Pesticide Outreach Specialist

Job Description
Position Summary

Full Consideration Date: 2/28/2026

Signing Bonus: None

Brief Work Unit Description:

The Department of Agricultural Biology (AB) is committed to excellence in the creation and dissemination of knowledge about insects, plant pathogens, and weeds. AB applies this knowledge to solving practical problems related to: (1) management of pests in production agricultural systems, in natural resources and recreational environments, and in residential and public areas; (2) environmental quality, and (3) human and animal health. The Department encompasses the disciplines of entomology, plant pathology, and weed science – thus providing unique opportunities to address critical issues that cut across disciplines. AB focuses its teaching, research and outreach missions in four program areas each of which involves all three of the department’s disciplinary roots in entomology, plant pathology, and weed science. These programs are: 1) Genomics and Molecular Biology, 2) Ecology and Biodiversity, 3) Biology and Management of Invasive Species, and 4) Integrated Pest Management. AB emphasizes knowledge of pests and related organisms; the roles that they play in ecological, economic and social systems; and the application of such knowledge to developing economically and environmentally sound solutions for practical problems, including emerging pest issues impacted by climate change. Being interdisciplinary in nature, AB values cooperative and collaborative efforts within departmental teams, and with other units within the University, as well as other relevant entities in Colorado and beyond.

2. Essential Job Duties (5 maximum)

• Coordinates logistics for pesticide-related training programs including following proper procedures for registration, contracts with meeting sites, requesting continuing education credits from state agencies, marketing the training program, recruiting participants, speakers, and instructors, and technical details.
• Coordinates with the Colorado Department of Agriculture and federal sponsors of pesticide education activities, including coordinating meetings, and preparing reports and other communications.
• Researches, develops and conducts in-person and online trainings, presentations, hands-on trainings, and train-the-trainer programs (“training programs”) for diverse clientele.
• Develops educational materials to support training programs for diverse clientele. Educational materials may include scripted PowerPoint presentations, scripted hands-on activities, and training kits that include materials for hands-on portions of trainings. Uses these educational materials in training programs and instructs others in their use. Distributes educational materials to train-the-trainer participants.
• Assures currency and accuracy of pesticide educational materials, including publications, videos, and web site content through regular review and evaluation. Identifies areas that need updating and development. Works with appropriate IPM and pesticide experts and IT staff to update material.

3. Conditions of Employment

None
4. Supervision

None
5. Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in a field closely related to agriculture or education.

• Experience in agriculture, education, or a similar field

• Organizational skills to prioritize tasks and simultaneously manage multiple projects to meet deadlines while maintaining a high level of accuracy and productivity.
• Effectively use Mac OS-based applications, including MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams)
• Written communications skills in composing, editing, proofreading, and copy-editing technical material to correct for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and established style. Includes skills to incorporate suggested edits from multiple people with different backgrounds and viewpoints.
• Verbal and interpersonal communication skills to clearly and effectively interact with a diverse range of individuals and perspectives.
• Experience delivering educational materials about technical topics for lay audiences.
• Ability to analyze information and identify content consistency or accuracy problems; ability to use judgment to identify how best to resolve them.
• Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date.

6. Preferred Qualifications

Commercial pesticide applicator certification

Ability to converse, read, and write in Spanish

Technical skills to work in a computerized environment in order to:

• Use task management software
• Develop and troubleshoot content in a learning management software such as Canvas
• Use Qualtrics and other survey software
• Use Adobe Creative Cloud suite and other design software (Canva, Piktochart) for publication needs

Use website design and management tools such as WordPress

7. Application Instructions:

To apply, email a resume/CV and cover letter to Lisa Blecker, [email protected]. by February 15, 2026. References will not be contacted without prior notification to the applicant.

Salary Range
$25/hr

Required Application Documents

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. 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.
Cover Letter, Resume/CV
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.
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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.