Lead Project Forester

Job Description

Position Summary:

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. 
Working under the general direction of a Supervisory Forester, the role leads project management, team leadership, budgeting, and public engagement; represents CSFS in collaboratives; and serves as acting Supervisory Forester as needed. The work includes office and extensive field activities, with periodic travel and irregular hours during peak seasons.

Full Consideration Date: 9/21/2026

Employment | Colorado State Forest Service | Colorado State University

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.

Conditions of Employment:

• Pre-employment Criminal Background Check.
• 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).

Supervision:

• This position will supervise Foresters, Forester II, Forestry Technicians, seasonal employees, and student interns.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree (or greater) in Forestry, Wildlife Biology/Management, Fire Ecology or other related natural resource field will be considered.
• Four (4)+ years professional forestry (e.g., forest ecology/silviculture/management/planning; watershed protection; wildfire mitigation and fuels reduction).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two years of experience with a state forestry agency.
• Experience developing work plans and project/program prioritization and resource allocation.
• Experience in public presentations and outreach.
• 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 that included budget prepation.
• Excellent written communication skills.
• Experience with the general Microsoft Suite Office and ArcGIS software.
• Knowledge of western United States forest management techniques in the following areas: Silviculture (e.g., Colorado tree silvics; intermediate treatments; even-aged and uneven-aged structure), disturbance regimes, WUI fuesl reduction, forest insect and diseases, timber harvesting systems, community forestry in WUI situations.
• Experience with basic field forestry skills (cruising and timber marking) related forestry project boundaries, harvest plans, silvicultural prescriptions, natural and artificial regenerations methods, road layout, and contract inspections.

Salary Range

Required Application Documents

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Employee 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.

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Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.