Forester & Forestry Technician: Protecting Forest Health

Colorado State Forest Service

Nurturing Forests. Empowering Communities. Grow Your Forestry Career with Us. The Colorado State Forest Service is seeking motivated and service-oriented professionals to join our team as either a Forester or Forestry Technician. These positions support forest management, wildfire mitigation, forest health, and community forestry programs across Colorado.

Whether you are looking to lead programs and provide technical expertise or build hands‑on field experience, we invite you to apply and be part of an agency dedicated to healthy forests and vibrant communities.

These are open pool positions. Applications will be reviewed and considered as positions become available. When opportunities arise, candidates being considered will be contacted directly with details about the specific hiring location.

Foresters play a key role in:

• Administering forestry and grant programs
• Providing technical assistance to landowners, communities, and partners
• Supporting forest management, wildfire mitigation, and forest health initiatives
• Delivering professional education and outreach
• Contributing to government and cooperative forestry projects

Salary: $50,000 – $55,000 annually (based on experience)

Forestry Technicians support forestry operations through:

• Fieldwork related to forest management and wildfire mitigation
• Assisting with data collection and project implementation
• Supporting foresters and program delivery
• Contributing to healthy forests through hands‑on outdoor work

Salary: $45,000 – $50,000 annually (based on experience)

Boulder, Fort Collins, Franktown, Frisco, Golden, Canon City, La Veta, Rifle, Woodland Park, Alamosa, Durango, Gunnison, Montrose, Salida, Grand Junction, Granby, Steamboat Springs, Colorado State Forest (Gould).

• Identity Wear Stipend
• Flexible scheduling options
• Cell phone allowance or provided work phone
• Comprehensive healthcare benefits
• 24 days of annual leave and 15 days of sick leave per year
• 12% employer retirement contribution
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional development opportunities through CSU
• 9 hours of education credits annually
• 50% tuition discount for eligible dependents and spouse/partner
• Paid administrative leave for volunteer service

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Forestry required. Degrees in another natural resource program or closely related field will be considered.
• Minimum of two (2) years of professional forestry experience.
• Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain one by the employment start date (or access to a licensed driver).
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the employment start date. The Colorado State Forest Service will not sponsor a visa for this position.

• Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Applied Science (AAS), or Associate of Science (AS) degree from a two-year Society of American Foresters (SAF)-accredited Forestry program OR
• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Forestry. Degrees in another natural resource program or closely related field will be considered.
• Must hold a valid driver’s license or have the ability to obtain one by the employment start date and meet qualifications to drive a university vehicle in accordance with CSU Vehicle Policy.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the employment start date. The Colorado State Forest Service will not sponsor a visa for this position.

CSU is an EO employer and conducts background checks on all final candidates.