Build Resilient Forests. Strengthen Communities. Lead Meaningful Forestry Projects Across Colorado.

The Colorado State Forest Service is seeking an experienced and motivated Lead Project Forester to provide technical leadership and oversee forestry projects that improve forest health, reduce wildfire risk, and support sustainable forest stewardship throughout Colorado. Based in our Golden Field Office, this position plays a critical role in delivering high-impact forestry programs while leading staff, building partnerships, and supporting landowners and communities.

This is a two-year term position funded to address immediate forestry priorities in the Northeast Area, including Mountain Pine Beetle (MPB) response coordination and proactive forest stewardship. This is not a permanent position, though there is the possibility of an extension based on future funding availability.

If you're passionate about forest management, enjoy leading projects and mentoring others, and want to make a meaningful impact on Colorado's forests and communities, we encourage you to apply!

Location: Golden, CO

Appointment: Two-Year Term Position (with the possibility of extension based on available funding)

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

What You'll Do:

• Lead the planning, prioritization, and implementation of forestry programs and projects, including Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) implementation, forest stewardship, Good Neighbor Authority projects, urban and community forestry, and outreach efforts.
• Supervise and mentor Foresters, Forestry Technicians, seasonal employees, and student interns while promoting a safe, collaborative, and high-performing work environment.
• Manage project budgets, grants, contracts, timelines, deliverables, and compliance requirements to ensure successful program delivery.
• Support field office operations by assisting with annual work planning, long-range priorities, interagency coordination, and serving as Acting Supervisory Forester when assigned.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with landowners, local governments, state and federal agencies, Tribal partners, nonprofit organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Provide technical oversight for silvicultural prescriptions, vegetation management activities, and forest management recommendations using current science and CSFS standards.
• Coordinate with other CSFS field offices to share resources, align priorities, and ensure consistent program delivery across the agency.

What We're Looking For:

• Strong leadership and team management experience.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex forestry projects and programs from planning through implementation.
• Experience managing budgets, grants, contracts, and project deliverables.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with diverse partners and stakeholders.
• A commitment to science-based forest management, exceptional customer service, and collaborative problem-solving.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Forestry, Wildlife Biology/Management, Fire Ecology, or a closely related natural resource field.
• Three (3) years of professional forestry experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Wildfire management and fuels mitigation
  • Forest management
  • Forest ecology
  • Silviculture
  • Vegetation dynamics
  • Dendrology
  • Forest measurements
  • Wildlife biology

Why Choose Colorado State Forest Service?

We not only value our forests—we 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.
• Employee 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.