Forestry Technician - Open Pool

Colorado State University; United States; On-site; USD 46,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado State University seeks a Forestry Technician to support field and office forestry tasks, including inventories, layout, monitoring, and project coordination. You will assist with grant delivery, timber sale prep, and customer service for landowners and partners in Colorado’s forest programs.

The role involves field travel, potential irregular hours during peak seasons, and requires foundational forestry knowledge, GIS/GPS proficiency, and strong safety awareness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Natural Resource Management or an SAF-accredited Associate’s degree in Forestry or related tech training.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel; CSU vehicle policy compliance.
• Ability to hike long distances at elevations up to ~12,000 ft while carrying 35+ lbs.
• Foundational forestry knowledge and ability to follow prescriptions with safety and quality.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office; GIS/GPS tools; strong communication and customer service.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field forestry tasks: inventories, boundary identification, cruising/marking, treatment layout, monitoring.
• Assist with grant and cost-share program delivery; prepare scopes, collect documents, track progress.
• Support timber sale prep and contractor coordination under guidance.
• Provide customer service to landowners, HOAs, and partners; participate in outreach events.
• Maintain project records; support purchasing, equipment logistics, and field office organization.
• Participate in pile burning and prescribed fire when qualified and assigned.

Skills

Field forestry

Customer service

Microsoft Office

GIS/GPS tools

Education

Bachelor's in Natural Resource Management

Associate’s Forestry degree

Tools

ArcGIS Pro

ArcGIS Online

GPS devices

Job description

Position Summary

The Forestry Technician is an entry‑level, office‑ and field‑based role that supports CSFS programs and operations under the direction of a Supervisory Forester or Lead Project Forester. The position assists with planning and implementation of forestry projects and provides customer service to landowners, communities, and partners. Work focuses on field execution (inventory, layout, marking, monitoring), basic project, and logistics. Appointments may be full‑time or part‑time (open‑pool). Field work involves periodic travel and occasional irregular hours during peak seasons.

Full Consideration Date

This evergreen posting will remain open and continue collecting applications until December31,2026. Applicants who wish to be considered after this date must reapply.

Salary Range

$46,000 - $50,000

Essential Job Duties

• Conduct field forestry tasks including inventories, boundary identification, cruising/marking, treatment layout, and monitoring to support forest management, stewardship, wildfire mitigation/fuels treatments, and urban & community forestry projects.
• Assist with grant and cost‑share program delivery (e.g., Colorado Forest Restoration & Wildfire Risk Mitigation, Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program, State & Private Forestry, State Fire Assistance, Community Assistance on Adjacent Lands) by preparing scopes/estimates, collecting documentation, and tracking progress.
• Support timber sale preparation and administration by assembling maps, assisting with prescriptions, preparing field notes, and coordinating with contractors under guidance.
• Provide customer service to landowners, HOAs, and community partners; participate in outreach events and educational activities; relay technical guidance from foresters.
• Maintain project records and reports; support purchasing, equipment logistics, and facility/yard organization for the field office.
• Participate in pile burning and prescribed fire on state lands as qualified and assigned; follow safety policies and procedures.

Conditions of Employment

Schedule and prioritize daily field tasks to meet safety and quality standards; identify issues and recommend adjustments to the project lead. Select appropriate field methods for measurements, marking, and layout within established prescriptions and guidance. Document contractor performance and field conditions; recommend acceptance of work within delegated limits and elevate non‑routine issues.

Supervision

This position does not directly supervise, but may serve as a work lead for discrete tasks based on experience.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Natural Resource Management or an Associate’s Degree or Some College/Tech training in: Associates Degree in Forestry from an SAF accredited college or institution.
• Valid driver’s license (Colorado or ability to obtain) and ability to meet CSU vehicle policy; willingness to travel and occasionally work irregular hours.
• Physical ability to hike long distances over steep terrain at high elevations (up to ~12,000 ft) while carrying 35+ lbs in varied weather.
• Foundational knowledge of forestry principles and field techniques; ability to follow prescriptions and technical guidance with attention to safety and quality.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office and GIS/GPS tools (e.g., ArcGIS Pro/ArcGIS Online or similar); effective communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; reliable organization and record‑keeping skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with forestry, natural resources, fire ecology, watershed science, ecology, or a closely related field through education, coursework, training, internship, seasonal employment, or related experience.
• Familiarity with field forestry practices such as forest inventory, boundary identification, cruising, timber marking, treatment layout, monitoring, and collecting field notes.
• Familiarity with Western U.S. forest ecosystems, basic silviculture concepts, forest health, wildfire mitigation, and the role of fire in forest ecology.
• Familiarity with GIS/GPS tools, including ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, mobile data collection applications, or similar mapping and field data systems.
• Familiarity, coursework, training, internship, or related experience supporting grants, cost-share programs, project documentation, estimates, contractor coordination, or project tracking.
• Experience communicating with landowners, community members, agency partners, contractors, students, or the public in a professional and customer-service-oriented manner.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality work, professionalism, teamwork, and reliable follow-through in field, office, academic, volunteer, internship, or employment settings.

Field Office Locations

• Boulder
• Fort Collins
• Franktown
• Frisco
• Golden
• Cañon City
• La Veta
• Rifle
• Woodland Park
• Alamosa
• Durango
• Gunnison
• Montrose
• Salida
• Grand Junction
• Granby
• Steamboat Springs
• Colorado State Forest (Gould)

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

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.

Inspired by its land‑grant heritage, Colorado State University is committed to excellence and engagement, setting the standard for public research universities in teaching, research, service and extension for the benefit of the citizens of Colorado, the United States, and the world. Prospective Employees, learn more about CSU's perks and purpose.