Lead Project Forester

Requirements

• 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
• Cover Letter, Resume/CV
• Employee Benefits
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• Background Check Policy Statement
• EEO

Benefits

Additional Information

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).

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