Lead Project Forester

Location: Northern

## Lead Project Forester Apply locations:
CSFS State Forest (Gould) time type:
Full time posted on:
Posted Todaytime left to apply:
End Date:
September 22, 2026 (30+ days left to apply) job requisition :
R#

Job Description ##

Position Summary:

The Lead Project Forester is a supervisory, field based role within the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) that provides senior technical and operational leadership for assigned forestry programs and projects across a defined geographic area. The position advances forest health, wildfire risk mitigation, and sustainable stewardship through science based, collaborative, and outcome focused program delivery.
Working under the general direction of a Supervisory Forester, the role leads project management, team leadership, budgeting, and public engagement; represents CSFS in collaboratives; and serves as acting Supervisory Forester as needed. The work includes office and extensive field activities, with periodic travel and irregular hours during peak seasons.  
** Full Consideration Date: 9/21/2026
** Employment | Colorado State Forest Service | Colorado State University## ## Essential

Job Duties:

* Lead planning, prioritization, and delivery of forestry programs and projects (e.g., CWPP implementation, forest stewardship, Good Neighbor Authority projects, urban & community forestry, outreach) to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest resilience.
* Supervise and mentor Foresters, Forestry Technicians, seasonal employees, and interns; set goals, assign work, coach performance, and ensure safety and quality standards.
* Manage budgets, grants, and contracts; track deliverables, timelines, and compliance; maintain accountability for program performance and quality control.
* Support field office and area operations by contributing to annual work plans, long‐range priorities, scopes of work, and interagency agreements; serve as acting Supervisory Forester when assigned.
* Develop and sustain partnerships with landowners, local governments, and federal/state/tribal/NGO collaborators; represent CSFS in multi‐party initiatives and pursue funding opportunities (grants, agreements).
* Provide technical assistance and approve/oversee silvicultural prescriptions and vegetation management activities consistent with CSU/CSFS policies and best available science.
* Coordinate across field offices to align operational plans, share resources, and ensure consistent program delivery.  ## Conditions of Employment:
* Pre-employment Criminal Background Check.
* Valid Colorado driver’s license or ability to acquire one upon employment.
* Ability to travel and work irregular work hours and periodic long days, evening and weekend service; occasional out of area, and periodic overnight travel.
* Ability to drive 4x4 trucks on rough terrain, pulling a trailer and operating OHVs (to include side-by-sides, ATVs and snowmobiles).  ## Supervision:
* This position will supervise Foresters, Forester II, Forestry Technicians, seasonal employees, and student interns.  ##

Minimum Qualifications:

* A bachelor’s degree (or greater) in Forestry, Wildlife Biology/Management, Fire Ecology or other related natural resource field will be considered.
* Four (4)+ years professional forestry (e.g., forest ecology/silviculture/management/planning; watershed protection; wildfire mitigation and fuels reduction).##

Preferred Qualifications:

* Two years of experience with a state forestry agency.
* Experience developing work plans and project/program prioritization and resource allocation.
* Experience in public presentations and outreach.
* Professional experience with participation on teams, committees and other special assignments, as well as the ability to work independently.
* Experience with contracts, agreements, and grant management.
* Program and/or project management experience that included budget prepation.
* Excellent written communication skills.
* Experience with the general Microsoft Suite Office and ArcGIS software.
* Knowledge of western United States forest management techniques in the following areas:
Silviculture (e.g., Colorado tree silvics; intermediate treatments; even-aged and uneven-aged structure), disturbance…