Lead Project Forester: Forest Health & Wildfire Mitigation

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

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.