Overview
POSITION: Staff Researcher II
STATUS: Part-Time / Non-Benefitted / Hourly / Non-Exempt
COMPENSATION: $27.00 – $30.00 per hour
DEPARTMENT: College of Agriculture
LOCATION: CSU Chico Campus; Holt Hall 141
RECRUITMENT ID: 428
RESIDENCY: Candidate must be a California resident. Chico State Enterprises is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (i.e., H-1B Visas).
GENERAL PURPOSE: This position will be an active member of a collaborative team exploring regenerative outdoor cannabis production across Northern California. Focus activities (see details below) include general project planning and management, student supervision, administrative support, and various field activities and grower engagement.
This funded project is a collaboration with Cal Poly Humboldt and will involve active fieldwork at farms in six counties to explore existing production systems and monitor soil, water, production, and socioeconomic aspects as these systems adopt regenerative management practices. This position will include focused periods of travel and fieldwork (spring and fall), along with more sporadic travel throughout the year (site visits, workshops, and other activities). Coordination, scheduling, student supervision, data management, administrative tasks, and fostering a collaborative work environment make up the majority of the non-field focused responsibilities.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Staff and Project Management
– Incumbent will work with and support project directors in handling administrative tasks and project coordination.
– Work directly with a staff research associate from Cal Poly Humboldt on project coordination.
– Lead project management with project directors by tracking progress, coordinating resources (including sample shipping and purchases), site sampling and data collection, farmer engagement, and ensuring clear communication between teams, farmers, and staff.
– Maintain safety protocols for the project team.
Student Supervision
– Provide student supervision and mentorship in different workplace settings and research environments.
– Handle student scheduling, records, and timesheets.
– Assign training to new lab members and all lab staff, as directed.
Administrative Support
– Maintain documents (receipts), allocate and process charges, and obtain approval for monthly p-card packet submission.
– Research new equipment and instruments.
– Contact vendor representatives for quotation requests and coordinate with CSE for PO requests and invoicing.
– Prepare travel arrangements (rental vehicles, hotel, and flight reservations).
– Handle sample shipping for analysis.
Field Activities and Farmer Engagement
– Coordinate travel for field site visits.
– Work directly with and support project directors on farmer engagement activities.
– Assist in documenting farmer engagement and managing data collection.
– Maintain and prepare field equipment.
QUALIFICATIONS/EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:
– Bachelor’s degree required; preferably in Anthropology or related fields.
– Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
– Ability to complete Human Subjects Research (CITI) training.
– Excellent organizational and computer skills, including data entry, data management, analysis, and maintaining accessible records and reports.
– Collaborative team member with strong leadership skills and the ability to take direction.
– Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
– Responsible, punctual, and task-oriented.
– Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
– Experience in field studies and fieldwork.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
– Basic mobility and lifting capabilities.
– Willingness to travel overnight as needed.
COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Candidate must be in possession of valid driver’s license and automobile liability insurance. Participation in the DMV Employer Pull Notice Program (driving record) is required. The candidate will be required to update their insurance with Chico State Enterprises Human Resources when necessary.
BENEFITS:
– Sick leave (up to 5 days/year)
HOW TO APPLY:
To be considered, submit the following documents by April 26, 2026. Documents submitted after this date may not be considered.
– Resume
– Cover Letter
– CSE Application
BY DROP BOX: https://csuchico.app.box.com/f/289f6ea58d034b5c9b0a20ac28743b2f
BY EMAIL: csejobs@csuchico.edu
Paper applications will not be accepted; however, Chico State Enterprises is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is happy to provide reasonable accommodation to applicants at any step of the application process. If you need assistance in this regard, or are having technical difficulties, please contact the Human Resources office at 530-898-6811 or csejobs@csuchico.edu prior to 5:00 p.m. on the document deadline date. The employer is Chico State Enterprises, a nonprofit corporation serving as an auxiliary organization of California State University, Chico. Employment is considered to be at-will.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Chico State Enterprises provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. It is Chico State Enterprises’ policy to hire only United States citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States. All new employees must provide proof of identity and authorization to work.