Lead Project Forester

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

The Colorado State Forest Service is seeking an experienced and service-driven Lead Project Forester to guide our forestry programs and projects that support forest health, wildfire mitigation, and resilient landscapes across Colorado. This position plays a critical leadership role in delivering high-impact forestry work while mentoring staff and building strong partnerships with communities and stakeholders.

Lead Project Foresters are responsible for overseeing program delivery, managing teams, and ensuring projects are completed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with CSFS and CSU standards. This is an exciting opportunity for professionals looking to take the next step in leadership while making a meaningful impact across Colorado’s forests and communities. Apply today!

Location: Montrose, CO

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

What You’ll Do:

• Lead planning, prioritization, and implementation of forestry programs and projects (e.g., CWPPs, forest stewardship, Good Neighbor Authority, community forestry, 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 work planning and interagency coordination
• Build and maintain partnerships with landowners, agencies, and community stakeholders
• Provide technical oversight of silvicultural prescriptions and vegetation management activities
• Coordinate across field offices to ensure consistent program delivery and resource sharing

What We’re Looking For:

• Strong leadership and team management experience
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex forestry projects and programs
• Experience with budgeting, grants, contracts, and compliance
• Strong communication skills and ability to work with diverse stakeholders
• Commitment to safety, quality work, and excellent customer service

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Forestry, Wildlife Biology/Management, Fire Ecology, or a related natural resource field
• Three (3) years of professional forestry experience, including areas such as wildfire mitigation, forest management, silviculture, forest health, or vegetation dynamics

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.