Lead Project Forester

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

Job summary

Colorado State University in Steamboat Springs, CO is seeking a Lead Project Forester to provide senior technical and operational leadership for forestry programs across a defined geographic area. This field-based role advances forest health, wildfire risk mitigation, and sustainable stewardship through science-based, collaborative, and outcome-focused delivery.

Responsibilities include leading planning and delivery of programs such as CWPP implementation, supervising foresters and technicians,

Qualifications

• Minimum: bachelor’s degree in Forestry or related field.
• 4+ years professional forestry experience (planning, management, or silviculture).
• Experience with budgets, grants, and contracts is preferred.
• Ability to lead teams and coordinate across offices.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and delivery of forestry programs across a defined area.
• Supervise Foresters, Forestry Technicians, seasonal staff, and interns.
• Manage budgets, grants, contracts; track deliverables and timelines.
• Support annual work plans, scopes of work, and interagency agreements.
• Develop partnerships with landowners and government entities; pursue funding.
• Provide technical assistance and oversee silvicultural prescriptions.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Grants & contracts

Public outreach

ArcGIS

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Forestry or related field

Four+ years professional forestry experience

Tools

ArcGIS

MS Office

Job description

Steamboat Springs, CO

Full time

R2026107225

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.

For more information: Colorado State Forest Service | Colorado State University (https://csfs.colostate.edu/)

Full Consideration Date: October 19, 2026, at 11:59 PM (MT).

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).

• Travel - Irregular work hours and periodic long days, evening and weekend service, occasional out of area, and periodic overnight travel.

• 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.

Supervision:

• This position supervises Foresters (3 FTE), Forester II (1 FTE), Forestry Technicians (1 FTE), seasonal employees (40 hrs/week), and student interns (40 hrs/week).

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 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 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

$60,000 - $65,000

Required Application Documents

Cover Letter, Resume/CV

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.

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.