Lead Project Forester

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. Essential Job Duties Direct and coordinate professional science‑based forest management services to local federal, state, and private landowners and communities. Manage projects/programs from development through implementation. Serve as project/program work leader, providing direction to foresters working in complex programs, projects, and activities as assigned. Provide and ensure internal and external customer service. Maintain a fundamental understanding of all CSFS program areas and communicate program information to customers. Assist the Supervisory Forester with setting Field Office priorities, annual work planning, budgets, and long‑range planning. Keep current on best practices related to forest management, wildfire mitigation, and other programs for which they are responsible. Ensure area staff have the most current information needed for the implementation and promotion of their assigned project/program(s). Supervision This position will supervise 3 Foresters, each 1 FTE. Conditions of Employment Pre‑employment criminal background check (required for new hires). Valid driver’s license – successful applicants must have a valid Colorado driver’s license or the ability to acquire one upon employment. Travel – irregular work hours and periodic long days, evening and weekend service, occasional out of area, and periodic overnight travel. Minimum Qualifications A bachelor’s degree (or greater) in forestry, another natural resources program, or other related field. Three years of professional forestry experience, with specific experience in Dendrology, Forest Ecology, Forest Management, Forest Measurements, Silviculture, Urban and Community Forestry, Vegetation Dynamics, or Wildfire Management/Fuels Mitigation. 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, and the ability to work independently. Experience with contracts, agreements, and grant management. Program and/or project management experience that included budget preparation and administration. Excellent written communication skills. Experience with the general Microsoft Suite Office and ArcGIS software. Knowledge of western United States forest management techniques in areas such as Silviculture, disturbance regimes, WUI fuels reduction, forest insect and diseases, timber harvesting systems, and community forestry in WUI situations. Experience with basic field forestry skills (cruising and timber marking) related to forestry project boundaries, harvest plans, silvicultural prescriptions, natural and artificial regeneration methods, road layout, and contract inspections. Salary Salary Range ($60,000 to $65,000) Required Application Documents Cover Letter Resume/CV 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Colorado State University