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Job Description
Job Description The Lead Project Forester is a supervisory, field based role within the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) that provides senior technical and operational leadership for assigned forestry programs and projects across a defined geographic area. The position advances forest health, wildfire risk mitigation, and sustainable stewardship through science based, collaborative, and outcome focused program delivery.
Essential Job Duties:
Lead planning, prioritization, and delivery of forestry programs and projects (e.g., CWPP implementation, forest stewardship, Good Neighbor Authority projects, urban & community forestry, outreach) to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest resilience. Supervise and mentor Foresters, Forestry Technicians, seasonal employees, and interns; set goals, assign work, coach performance, and ensure safety and quality standards. Manage budgets, grants, and contracts; track deliverables, timelines, and compliance; maintain accountability for program performance and quality control. Support field office and area operations by contributing to annual work plans, long‑range priorities, scopes of work, and interagency agreements; serve as acting Supervisory Forester when assigned. Develop and sustain partnerships with landowners, local governments, and federal/state/tribal/NGO collaborators; represent CSFS in multi‑party initiatives and pursue funding opportunities (grants, agreements). Provide technical assistance and approve/oversee silvicultural prescriptions and vegetation management activities consistent with
CSU/CSFS
policies and best available science. Coordinate across field offices to align operational plans, share resources, and ensure consistent program delivery.
Full Consideration Date:
June 12, 2026 Colorado State Forest Service |
Colorado State University Supervision:
Supervises Foresters, Forester II, Forestry Technicians, seasonal employees, and student interns
Conditions of Employment:
Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires) Valid Colorado driver's license or ability to acquire one upon employment Ability to travel and work irregular work hours and periodic long days, evening and weekend service; occasional out of area, and periodic overnight travel Ability to drive 4x4 trucks on rough terrain, pulling a trailer and operating OHVs (to include side-by-sides, ATVs and snowmobiles).
Minimum Qualifications:
A bachelor's degree (or greater) in Forestry, Wildlife Biology/Management, Fire Ecology or other related natural resource field will be considered Three years of professional forestry experience, with specific experience in Wildfire Management/Fuels Mitigation, Wildlife Biology, Forest Management, Dendrology, Forest Ecology, Forest Measurements, Silviculture, or Vegetation Dynamics. Salary Range $60,000 - $65,000 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 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. 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. Current employees will need to apply for jobs in Workday.
