Forestry Communications Specialist

Under the strategic direction of the Communications Manager, the Forestry Communications Specialist is responsible for coordinating and creating content for communication tools alongside forestry experts, writers, editors, videographers, internal and external contractors, and others. This position distills complex scientific material from interviews and technical reports to communicate with lay audiences. The communications specialist writes and edits articles for print and online publication and creates social media posts. This position also travels to events to take photos and footage and may produce videos, podcasts and other media. This position coordinates other projects as assigned.

Full Consideration Date: June 18, 2026

• Create compelling, engaging content for various audiences for websites, social media, print publications, e-newsletters, podcasts and partner publications.
• Coordinate the process of producing a wide range of content related to forest health, forest restoration and wildfire mitigation.
• Complete research and conduct interviews to prepare online/print content for various audiences. Write and/or consolidate articles or produce videos or recordings into drafts for review and comment. Facilitate the review and editing process.
• Distill technical or scientific information into engaging, comprehensible information for lay audiences.
• Attend special events, projects and other fieldwork to take photographs or video and report on the activity.

• Ensure accessibility of all CSFS online content.
• Contribute content for social media accounts, following the editorial calendar.

• Maintain and monitor the integrity of the CSFS brand and logos.

This position does not supervise.

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, journalism, English, or related field

• A bachelor’s degree or higher in journalism, marketing, media communications or a similar communications program. Human dimensions of natural resources, forestry or other agency-aligned degrees, along with a background or experience in communications, also will be considered.
• Two years of experience in content creation for various audiences as a professional writer or editor, video producer, multimedia producer, website author, audio producer, social media manager or a combination of those
• Experience with Microsoft Office (i.e., Word and Outlook) and Adobe Creative Suite (i.e., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and Premiere Pro).
• Valid Driver’s license

• Four years of experience in content creation or digital storytelling, preferably in a science, forestry or natural resource field.
• Experience in the entire content production process, from concept to planning to editing to print or online publication.
• Professional photography and image editing experience.
• Professional videography experience including filming, editing and/or production.
• Professional experience with social media and related best practices, including Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn.
• Basic podcast production experience.
• Education/outreach experience working with varied audiences in public settings.  
• Proficiency/ fluency in Spanish.
• Experience creating media that conform to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.
• Experience using a Content Management System, such as WordPress.
• Knowledge of forest management principles and wildfire mitigation practices.
• Experience coordinating multiple programs/projects and effectively establishing priorities while being accountable for commitments.

• Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver’s License
• Successful applicants must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date.
• Occasional travel, including some evening and weekend work, is required based on agency needs

To be considered, please submit the following materials:

• Cover Letter outlining how your experience and skills align with the position.
• Resume detailing your relevant professional background.
• Professional Portfolio that includes either a link to your online portfolio or three (3) examples of published work (e.g., articles, videos, podcasts, infographics, or photography). For each example, please include a brief explanation of your specific contribution to the final piece.

Incomplete applications may not be considered.

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.

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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.