Lead Project Forester

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. 
Working under the general direction of a Supervisory Forester, the role leads project management, team leadership, budgeting, and public engagement; represents CSFS in collaboratives; and serves as acting Supervisory Forester as needed. The work includes office and extensive field activities, with periodic travel and irregular hours during peak seasons.

• As assigned by the Supervisory Forester, this position directs and coordinates professional science-based forest management services to local federal, state, and private landowners and communities. The position utilizes a broad range of experience in managing the various activities occurring within their assigned project/program area(s). The Lead Project Forester will manage projects/programs from development through implementation.
• Serves as project/program work leader providing direction to foresters working in complex programs/projects/activities as assigned.
• Provides and ensures internal and external customer service. Has a fundamental understanding of all CSFS program areas and can communicate program information to customers.
• Assists the Supervisory Forester with setting Field Office priorities, annual work planning, budgets, and long-range planning.
• Keep current on best practices related to forest management, wildfire mitigation, and other programs for which they are responsible. Ensures area staff have the most current information needed for the implementation and promotion of their assigned project/program(s).

• Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires).
• Valid Driver’s License - Successful applicants must have a valid Colorado driver’s license or ability to acquire one upon employment.
• Travel - Irregular work hours and periodic long days, evening and weekend service, occasional out of area, and periodic overnight travel.

• This position will supervise 3 Foresters, each 1 FTE 

• A bachelor’s degree (or greater) in forestry, another natural resources program or other related field will be considered.
• Three years of professional forestry experience, with specific experience in Dendrology, Forest Ecology, Forest Management, Forest Measurements, Silviculture, Urban and Community Forestry, Vegetation Dynamics, or Wildfire Management/Fuels Mitigation.

• Two years of experience with a state forestry agency.
• Experience developing work plans and project/program prioritization and resource allocation.
• Experience in public presentations and outreach.
• Professional experience with participation on teams, committees and other special assignments, as well as the ability to work independently.
• Experience with contracts, agreements, and grant management.
• Program and/or project management experience that included budget preparation and administration.
• Excellent written communication skills.
• Experience with the general Microsoft Suite Office and ArcGIS software.
• Knowledge of western United States forest management techniques in the following areas: Silviculture (e.g., Colorado tree silvics; intermediate treatments; even-aged and uneven-aged structure), disturbance regimes, WUI fuels reduction, forest insect and diseases, timber harvesting systems, community forestry in WUI situations.
• Experience with basic field forestry skills (cruising and timber marking) related forestry project boundaries, harvest plans, silvicultural prescriptions, natural and artificial regenerations methods, road layout, and contract inspections.

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.

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!

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.

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.