Lead Project Forester

Under the supervision of the Supervisory Forester, the Lead Project Forester will lead and manage complex projects/programs, falling within one or more of the related program areas including: Community Wildfire Protection Plans and wildfire hazard mitigation; Forest agriculture; Forest stewardship planning; and Good Neighbor Agreements.

The role may perform some, or all, of the following: project budget management, program oversight, personnel direction, grant and agreement development and implementation. 

The position coordinates program delivery with program staff and will serve as the primary contact point for local officials and key Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) partners within their assigned project/program area(s), under the supervision and mentoring of the Supervisory Forester.

Full Consideration Date: May 26, 2026

Description of the Work Unit: This position will be stationed in Summit County, Colorado but will work with and be supervised by the Granby Field Office Supervisory Forester. Colorado State Forest Service | Colorado State University

• As assigned by the Supervisory Forester, directs and coordinates professional science-based forest management services to local federal, state, and private landowners and communities; manages projects/programs from development through implementation.

• Serves as project/program work leader providing direction to foresters working in complex programs/projects/activities as assigned; ensures quality control for assigned projects

• Under the direction of Supervisory Forester, sets priorities, goals and targets for assigned project/program area(s) and provides budget management and oversight

• Provides and ensures internal and external customer service; communicates program information to customers.

• Provides daily oversight and guidance to assigned staff’s activities to accomplish assigned project/program goals and targets.

• Participates in annual fiscal and work planning efforts.

• Criminal Background Check

• Valid Driver’s License

• Ability to travel; occasional out of area; periodic overnight travel

• Ability to work irregular work hours and periodic long days; evening and weekend work

• This position will serve as a work leader for the projects and programs that they are assigned and may direct/supervise foresters, temporary and seasonal employees as needed to carry out their assigned programs.

• 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.

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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.