Lead Project Forester

Colorado State University • Gunnison, CO

5d • $60,000 - $65,000

About The Position

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 May 4, 2026 Colorado State Forest Service | Colorado State University Supervision: This position will supervise 2 Foresters (2 FTE); 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.

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
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Two years of experience with a state forestry agency
• Experience developing work plans and project/program prioritization and resource allocation
• Ability to exhibit confidence and competence in public presentations
• Committed to safety, quality, demonstrated excellent customer service ethic and professionalism
• 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
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficient with the general Microsoft Suite office software products, ArcGIS, and GPS
• Ability to perform GIS based data entry; capable of using GIS/GPS units to collect field data
• Knowledge of western United States forest management techniques in the following areas: Silviculture (e.g., intermediate treatments; even-aged and uneven-aged structure; disturbance regimes and variability; periodic and mean annual increment; diameter distributions; stand legacy; and age structure); forest insect and diseases related to vectors and alternative hosts; sustainable harvesting systems in even-, two-, and uneven-aged forests; forest management planning based on desired future conditions; wildfire hazard mitigation, prevention and suppression in the wildland urban interface (WUI); community forestry in both urban and WUI situations; and outreach and education related to scientific and general public arenas
• Comprehension of basic field forestry skills (cruising and timber marking) related to timber sale boundaries, harvest plans, silvicultural prescriptions, natural and artificial regenerations methods, road layout, and contract inspections.
• Demonstrated skills in writing forest management plans, timber sale layout and administration, and budget preparation and administration

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• 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.
• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.
• Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees