colorado State University
- Fort Collins, Colorado
- Full Time
Posting Details
Posting Detail Information
Working Title CoAgMET Station Technician and Data Analyst - Research Associate I
Position Location Grand Junction, Colorado
Work Location Position qualifies for hybrid/in-office work
Research Professional Position Yes
Posting Number 202500702AP
Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title Research Associate I
Number of Vacancies
Work Hours/Week 40
Proposed Annual Salary Range $50,000-$55,000
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.
Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 06/24/2025
Description of Work Unit
The Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University is a large academic and research department in the Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering. We currently have twenty-three faculty members, ninety graduate students, over seventy full-time researchers and postdoctoral fellows, and an outstanding and dedicated support staff that comprise one of the most research-active units at the university. The department conducts more than $14M in externally sponsored research each year and is nationally ranked near the top of its field.
The Colorado Climate Center was established by the state in 1974, through the Colorado State University Agricultural Experiment Station, to provide information and expertise on Colorado's complex climate. Through its threefold program of Climate Monitoring (data acquisition, analysis, and archiving), Climate Research, and Climate Services, the Center is responding to many climate-related questions and problems affecting the state today.
The Colorado Agricultural Meteorological Network (CoAgMET), also known as the Colorado Mesonet, plays a central role in the Colorado Climate Center's activities. The network was established in 1992 and now consists of 96 automated weather stations across Colorado. The data collected by CoAgMET are widely used by engineers, agricultural producers, agricultural consultants, researchers, meteorologists, and the broader public.
Position Summary
The Colorado Climate Center (CCC) is seeking a motivated and skilled CoAgMET Field Technician to join our team in Grand Junction, Colorado. In this role, you will work closely with the CoAgMET Manager, the Director of the Colorado Climate Center, and other CCC staff to ensure the timely and high-quality collection and distribution of data through the Colorado Agricultural Meteorological Network (CoAgMET).
You will be responsible for maintaining the network of meteorological stations across the state, ensuring that stations are properly serviced and adhere to network standards. Your day-to-day tasks will involve installing, repairing, relocating, and modifying CoAgMET stations as needed to maintain optimal operation. You will also perform regular quality control analysis of the data to ensure it is accurate and reliable. In addition to managing the technical aspects of the network, you will be responsible for keeping metadata up to date and engaging with stakeholders to promote the CoAgMET mesonet and raise awareness of its importance for agricultural and environmental monitoring.
While this position's primary field responsibilities will be focused on stations located on the western slope of Colorado, occasional travel to other areas of the state may be required. This may include multi-day assignments with overnight stays.
The Field Technician will report directly to the CoAgMET Manager.
Required Job Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in atmospheric science, engineering, agriculture, watershed science, environmental science, construction, or other closely related field.
A valid driver's license is required, and the department will request a motor vehicle check as part of the background check process, as this position will use a CSU owned vehicle when necessary.
The ability to drive a weather station service vehicle over long distances, in rural areas, and off-road.
The ability to plan the logistics of occasional multi-day travel with overnight stays for scheduled field service campaigns and occasional emergency maintenance visits.
Demonstrated strong mechanical aptitude and the ability to use basic hand tools.
Demonstrated strong computer skills; the ability to use specialty software and more general use software such as Microsoft Office products.
Demonstrated experience using and maintaining technical instruments.
Willing and able to work in an outdoor environment in a wide range of weather conditions.
Willing and able to work in an indoor, office environment .
Ability to travel is essential.
Preferred Job Qualifications
Demonstrated experience with the equipment, datasets, quality assurance, and quality control procedures of CoAgMET or a similar mesonet.
Experience with the CRBasic programing language.
At least one year of professional experience working with weather and climate datasets.
Experience with software and computing typically used for analyzing these data (e.g., GIS, python, R, or similar).
Demonstrated experience with using and maintaining instruments used for observing the weather, soil, and water.
Posses the experience, ability, and willingness to speak publicly and present if needed, presenting to groups, including proficiency with PowerPoint.
Essential Duties
Job Duty Category Perform regular station maintenance and updates
Duty/Responsibility
Working with the CoAgMET manager to ensure that every station is serviced a minimum of once per year and/or per network standards.
Installing and replacing sensors to measure air temperature, relative humidity, wind, solar radiation, precipitation, soil temperature, soil moisture, and/or any other environmental parameter that may be measured in a mesonet.
