Sustainable Agrivoltaics Research Coordinator (SARC) 

Job Description

Position Summary:

The Sustainable Agrivoltaics Research Coordinator (SARC) is a 3‑year term position supported 0.5 by the Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) and 0.5 by the Center for Advancing Sustainable Solar Energy (CASSE). The position builds agrivoltaic research capacity across CAES research stations by leading the development of science-based approaches for managing lands that simultaneously support ground-mounted photovoltaic solar energy production and agroecosystem services. The SARC coordinates research, outreach, and stakeholder engagement to deliver urgently needed guidance to landowners and other Colorado stakeholders on sustainable agrivoltaic practices.

Full Consideration Date: please apply by Monday, October 26, 2026, 11:59pm (MT). Open until filled.

Essential Job Duties:

Agrivoltaic Research and Facility Development:

- Provide leadership in developing a science-based understanding of how to sustainably manage lands capable of producing both ground-mounted photovoltaic solar energy and agroecosystem services.

- Provide vision, facilitate planning, and oversee the construction and coordination of agrivoltaic research and demonstration facilities across CAES locations.

- Lead interdisciplinary research teams using these facilities to design, conduct, analyze, and publish research on agrivoltaic and related renewable energy–agriculture systems.

Stakeholder Engagement and Outreach:

- Convene workshops, meetings, and other forums that bring together landowners, solar developers, researchers, Extension personnel, and additional stakeholders to identify research and extension needs related to agrivoltaics and foster communication of solution-oriented results to landowners, agricultural producers, and Colorado citizens through established CSU outreach and Extension programs.

- Collaborate with CAES, CASSE, and Extension leadership to align agrivoltaic research and outreach activities with institutional and state priorities for renewable energy and agricultural sustainability.

Program Coordination and Capacity Building:

- Coordinate agrivoltaic activities across CAES research stations to build statewide research capacity, including site selection, experimental design, and data management.

- Seek and help secure additional external funding to expand agrivoltaic research and demonstration efforts, including support for renewing site permits and growing program scope.

- Track program outcomes and impacts and contribute to required reports to internal and external sponsors, including Hatch-funded project reporting.

Conditions of Employment:

- Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for all new hires).

- Valid driver's license by employment start date.

- Authorized to work in the United States by employment start date.

- Ability to travel regularly to CAES research stations and partner locations across Colorado.

- Ability to conduct fieldwork in variable outdoor/weather conditions, including walking on uneven terrain and working around active agricultural and construction equipment.

Supervision:

- May supervise graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, research associates, or hourly staff involved in agrivoltaic research and outreach activities, including assignments, training, and performance feedback.

- May provide functional supervision or coordination for CAES research station staff contributing to agrivoltaic research and demonstration projects.

Minimum Qualifications:

- PhD in Agrivoltaics, Ecovoltaics, Renewable Energy, Agroecology, Environmental Science, Soil and Crop Sciences, or a closely related discipline.
- Demonstrated experience conducting research in agrivoltaics, ecovoltaics, or a related renewable energy–agriculture discipline (e.g., through doctoral or post-doctoral work).

- Record of scholarly publication in relevant fields and evidence of leadership potential in agrivoltaics/ecovoltaics or related areas.

- Experience working in field-based research settings, including coordinating activities at agricultural research stations or comparable facilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

- Post-doctoral experience in agrivoltaics, ecovoltaics, or a related renewable energy discipline.
- Demonstrated success in securing or contributing to competitive research funding.
- Experience organizing and leading stakeholder workshops, outreach events, or Extension programs.
- Experience working in interdisciplinary teams that integrate agricultural, ecological, engineering, and social science perspectives. 
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# Salary Range
$85,000 to $105,000

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
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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.

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Background Check Policy Statement

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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.

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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.