Senior Field Forester & Project Leader

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

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,