Installing, repairing, upgrading, moving, and modifying CoAgMET stations as needed, and as determined by network priorities and available funding.
Maintaining weather station sites by mowing vegetation, applying herbicide, and building and/or repairing fencing around weather stations.
Uploading and updating programs and operating systems on station hardware.
Assisting the CoAgMET manager to ensure network metadata is up to date and accurate.
Helping ensure CoAgMET office(s), storage spaces, and service vehicles are kept organized and tidy.
Percentage Of Time 50
Job Duty Category Perform quality assurance and quality control for CoAgMET data
Duty/Responsibility
Running software for identifying, flagging, correcting, and/or removing suspicious or erroneous data from the CoAgMET database.
Working closely with the CoAgMET manager and other CCC staff to ensure that CoAgMET website functions are performing properly, and then applying fixes, or reporting them to ATS Computer Systems Specialist staff as appropriate.
Addressing data quality questions or concerns raised by CoAgMET data users.
Percentage Of Time 35
Job Duty Category Work with CoAgMET partners and stakeholders to communicate and disseminate CoAgMET data for broader use
Duty/Responsibility
Working closely with CoAgMET partners such as the Colorado Water Conservation Board, Northern Water, and station sponsors, to ensure data from the network meets their needs.
Suggesting and implementing improvements to CoAgMET and its data, based on user feedback.
Percentage Of Time 10
Job Duty Category Participate in Colorado Climate Center outreach and engagement activities
Duty/Responsibility
As a core member of Colorado Climate Center staff, this position will participate in Climate Center meetings, outreach, and engagement activities as needed.
Presenting CoAgMET to stakeholders such as farm commodity groups, soil conservation districts, CSU Extension personnel, and water organizations as needed.
Percentage Of Time 5
Application Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
please upload a cover letter that addresses the required and preferred job qualifications, a resume, and the contact information for three professional references.
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.
Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver's License, Travel - Occasional multi-day travel with overnight stays will be required.
Search Contact Lane Simmons: lane.simmons
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.
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.
References Requested
References Requested
Minimum Requested 3
Maximum Requested 3
Posting Detail Information
Working Title CoAgMET Station Technician and Data Analyst - Research Associate I
Position Location Grand Junction, Colorado
Work Location Position qualifies for hybrid/in-office work
Research Professional Position Yes
Posting Number 202500702AP
Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title Research Associate I
Number of Vacancies
Work Hours/Week 40
Proposed Annual Salary Range $50,000-$55,000
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.
Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 06/24/2025
Description of Work Unit
The Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University is a large academic and research department in the Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering. We currently have twenty-three faculty members, ninety graduate students, over seventy full-time researchers and postdoctoral fellows, and an outstanding and dedicated support staff that comprise one of the most research-active units at the university. The department conducts more than $14M in externally sponsored research each year and is nationally ranked near the top of its field.
The Colorado Climate Center was established by the state in 1974, through the Colorado State University Agricultural Experiment Station, to provide information and expertise on Colorado's complex climate. Through its threefold program of Climate Monitoring (data acquisition, analysis, and archiving), Climate Research, and Climate Services, the Center is responding to many climate-related questions and problems affecting the state today.
The Colorado Agricultural Meteorological Network (CoAgMET), also known as the Colorado Mesonet, plays a central role in the Colorado Climate Center's activities. The network was established in 1992 and now consists of 96 automated weather stations across Colorado. The data collected by CoAgMET are widely used by engineers, agricultural producers, agricultural consultants, researchers, meteorologists, and the broader public.
Position Summary
The Colorado Climate Center (CCC) is seeking a motivated and skilled CoAgMET Field Technician to join our team in Grand Junction, Colorado. In this role, you will work closely with the CoAgMET Manager, the Director of the Colorado Climate Center, and other CCC staff to ensure the timely and high-quality collection and distribution of data through the Colorado Agricultural Meteorological Network (CoAgMET).
You will be responsible for maintaining the network of meteorological stations across the state, ensuring that stations are properly serviced and adhere to network standards. Your day-to-day tasks will involve installing, repairing, relocating, and modifying CoAgMET stations as needed to maintain optimal operation. You will also perform regular quality control analysis of the data to ensure it is accurate and reliable. In addition to managing the technical aspects of the network, you will be responsible for keeping metadata up to date and engaging with stakeholders to promote the CoAgMET mesonet and raise awareness of its importance for agricultural and environmental monitoring.
