Experiential Learning Specialist

Colorado State University, United States

Updated: over 1 year ago
Location: Fort Collins, COLORADO
Deadline: 09 Dec 2022

Posting Details
Posting Detail Information


Working Title Experiential Learning Specialist
Position Location Fort Collins, CO
Is this position eligible for hybrid or remote work? Yes - Hybrid Remote/In-Office
Research Professional Position No
Posting Number 202201745AP
Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title Prof/Indiv Contrib II
Number of Vacancies
Work Hours/Week 40
Proposed Annual Salary Range 53,000 - 55,000, commensurate with experience
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University (CSU) is committed to providing employees with a strong and competitive benefits package that supports you, your health, and your family. Visit CSU’s Human Resources website for detailed benefit plan information for permanent full-time and part-time faculty and administrative professional employees in the following University benefit areas: https://hr.colostate.edu/hr-community-and-supervisors/benefits/benefits-eligibility/ & https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-perks/ .
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 12/09/2022
Description of Work Unit
The Science and Data Division of the Colorado State Forest Service provides leadership, oversight, coordination, and administration of statewide science and data programs, policies, and procedures that contribute directly to the delivery of agency core services. Division staff advise field personnel, agency leadership, and management on current and emerging issues in Geospatial Data Management and Analysis, Forest Inventory Analysis and Monitoring, Forest Insect and Disease Monitoring, and Science Delivery program areas. Division staff work collaboratively with CSFS customers and partners to meet these program delivery needs. Division staff support Colorado State University Warner College of Natural Resources and College of Agriculture, and Front Range Community College academic programs and connect CSFS with research and resources from these programs.
The Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship within the Warner College of Natural Resources’ mission is to promote interdisciplinary stewardship of forests and rangelands by creating and communicating knowledge to students, land managers, policy makers, scientific peers, and the public. The Department has active programs in teaching, research, and outreach.
This position may operate out of a dual office environment both at the Foothills and Main CSU campus in Fort Collins, Colorado. Occasional travel, including some evening and weekend work, is required based on agency and college needs. Hybrid and remote work options are available.
Founded in 1870, Colorado State University is among the nation’s leading research universities and enrolls approximately 32,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Located an hour north of the Denver metro area, Fort Collins is a vibrant community of approximately 157,000 residents that offers the convenience of a small town with all the amenities of a large city. Fort Collins is situated on the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains with views of 14,000 foot peaks, and offers access to numerous cultural, recreational, and outdoor opportunities.
Position Summary
Under the supervision and guidance of the Associate Director of Science and Data in collaboration with the Department Head of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship (FRS) the Academic Liaison and Experimental Learning Specialist will facilitate collaboration among the Warner College of Natural Resources (WCNR)/Colorado State University (CSU) academic and research programs, other universities and colleges, and the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS). The Academic Liaison will help position the CSFS as a regional leader in science-based, climate adaptive forest management practices by ensuring that field practices are based on the best available science. Core functions of this position include: providing leadership, facilitating and coordinating student internships and relevant experiential learning opportunities for students; developing and instructing silviculture and forest ecology courses for the Online Graduate Certificate Program in Applied Silviculture; instructing forestry field skills courses within the FRS department; translating climate change-related research and general science synthesis; and supporting key CSFS strategic planning initiatives. Additionally the Academic Liaison will supervise and mentor students and have a support role in advising the student chapter of the Society of American Foresters.
Required Job Qualifications
  • Master’s degree in silviculture or forest ecology or related field.
  • One year of professional forest management or forest resource assessment experience.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date.
  • Experience mentoring students
  • The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States before the employment start date; Colorado State Forest Service will not sponsor a visa for this position
Preferred Job Qualifications
  • Two years of professional forest management or forest resource assessment experience.
  • One year of internship program management and/or intern supervision
  • Demonstrated ability to plan curriculum for the instruction of forest ecological processes and how these process are incorporated into silvicultural strategies and tactics to achieve desired management goals and objectives.
  • Ability to deliver instruction in the classroom, field settings, and online.
  • Experience in the development, delivery, and/or implementation and evaluation of trainings and experiential learning opportunities for students utilizing a wide array of techniques for diverse audiences in formal, informal, and virtual classrooms/learning environments.
  • Ability to monitor and evaluate student performance and provide career development guidance.
  • Ability to synthesize information and write reports that explain complex concepts such as climate change adaptation strategies to field managers to support adaptive forest management.
  • Understanding of, and experience with, university systems and practices.
  • Well developed and professional written and oral communication skills.
  • A commitment to continuing education/professional development.
  • Participation and leadership in professional organizations and environmental civic groups.
  • Use of communication technology tools such as Microsoft Office Suite to improve information sharing and effectiveness.
  • Ability to manage multiple programs/projects and effectively establish priorities while being accountable for commitments.
  • Demonstrated commitment to enhancing diversity and inclusion.
Diversity Statement
Demonstrated knowledge of, and relevant ability with, culturally diverse communities among potential target and constituent populations.

Essential Duties


Job Duty Category Experiential Learning
Duty/Responsibility
  • Develop, lead and coordinate the CSFS internship programs.
  • Serve as the on-campus contact for the CSFS-WCNR internship program.
  • Teach and co-facilitate the Online Graduate Certificate in Applied Silviculture.
  • Develop course content and teach or co-teach courses at WCNR that include but are not limited to the Online Graduate Certificate program in Applied Silviculture.
  • Instruct portions of natural resource management classes as time allows, and assist WCNR’s faculty to identify and schedule guest lecturers for their classes.
  • Coordinate CSFS support for the WCNR curriculum.
Percentage Of Time 80%
Job Duty Category Applied Forestry Science Translation
Duty/Responsibility
  • Lead science syntheses and technology transfer of emerging research, facilitate webinars and trainings with scientists for CSFS staff
  • Support state-level strategic planning efforts by providing current and emerging scientific perspectives.
  • Connect WCNR faculty with field efforts and field foresters to foster collaboration and facilitate use of lands connected to CSFS efforts in future WCNR research.
Percentage Of Time 10%
Job Duty Category Advising
Duty/Responsibility
  • Co-advise the SAF student chapter (Alpha Chapter) and serve as liaison between students, local SAF, and CSFS employees and programs in a way that helps all parties meet their collective professional missions.
Percentage Of Time 5%
Job Duty Category Supervision and Mentoring
Duty/Responsibility
  • Supervise hourly undergraduates.
  • Facilitate formal mentoring of undergraduate students.
Percentage Of Time 5%

Application Details


Special Instructions to Applicants
To apply submit a resume, cover letter, unofficial transcripts, and a statement of teaching interests and philosophy. The cover letter should explicitly describe the context of the applicant’s interests and expertise as related to the preferred qualifications. Reflecting organizational and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance Colorado State University’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates.
Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver’s License, Travel - Irregular work hours and periodic long days, evening and weekend service, occasional periodic overnight travel., Special Requirements/Other - Perform strenuous outdoor work in a variety of weather conditions.
Search Contact Amanda West Fordham, [email protected], 970-286-5021
EEO Statement
Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services.
The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715, [email protected] .
The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, [email protected] .
The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, [email protected] .
Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education .
Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

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