Urban & Community Forestry Program Specialist

Reporting directly to the Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) Program Manager, this position responsible for providing community forestry assistance and programs to field offices, partners and communities throughout the Front Range of Colorado integrated with the agency’s broader program of work. The Front Range UCF Program Specialist is expected to demonstrate exceptional technical proficiency in urban forestry practices and community engagement.

Full Consideration Date: 8/25/2026

https://csfs.colostate.edu/

• Facilitate the development and implementation of long-range plans and an annual work plan for UCF programs on the Front Range, in the Denver area and in the immediate area surrounding the CSU Spur campus.
• Work alongside neighborhood, local, state, regional and federal partners in the delivery of UCF programs.
• Collaborate on budget development for the UCF program, including new grant proposals and ongoing grants.
• Monitor target accomplishments and ensure accomplishment reports are completed.
• Support CSFS field staff working on UCF activities in the Front Range.
• Serve as the lead subject matter expert for CSFS field staff and partners in planning and implementing UCF program activities (tree planting, inventory, canopy assessment, risk assessment, community meetings, outreach activities, etc.) on university, municipal and private lands throughout the Front Range.

• There are no permanent employees assigned to this position for supervision. This position may supervise hourly employees on an as-needed basis.

• Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires).
• May require travel (may be overnight) and occasional irregular work hours and evening and weekend service.
• May require field and office work, both independently and as part of a larger multi-functional division.

• A bachelor’s degree or higher in forestry, natural resources, environmental sciences, landscape architecture or a related program of study.
• Four years of professional forestry experience, with specific experience in urban and community forestry.

• Experience working with diverse organizations, community groups and nonprofits in developing urban and community forestry initiatives, programs and projects.
• Experience working with disproportionately impacted communities or disadvantaged populations.
• Experience successfully applying for and administering grants.
• Experience preparing contracts and agreements for forest management work.
• Experience organizing, developing and delivering public presentations, workshops, events, publications, and other informational and educational activities.
• Experience writing, reviewing and implementing urban forest management plans.
• Current International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist credential.
• Excellent written communication skills.
• Basic knowledge of western United States forestry.
• Familiarity with spoken Spanish and ability to understand and communicate with Spanish speaking community members.

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.

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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.

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.