Hi all,
The Colorado State Forest Service has launched the search for two Lead Project Forester positions, located in Gunnison and Summit County! We would greatly appreciate your help in sharing this opportunity with your networks or anyone who may be interested.
Nurturing Forests. Empowering Communities. Lead the Future of Forestry in Colorado.
The Colorado State Forest Service is seeking experienced and service-driven Lead Project Foresters to guide forestry programs and projects that support forest health, wildfire mitigation, and resilient landscapes across Colorado. These position plays a critical leadership role in delivering high-impact forestry work while mentoring staff and building strong partnerships with communities and stakeholders.
Lead Project Foresters are responsible for overseeing program delivery, managing teams, and ensuring projects are completed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with CSFS and CSU standards. This is an exciting opportunity for professionals looking to take the next step in leadership while making a meaningful impact across Colorado’s forests and communities. Apply today!
Locations: Gunnison, CO & Summit County, CO
Salary Range: $60,000 – $65,000 (based on experience)
What You’ll Do:
- Lead planning, prioritization, and implementation of forestry programs and projects (e.g., CWPPs, forest stewardship, Good Neighbor Authority, community forestry, 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 work planning and interagency coordination
- Build and maintain partnerships with landowners, agencies, and community stakeholders
- Provide technical oversight of silvicultural prescriptions and vegetation management activities
- Coordinate across field offices to ensure consistent program delivery and resource sharing
What We’re Looking For:
- Strong leadership and team management experience
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex forestry projects and programs
- Experience with budgeting, grants, contracts, and compliance
- Strong communication skills and ability to work with diverse stakeholders
- Commitment to safety, quality work, and excellent customer service
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Wildlife Biology/Management, Fire Ecology, or a related natural resource field
- Three (3) years of professional forestry experience, including areas such as wildfire mitigation, forest management, silviculture, forest health, or vegetation dynamics
Why Choose Colorado State Forest Service?
We not only value our forests; we also value our employees. Joining our team comes with incredible benefits:
- Identity Wear Stipend: Elevate your professional image with a stipend for personalized executive wear.
- Work-Life Harmony: Achieve optimal work-life integration through tailored and flexible scheduling options.
- Connectivity Privilege: Stay seamlessly connected with either a cell phone allowance or a provided work cell.
- Premium Healthcare Benefits: Prioritize your well-being with access to exclusive and comprehensive healthcare benefits.
- Time-Off: Recharge with 15 days of sick leave and 24 days of annual leave.
- Retirement Plan: Secure your financial future with a remarkable 12% employer contribution to your retirement plan.
- Assistance Program: Access premium well-being resources through our Employee Assistance Program.
- Professional Development: Enhance your skills through personalized professional training opportunities facilitated by CSU.
- Educational Empowerment: Receive 9 hours of education credits annually through CSU.
- Tuition Privileges for Family: Secure your family’s future with 50% off tuition for children, partner, and spouse.
- Community Leadership Initiative: Give back to your community with paid administrative leave dedicated to volunteering.
How to Apply:
Submit your resume and cover letter today by visiting our website: https://csfs.colostate.edu/employment/.
You will see two separate Lead Project Forester postings—please select and apply to the posting for the location you are interested in.
Join us in leading impactful forestry work that protects communities, supports landowners, and strengthens Colorado’s forests for generations to come.
Thank you!
Lindsay
Lindsay Wade
she/her/hers
Colorado State Forest Service
Human Resource Talent Coordinator
3843 Laporte Ave
Fort Collins, CO 80521
(469) 585-9846
CSFS_HR
The mission of the Colorado State Forest Service is to
achieve stewardship of Colorado’s diverse forest environments
for the benefit of present and future generations.