Lead Project Forester

Careerwebsite; Steamboat Springs (CO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Colorado State Forest Service seeks a Lead Project Forester to guide forestry programs and projects across Steamboat Springs and Northwest Colorado. You will oversee program delivery, supervise staff, manage budgets, and foster landowner and agency partnerships.

Ideal candidates bring strong leadership, project management, and communication skills, plus experience with wildfire mitigation, forest health, and silviculture. Travel and field work in elevated terrain are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Forestry, Wildlife Biology/Management, Fire Ecology, or related natural resource field.
• Four years of professional forestry experience including wildfire mitigation, forest management, silviculture, forest health, or fuels reduction.
• Valid driver’s license with willingness to travel and work irregular hours.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and implementation of forestry programs and projects in Northwest Colorado.
• Supervise and mentor foresters, technicians, seasonal staff, and interns.
• Manage budgets, grants, and contracts; track deliverables and timelines.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Budgeting

Communication

Collaboration

Relationship building

Field forestry

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in Forestry/related field

Tools

None

Job description

Nurturing Forests. Empowering Communities. Lead the Future of Forestry in Northwest Colorado.

The Colorado State Forest Service is seeking an experienced and service-driven Lead Project Forester to lead forestry programs and projects that support forest health, wildfire mitigation, and resilient landscapes in the Steamboat Springs area. This position plays a critical leadership role in delivering high-impact forestry work while mentoring staff, managing projects and programs, and building strong partnerships with landowners, communities, and agency partners.

The Lead Project Forester will oversee program delivery, supervise and mentor forestry staff, manage budgets and contracts, and ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with CSFS and CSU standards. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced forestry professional to take on a leadership role while making a meaningful impact on the forests and communities of Northwest Colorado.

Location: Steamboat Springs, CO

Salary Range: $60,000 – $65,000 (based on experience)

What You’ll Do:

• Lead planning, prioritization, and implementation of forestry programs and projects, including CWPP implementation, forest stewardship, Good Neighbor Authority, community forestry, wildfire mitigation, and outreach
• Supervise and mentor Foresters, Forestry Technicians, seasonal staff, and interns
• Manage budgets, grants, and contracts; track deliverables, timelines, and compliance
• Support field office and area operations, including annual work planning, long-range priorities, scopes of work, and interagency coordination
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with landowners, local governments, and federal, state, tribal, and nonprofit organizations
• Provide technical oversight of silvicultural prescriptions and vegetation management activities
• Represent CSFS in collaborative and multi-party initiatives and pursue funding opportunities
• Coordinate with other field offices to share resources and support consistent program delivery
• Serve as Acting Supervisory Forester when assigned

What We’re Looking For:

• Strong leadership and team management experience
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex forestry programs and projects
• Experience with budgeting, grants, contracts, and compliance
• Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills
• Experience working with landowners, communities, agencies, and other stakeholders
• Knowledge of western forest management practices, including silviculture, forest health, wildfire mitigation, and WUI fuels reduction
• Commitment to safety, quality work, and excellent customer service
• Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating with teams and partners
• Strong field forestry skills and the ability to work in steep, high-elevation terrain

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Forestry, Wildlife Biology/Management, Fire Ecology, or a related natural resource field
• Four (4) years of professional forestry experience, including areas such as wildfire mitigation, forest management, silviculture, forest health, forest planning, watershed protection, or fuels reduction
• 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 approximately 12,000 ft.) while carrying 35+ lbs. in varied weather conditions.