Forester – Open Pool

Job Description

Position Summary:

The Forester is a professional, office and field-based role within the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) that works across multiple CSFS program areas to deliver science-based forestry, wildfire mitigation, stewardship, and outreach outcomes within an assigned geographic area. The position supports active forest management and related natural resource work on state, private, and/or federal lands through collaborative project development and implementation.

Working under the direction of a Supervisory Forester or Lead Project Forester, the role regularly and independently manages small- to moderate-complexity projects; provides technical assistance and customer service to landowners, communities, and partners; supports grant and cost-share program delivery; and may serve as a work lead on projects without formal supervisory authority. Work is office and field based with periodic travel and occasional irregular hours.

Full Consideration Date:

This evergreen posting will remain open and continue collecting applications until December 31, 2026. Applicants who wish to be considered after this date must reapply.

Salary Range:

$50,000 – $55,000

Essential Job Duties:

Lead planning, implementation, and closeout of small- to moderate-complexity forestry and natural resource projects across multiple CSFS program areas (e.g., forest management and stewardship, wildfire mitigation/fuels treatment, urban & community forestry, insect and disease response, outreach, and related special projects) to improve forest health, reduce wildfire risk, and support resilient landscapes.

Develop and implement project scopes of work, estimates, field plans, and technical recommendations; coordinate day-to-day project execution; monitor timelines, deliverables, safety, and compliance; and maintain project records and reports consistent with agency standards.

Support and administer grant and cost-share program delivery at the project level (e.g., Colorado Forest Restoration & Wildfire Risk Mitigation, Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program, State & Private Forestry, State Fire Assistance, Community Assistance on Adjacent Lands, and similar programs) by assisting with scopes, documentation, implementation tracking, reporting, and certification of completed work as assigned.

Provide technical assistance and customer service to landowners, local governments, HOAs, fire protection districts, and community partners; participate in outreach and educational efforts; and communicate CSFS technical guidance and program requirements in a clear and professional manner.

Serve as a project/work lead for Forestry Technicians, seasonal employees, and interns on assigned projects without formal supervisory authority over permanent or seasonal staff; train, coordinate, and review project work as appropriate to ensure safety, quality, and completion of assigned tasks.

Participate in pile burning and prescribed fire on state lands as qualified and assigned; follow safety policies, operational procedures, and agency standards in field and office settings.

Conditions of Employment:

Regularly develop, select, and adapt technical approaches for low- to moderate-complexity projects consistent with established prescriptions, best available science, and agency guidance. Occasionally on higher complexity projects with support.

Prioritize and schedule day-to-day project tasks, field activities, and contractor coordination within assigned projects; identify issues and elevate higher-risk, policy, or unusually complex matters to leadership.

Prepare scopes, estimates, documentation, and recommendations for project implementation, grant administration, and contractor work within delegated limits; recommend adjustments to improve project outcomes, compliance, and efficiency.

Supervision:

This position does not directly supervise any position. May directly supervise one student intern only. May provide work leadership on projects without formal supervisory authority.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry, Natural Resources, Natural Resource Management, or a closely related field.
• Two (2)+ years professional Natural Resource management experience (e.g., forestry, ecology/silviculture/management/planning; watershed protection; wildfire mitigation and fuels reduction).
• Valid driver’s license (Colorado or ability to obtain) and ability to meet CSU vehicle policy; willingness to travel and occasionally work irregular hours.
• Physical ability to hike long distances over steep terrain at high elevations (up to ~12,000 ft) while carrying 35+ lbs in varied weather.
• Ability to manage low to moderate complexity forestry and natural resource projects, including project planning, implementation, documentation, and working-level support for budgeting, grant/contract administration, reporting, and compliance.
• Working proficiency with Microsoft Office and GIS/GPS tools (e.g., ArcGIS Pro/ArcGIS Online or similar); effective communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; reliable organization and record-keeping skills. Commitment to safety and customer service.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education, substantial coursework, or specialized training in forestry, natural resources, natural resource management, fire ecology, watershed science, ecology, or a closely related field.
• Experience planning, implementing, documenting, and completing low- to moderate-complexity forestry, wildfire mitigation, forest stewardship, urban and community forestry, forest health, or related natural resource projects.
• Experience with field forestry practices such as forest inventory, cruising, prescription implementation, timber marking, treatment layout, forest monitoring, timber sale support, or contract administration.
• Experience applying forestry, silviculture, forest health, fuels reduction, wildfire mitigation, and stewardship concepts in Western U.S. forest ecosystems.
• Experience using GIS/GPS tools, including ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, mobile data collection applications, or similar systems to collect, manage, analyze, map, and communicate forestry or natural resource data.
• Experience supporting or administering project-level grants, cost-share programs, agreements, contracts, scopes of work, budgets, documentation, compliance, reporting, or certification of completed work.
• Experience providing technical assistance, customer service, outreach, or public presentations to landowners, local governments, HOAs, fire protection districts, community groups, contractors, or partner organizations.
• Experience working independently and as part of a team, including coordinating day-to-day field work, identifying issues, recommending solutions, and helping guide technicians, interns, seasonal employees, contractors, or project partners without formal supervisory authority.

Application Instructions:

To apply, please upload a resume and cover letter. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position.

To help us better understand your location preferences during the screening process, in your cover letter, please identify the field office location(s) you are interested in working from by listing one or more of the following locations:

Field Office Locations:

• Boulder
• Fort Collins
• Franktown
• Frisco
• Golden
• Cañon City
• La Veta
• Rifle
• Woodland Park
• Alamosa
• Durango
• Gunnison
• Montrose
• Salida
• Grand Junction
• Granby
• Steamboat Springs
• Colorado State Forest (Gould)

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.

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!

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.

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