Seasonal Forester

Colorado State University • Montrose, CO

4d • $18

About The Position

This position will be based out of the Montrose Field Office in the CSFS Southwest Area. The incumbent will assist other foresters with projects such as timber sale and site visits. Full Consideration Date 4/13/2026 Brief Work Unit Description Colorado State Forest Service | Colorado State University Essential Job Duties Assist other foresters with projects as needed. Field work for Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) timber sales, including cruising and marking timber. The Montrose field office is laying out a large USFS timber sale in the Black Mesa area. Field work for urban riparian restoration projects in Montrose and Delta including site prep, project administration, reporting, and closeout work. Integrate timber cruise data into Forest Vegetation Simulator and create maps in ArcGIS Pro. Attend site visits as needed, ranging in scale from a few acres to hundreds, covering all forest types and land ownerships in Southwestern Colorado. Training opportunities may include but are not limited to: First Aid/CPR Certification, qualified cruiser training, wildfire ready home assessor training, and more. Conditions of Employment Funding may be available to help with costs associated with conferences, workshops, trainings, etc. Employee might be exposed to poisonous plants, biting stinging insects, and wildlife during field work. Ability to hike long distances. Ability to drive pickup trucks on rough roads. Ability to work alone and in a team setting in the woods. Ability to provide suitable work gear, including sturdy hiking boots, rain gear, sleeping bag, and other personal items related to camping and hiking. Ability and willingness to travel throughout Colorado for 1-3 day-long trips, potentially requiring stays in hotels or camping. Approved lodging and per diem expenses are covered (see GSA CONUS rates for Colorado). Supervision This position will not supervise.

Requirements

• Pursuing or completed degree in forestry or related natural resources field.
• 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.
• Ability to hike long distances.
• Ability to drive pickup trucks on rough roads.
• Ability to work alone and in a team setting in the woods.
• Ability to provide suitable work gear, including sturdy hiking boots, rain gear, sleeping bag, and other personal items related to camping and hiking.
• Ability and willingness to travel throughout Colorado for 1-3 day-long trips, potentially requiring stays in hotels or camping.

Nice To Haves

• Good written and oral communications.
• Field experience and/or exposure to forestry and natural resources management.
• Ability to (or willingness to learn how to) operate 4-wheel drive 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.
• Experience with forestry related software: Excel, ArcGIS Suite, Avenza, Forest Vegetation Silmulator

Responsibilities

• Assist other foresters with projects as needed.
• Field work for Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) timber sales, including cruising and marking timber.
• Field work for urban riparian restoration projects in Montrose and Delta including site prep, project administration, reporting, and closeout work.
• Integrate timber cruise data into Forest Vegetation Simulator and create maps in ArcGIS Pro.
• Attend site visits as needed, ranging in scale from a few acres to hundreds, covering all forest types and land ownerships in Southwestern Colorado.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed