Lead Project Forester

Job Overview 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. 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 (required for new hires). Valid Colorado driver’s license or ability to acquire one upon employment. Ability to travel and work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and occasional overnight stays; occasional out-of-area travel. Ability to drive 4x4 trucks on rough terrain, pull a trailer, and operate OHVs (side‑by‑side, ATVs, snowmobiles). Minimum Qualifications A bachelor’s degree (or greater) in Forestry, Wildlife Biology/Management, Fire Ecology, or other related natural resource field. 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. Salary $60,000 - $65,000. Background Checks Background checks will be conducted as required by law or contract. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Colorado State University