Nurturing Forests. Empowering Communities. Lead the Future of Forestry in Northwest Colorado.

The Colorado State Forest Service is seeking an experienced and service-driven Lead Project Forester to lead forestry programs and projects that support forest health, wildfire mitigation, and resilient landscapes in the Steamboat Springs area. This position plays a critical leadership role in delivering high-impact forestry work while mentoring staff, managing projects and programs, and building strong partnerships with landowners, communities, and agency partners.

The Lead Project Forester will oversee program delivery, supervise and mentor forestry staff, manage budgets and contracts, and ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with CSFS and CSU standards. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced forestry professional to take on a leadership role while making a meaningful impact on the forests and communities of Northwest Colorado. Apply today!

Location: Steamboat Springs, CO

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

What You’ll Do:

• Lead planning, prioritization, and implementation of forestry programs and projects, including CWPP implementation, forest stewardship, Good Neighbor Authority, community forestry, wildfire mitigation, and 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 annual work planning, long-range priorities, scopes of work, and interagency coordination
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with landowners, local governments, and federal, state, tribal, and nonprofit organizations
• Provide technical oversight of silvicultural prescriptions and vegetation management activities
• Represent CSFS in collaborative and multi-party initiatives and pursue funding opportunities
• Coordinate with other field offices to share resources and support consistent program delivery
• Serve as Acting Supervisory Forester when assigned

What We’re Looking For:

• Strong leadership and team management experience
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex forestry programs and projects
• Experience with budgeting, grants, contracts, and compliance
• Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills
• Experience working with landowners, communities, agencies, and other stakeholders
• Knowledge of western forest management practices, including silviculture, forest health, wildfire mitigation, and WUI fuels reduction
• Commitment to safety, quality work, and excellent customer service
• Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating with teams and partners
• Strong field forestry skills and the ability to work in steep, high-elevation terrain

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Forestry, Wildlife Biology/Management, Fire Ecology, or a related natural resource field
• Four (4) years of professional forestry experience, including areas such as wildfire mitigation, forest management, silviculture, forest health, forest planning, watershed protection, or fuels reduction

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.