Forestry Technician - Open Pool

Colorado State University•Fort Collins, CO

2d•$46,000 - $50,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Forestry Technician is an entry-level, office- and field-based role that supports CSFS programs and operations under the direction of a Supervisory Forester or Lead Project Forester. The position assists with planning and implementation of forestry projects and provides customer service to landowners, communities, and partners. Work focuses on field execution (inventory, layout, marking, monitoring), basic project management, and logistics. Appointments may be full-time or part-time (open-pool). Field work involves periodic travel and occasional irregular hours during peak seasons.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Natural Resource Management or an Associate’s Degree or Some College/Tech training in: Associates Degree in Forestry from an SAF accredited college or institution.
Valid driver’s license (Colorado or ability to obtain) and ability to meet CSU vehicle policy; willingness to travel and occasionally work irregular hours.
Physical ability to hike long distances over steep terrain at high elevations (up to ~12,000 ft) while carrying 35+ lbs in varied weather.
Foundational knowledge of forestry principles and field techniques; ability to follow prescriptions and technical guidance with attention to safety and quality.
Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office and GIS/GPS tools (e.g., ArcGIS Pro/ArcGIS Online or similar); effective communication and customer service skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team; reliable organization and record-keeping skills.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with forestry, natural resources, fire ecology, watershed science, ecology, or a closely related field through education, coursework, training, internship, seasonal employment, or related experience.
Familiarity with field forestry practices such as forest inventory, boundary identification, cruising, timber marking, treatment layout, monitoring, and collecting field notes.
Familiarity with Western U.S. forest ecosystems, basic silviculture concepts, forest health, wildfire mitigation, and the role of fire in forest ecology.
Familiarity with GIS/GPS tools, including ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, mobile data collection applications, or similar mapping and field data systems.
Familiarity, coursework, training, internship, or related experience supporting grants, cost-share programs, project documentation, estimates, contractor coordination, or project tracking.
Experience communicating with landowners, community members, agency partners, contractors, students, or the public in a professional and customer-service-oriented manner.
Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality work, professionalism, teamwork, and reliable follow-through in field, office, academic, volunteer, internship, or employment settings.

Responsibilities

Conduct field forestry tasks including inventories, boundary identification, cruising/marking, treatment layout, and monitoring to support forest management, stewardship, wildfire mitigation/fuels treatments, and urban & community forestry projects.
Assist with grant and cost-share program delivery (e.g., Colorado Forest Restoration & Wildfire Risk Mitigation, Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program, State & Private Forestry, State Fire Assistance, Community Assistance on Adjacent Lands) by preparing scopes/estimates, collecting documentation, and tracking progress.
Support timber sale preparation and administration by assembling maps, assisting with prescriptions, preparing field notes, and coordinating with contractors under guidance.
Provide customer service to landowners, HOAs, and community partners; participate in outreach events and educational activities; relay technical guidance from foresters.
Maintain project records and reports; support purchasing, equipment logistics, and facility/yard organization for the field office.
Participate in pile burning and prescribed fire on state lands as qualified and assigned; follow safety policies and procedures.
Schedule and prioritize daily field tasks to meet safety and quality standards; identify issues and recommend adjustments to the project lead.
Select appropriate field methods for measurements, marking, and layout within established prescriptions and guidance.
Document contractor performance and field conditions; recommend acceptance of work within delegated limits and elevate non-routine issues.