While this position's primary field responsibilities will be focused on stations located on the western slope of Colorado, occasional travel to other areas of the state may be required. This may include multi-day assignments with overnight stays.
The Field Technician will report directly to the CoAgMET Manager.
Required Job Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in atmospheric science, engineering, agriculture, watershed science, environmental science, construction, or other closely related field.
A valid driver's license is required, and the department will request a motor vehicle check as part of the background check process, as this position will use a CSU owned vehicle when necessary.
The ability to drive a weather station service vehicle over long distances, in rural areas, and off-road.
The ability to plan the logistics of occasional multi-day travel with overnight stays for scheduled field service campaigns and occasional emergency maintenance visits.
Demonstrated strong mechanical aptitude and the ability to use basic hand tools.
Demonstrated strong computer skills; the ability to use specialty software and more general use software such as Microsoft Office products.
Demonstrated experience using and maintaining technical instruments.
Willing and able to work in an outdoor environment in a wide range of weather conditions.
Willing and able to work in an indoor, office environment .
Ability to travel is essential.
Preferred Job Qualifications
Demonstrated experience with the equipment, datasets, quality assurance, and quality control procedures of CoAgMET or a similar mesonet.
Experience with the CRBasic programing language.
At least one year of professional experience working with weather and climate datasets.
Experience with software and computing typically used for analyzing these data (e.g., GIS, python, R, or similar).
Demonstrated experience with using and maintaining instruments used for observing the weather, soil, and water.
Posses the experience, ability, and willingness to speak publicly and present if needed, presenting to groups, including proficiency with PowerPoint.
Essential Duties
Job Duty Category Perform regular station maintenance and updates
Duty/Responsibility
Working with the CoAgMET manager to ensure that every station is serviced a minimum of once per year and/or per network standards.
Installing and replacing sensors to measure air temperature, relative humidity, wind, solar radiation, precipitation, soil temperature, soil moisture, and/or any other environmental parameter that may be measured in a mesonet.
Installing, repairing, upgrading, moving, and modifying CoAgMET stations as needed, and as determined by network priorities and available funding.
Maintaining weather station sites by mowing vegetation, applying herbicide, and building and/or repairing fencing around weather stations.
Uploading and updating programs and operating systems on station hardware.
Assisting the CoAgMET manager to ensure network metadata is up to date and accurate.
Helping ensure CoAgMET office(s), storage spaces, and service vehicles are kept organized and tidy.
Percentage Of Time 50
Job Duty Category Perform quality assurance and quality control for CoAgMET data
Duty/Responsibility
Running software for identifying, flagging, correcting, and/or removing suspicious or erroneous data from the CoAgMET database.
Working closely with the CoAgMET manager and other CCC staff to ensure that CoAgMET website functions are performing properly, and then applying fixes, or reporting them to ATS Computer Systems Specialist staff as appropriate.
Addressing data quality questions or concerns raised by CoAgMET data users.
Percentage Of Time 35
Job Duty Category Work with CoAgMET partners and stakeholders to communicate and disseminate CoAgMET data for broader use
Duty/Responsibility
Working closely with CoAgMET partners such as the Colorado Water Conservation Board, Northern Water, and station sponsors, to ensure data from the network meets their needs.
Suggesting and implementing improvements to CoAgMET and its data, based on user feedback.
Percentage Of Time 10
Job Duty Category Participate in Colorado Climate Center outreach and engagement activities
Duty/Responsibility
As a core member of Colorado Climate Center staff, this position will participate in Climate Center meetings, outreach, and engagement activities as needed.
Presenting CoAgMET to stakeholders such as farm commodity groups, soil conservation districts, CSU Extension personnel, and water organizations as needed.
Percentage Of Time 5
Application Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
please upload a cover letter that addresses the required and preferred job qualifications, a resume, and the contact information for three professional references.
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.
Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver's License, Travel - Occasional multi-day travel with overnight stays will be required.
Search Contact Lane Simmons: lane.simmons
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.
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.
References Requested
References Requested
Minimum Requested 3
Maximum Requested 3
Job ID: 481257057
Originally Posted on: 6/14/2025
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