CSFS Grand Junction Field Office Intern

Colorado State University • Grand Junction, CO

2d

About The Position

Position Summary Full consideration date: 2/6/2026 Work unit description: The Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) is a service and outreach agency of the Warner College of Natural Resources (WCNR). The CSFS provides technical forestry assistance, wildfire mitigation expertise, and outreach and education to help landowners and communities achieve their forest management goals. Our mission is to achieve stewardship of Colorado’s diverse forest environments for the benefit of present and future generations. The position title of this internship is CSFS Grand Junction Field Office Intern. This intern will be based out of the Grand Junction Field Office (Grand Junction, CO) in the CSFS Northwest Area and is directly supervised by Hallie Flynn (Forester). The Grand Junction Field Office is one of 18 field offices at the CSFS and serves Delta and Mesa counties. The office is staffed by a Forester which works closely with the Two Rivers Wildfire Coalition and CSFS staff from other offices and divisions. We are seeking student interns who are professional, self-directed, innovative, and motivated. Essential Job Duties Serve as a field technician supporting multiple forestry and fuels reduction initiatives in Mesa County, including spruce-fir timber sales, defensible space projects, and mastication operations. Intern will begin by shadowing the forester during inspections and gradually transition to performing regular field inspections independently. Regular check-ins with the direct supervisor will ensure quality assurance and provide opportunities for clarification and feedback. Review project documentation (examine contract scopes of work and specifications to understand treatment objectives and performance standards), conduct field inspections (evaluate contractor work for compliance with project specifications, focusing on treatment quality and adherence to safety protocols), document field activities (capture photographs, take detailed notes, and collect GPS data to record contractor performance and treatment progress), and report findings (provide regular updates to the direct supervisor, highlighting contractor performance, challenges, and any corrective actions needed). Assist with timber sale preparation: Support the Grand Junction Forester in preparing GNA and Private Lands timber sales. Tasks include reconnaissance of sale areas, GPS mapping and boundary marking, and timber cruising using Mobile Map software. Assist with Wildfire Risk Assessments: Collaborate with the Executive Director of the Two Rivers Wildfire Coalition to conduct Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) and defensible space assessments. The intern will use a rapid assessment tool to evaluate risk and assist with treatment layout. Office duties may include field equipment maintenance, finalizing project inspection reports, analyzing cruise data, creating maps using GIS, literature searches and professional development related to project scopes, data management, and more. Conditions of Employment Housing stipends up to $1,500 are available for each student to support costs associated with rent and utilities for the duration of the internship. Small professional development stipends are available for each student to help with costs associated with conferences, workshops, trainings, etc. Student might be exposed to strenuous outdoor working environments, long days in the field and driving, steep uneven terrain, biting stinging insects, and wildlife during field work. Ability to provide suitable work gear, including sturdy hiking boots, long pants, long sleeve shirts, rain gear, , and other personal items related to hiking. Ability and willingness to travel throughout Colorado for 1-3 day-long trips, potentially requiring stays in hotels. Approved lodging and per diem expenses are covered (see GSA CONUS rates for Colorado). Attend a mandatory 1.5-day orientation session on Monday, May 18, and Tuesday, May 19, 2026, either in person at the CSFS State Office on the Foothills Campus in Fort Collins or virtually. There may also be optional First Aid/CPR courses offered that week regionally. Work with supervisor(s) to prepare a summer work plan, set goals and learning objectives, and evaluate progress. Complete two professional writing assignments throughout the summer. Hourly internship duties will occur from May 26, 2026, through August 14, 2026. Supervision Intern will be supervised by Hallie Flynn, Forester.

Requirements

• Undergraduate student pursuing a degree at a Colorado institution of higher education. Students can be any year or major. Students graduating in the spring of 2026 or later are eligible for an internship in the summer of 2026.
• Good academic standing with undergraduate institution (GPA > 2.0).
• Demonstrated career interest in forestry or natural resource fields.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, the ability to obtain a driver’s license, or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date.
• Experience working as an effective team member and clear communicator.
• Exhibits a positive attitude and willingness to learn.

Nice To Haves

• Pursuing a forestry or natural resource-related major.
• Good written and oral communications.
• Field experience and/or exposure to forestry and natural resources management.
• Experience operating chainsaws, including official certification in chainsaw operation such as S-212.
• Ability to (or willingness to learn how to) operate 4-wheel drive vehicles, manual transmission vehicles, and UTVs/ATVs in variable weather and road conditions.
• Experience using forestry equipment (diameter tape, loggers tape, GPS, increment borer, etc.).
• Experience identifying trees, grasses, forbs, and shrubs in the western U.S.
• Experience navigating with maps, compass, and GPS units.
• Basic experience with ArcGIS Pro

Responsibilities

• Serve as a field technician supporting multiple forestry and fuels reduction initiatives in Mesa County, including spruce-fir timber sales, defensible space projects, and mastication operations.
• Review project documentation (examine contract scopes of work and specifications to understand treatment objectives and performance standards), conduct field inspections (evaluate contractor work for compliance with project specifications, focusing on treatment quality and adherence to safety protocols), document field activities (capture photographs, take detailed notes, and collect GPS data to record contractor performance and treatment progress), and report findings (provide regular updates to the direct supervisor, highlighting contractor performance, challenges, and any corrective actions needed).
• Assist with timber sale preparation: Support the Grand Junction Forester in preparing GNA and Private Lands timber sales. Tasks include reconnaissance of sale areas, GPS mapping and boundary marking, and timber cruising using Mobile Map software.
• Assist with Wildfire Risk Assessments: Collaborate with the Executive Director of the Two Rivers Wildfire Coalition to conduct Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) and defensible space assessments. The intern will use a rapid assessment tool to evaluate risk and assist with treatment layout.
• Office duties may include field equipment maintenance, finalizing project inspection reports, analyzing cruise data, creating maps using GIS, literature searches and professional development related to project scopes, data management, and more.

Benefits

• Housing stipends up to $1,500 are available for each student to support costs associated with rent and utilities for the duration of the internship.
• Small professional development stipends are available for each student to help with costs associated with conferences, workshops, trainings, etc.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed