Job Information
Colorado State University RamCorps Member Chaffee County Fairgrounds Development in Salida, Colorado
Job Description
Position Summary
This AmeriCorps Member will be based in Salida, Colorado at the Chaffee County Fairgrounds and County Extension Office. The Member will play a key role in community engagement and infrastructure planning to support the Fairgrounds and Extension programs. Primary responsibilities include developing, administering, and interpreting public input through surveys, focus groups, and forums to prioritize elements from past Fairgrounds master plans that address the needs of county residents and current users. The Member will compile findings into a comprehensive report for Chaffee County Government to guide future Fairgrounds investments.
We are seeking applicants who are professional, detail-oriented, and enthusiastic about community development and engagement. Ideal candidates will be self-directed, innovative, and comfortable working with diverse groups of people. Applicants who demonstrate strong communication skills, critical thinking, and the ability to collaborate effectively are especially encouraged to apply.
Term of Service / Time Commitment
This is a half-time national and community service position requiring, at a minimum, a total of 900 hours during the year (approximately 30-35 hours/week). The position begins May 2026 and ends October 2026. The Chaffee County Extension office is open from 8:30 am to 4:30pm but this position will require work during hours in the afternoon/early evening or on occasional Saturdays to support youth education outside of schedule school hours or to allow for adult programming outside of normal working hours to best meet community needs.
Location and Service Conditions
The position is based in Salida, Colorado and will involve frequent days of computer/office work at the County Office with time spent engaging with community members at events. Duties will revolve around community engagement, data collection, and data analysis.
AmeriCorps members are required to wear AmeriCorps identity items such as name tag, T-shirts, and lapel pins during all AmeriCorps service. The member serving in this role must have a willingness to work long hours with occasional evening and weekend duties (work based on a 40-hour work week).
Training and Support Provided
Members receive significant training and experience in community engagement, project implementation, leadership, diverse populations, and more.
Up to 20% (or 180 hours) of total hours served may be spent in applicable approved trainings.
Members will be supervised and supported by Monica Pless, Chaffee County Extension Director, as well as by Melinda Macpherson, RamCorps Program Manager, melinda.macpherson@colostate.edu . The cohort of members serving throughout the region will act as additional resources and support for each other.
Members should participate in on-going trainings and events as required and requested by AmeriCorps, CSU Extension, and/or partner organizations
Additional training opportunities may be provided by the Chaffee County Extension Staff for members to gain skills necessary to complete service responsibilities
Program Benefits
A living allowance of approximately $941.53 for half-time members per pay period on a bi-weekly cycle for an approximate total of $12,240 for the term of service. Taxes are deducted and the living allowance is distributed by direct deposit to the member.
An education award of $3,697.50 earned upon successful completion of term of service.
It is possible to temporarily postpone repayment of qualified student loans through forbearance while serving as an AmeriCorps member.
Possible mileage reimbursement for travel to required trainings and days of service.
Access to ongoing professional development trainings and resources through the university.
Experience working with professionals in the field with on the ground training.
Non-tangible benefits including making a difference in a community, valuable networking opportunities, and serving the local community in an identified area of need.
Alumni benefits include priority hiring with organizations that are part of Employers of National Service and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to eliminate educational debt.
Other certifications, experience, etc.
Full Consideration Date
4/14/2026
Description of Work Unit
The Office of Engagement and Extension (OEE) was organized in 2006 to advance CSU’s engagement and outreach missions. OEE includes CSU Extension, Learning Innovation (including CSU Online), the Colorado Water Center, and a variety of vibrant programs that engage the teaching, research, extension, and service missions of Colorado State University. The Vice President for Engagement and Extension (VPEE) is the principal administrative, academic, and fiscal officer for the division, reports to the CSU President, and works closely with the Provost/Executive Vice President. OEE works collaboratively across all Colleges and offices on campus and has strong engagement programs throughout Colorado, the Western US, and globally. At any given time, OEE includes over 400 employees. The total budget is approximately $95 million. OEE is one of the most institutionally comprehensive commitments to engagement and outreach among all land-grant and other universities. Propelled by OEE’s leadership, nationally CSU is a Carnegie Engaged University (2008, 2014), is a member of the Engagement Scholarship Consortium, is an APLU Innovation and Economic Prosperity University (2016, 2024) and is highly ranked for its online degree programs. Annually, Learning Innovation garners enrollments of over 15,000 learners and CSU Extension delivers approximately 500,000 educational contacts.
To learn more, visit our website at https://learn.colostate.edu/ .
Essential Duties
Develop, administer and interpret public input feedback through focus groups, forums or surveys of current fairgrounds users and county residents to assist in prioritizing elements included in past Fairgrounds master plans to address County residents needs Expected outcome: Develop a report for Chaffee County Government on public and current users expressed priorities for Fairgrounds investments.
Research expected returns with fee for service use of facilities (event centers with variety of amenities, bathrooms), campgrounds with and without electric, and incubator farm and Community Barn programs. Expected outcome: Develop a report for Chaffee County Government with the Return on Investment of proposed infrastructureimprovements.
Work with Extension Director and Chaffee County Fair Board on aspects of Fair that have proposed infrastructure improvements (vendors, camping, activities at the Demonstration Garden) Expected outcome: Strengthen community aspects and public-facing events at the County Fair, and gather data from Fair vendors and contractors on infrastructure needs.
Take CSU Landscape Architecture students’ garden designs for the demonstration garden and host feedback sessions in person or virtually to gather community buy in on what residents, program participants and neighbors want. Expected outcome: collected input on garden design will be put into practice with $5,000 award from the Colorado Garden Foundation in the fall.
Accurately complete and submit enrollment paperwork, timesheets; report data as requested. Wear official CSU / AmeriCorps identity items and represent AmeriCorps and Colorado State University Extension professionally.
Conditions of Employment
Must be at least 18 years old at start of service.
Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date.
The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date; OEE will not sponsor a visa for this position.
Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident of the United States
Able to pass a National Service Criminal History Check (state, FBI, and National Sex Offender Public Website checks) per 45 CFR 2540.202.
Supervision
This position has no supervisory responsibility.
Required Job Qualifications
High school diploma or G.E.D.
Experience with office management tools such as Microsoft Office suite, Google suite, and others.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Preferred Job Qualifications
Completed bachelor's degree.
Experience gathering public input through surveys, focus groups, etc.
Demonstrated experience working in and supporting a collaborative team environment.
Application Instructions
For full consideration, all materials must be submitted in Workday no later than 12:00AM Mountain Time on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
Please submit the following to apply:
Resume
Cover Letter
For questions regarding the application process, contact OEE HR at OEE_HR@colostate.edu . For questions regarding the AmeriCorps program, the position, qualifications, or job duties please contact Melinda Macpherson at melinda.macpherson@colostate.edu .
Salary Range
$13.60 per hour
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. (http://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf)
Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator. (http://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/)
Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!
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.
Inspired by its land-grant heritage, Colorado State University is committed to excellence and engagement, setting the standard for public research universities in teaching, research, service and extension for the benefit of the citizens of Colorado, the United States, and the world.
Prospective Employees, click here to learn more about CSU's perks and purpose. (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/)
Current employees will need to apply for jobs in Workday.