Description
Lead Colorado’s Forestry Efforts as a Supervisory Forester – Hiring for TWO Locations!
The Colorado State Forest Service is seeking two Supervisory Foresters to oversee and manage critical forestry programs and projects. These roles include direct oversight of planning, program execution, and day-to-day operations, with policy-level decisions elevated to senior leadership as needed.
As members of the Area Operations Team, the Supervisory Forester collaborates to allocate resources, ensure cohesive program delivery, and achieve agency goals on time and within budget. These position also serves as a liaison to related functional divisions and program areas, helping to implement agency priorities at the field level. Apply Now!
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead one primary functional area (Science & Data, Communications & Communities, or Forest Planning & Implementation) and support others as needed.
- Supervise and coach staff, manage workloads, and support professional development.
- Oversee project and program implementation, ensuring alignment with CSFS goals and policies.
- Manage project budgets (ranging from $5,000–$1 million), contracts, grants, and agreements.
- Coordinate with partners, local officials, landowners, and Area leadership to deliver cohesive, effective program work.
- Support annual work planning, record-keeping, and reporting for your Field Office and Area Operations Team.
Salary: $65,000 - $70,000 (based on experience)
Location: Hiring for two positions: Golden, CO and Steamboat Springs, CO.
*Please specify in your cover letter which location you are interested in.
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 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.
- Educational Empowerment: Receive 9 free education credits annually through CSU.
- 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.
- 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:
This position provides a unique opportunity to combine strategic leadership with hands-on forestry expertise. If you’re ready to make an impact and help shape the future of Colorado’s forests, apply today!
For full consideration, applications must be received no later than 11:59pm MT on January 5, 2026. References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates.
CSU is an EO employer and conducts background checks on all final candidates.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resources, or related field
- Four years of professional forestry experience
- Valid driver’s license (or ability to obtain)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience supervising staff and leading forestry projects
- Strong skills in partnership-building, public engagement, budgeting, and grant/contract management
- Knowledge of western U.S. forest management practices and field forestry techniques
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, ArcGIS, GPS, and geospatial tools
- Professional certifications such as SAF Certified Forester or ISA Certified Arborist
