Forestry Communications Specialist

Updated: about 1 year ago
Location: Fort Collins, COLORADO
Deadline: 05 Dec 2022

Posting Details
Posting Detail Information


Working Title Forestry Communications Specialist
Position Location Fort Collins, CO
Work Location Position is fully remote
Research Professional Position No
Posting Number 202201859AP
Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title Prof/Indiv Contrib I
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 12/05/2022
Description of Work Unit
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.
The Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) provides technical forestry assistance, wildfire mitigation expertise, and outreach and education to help landowners and communities achieve their forest management goals. Services provided by the CSFS Communications and Communities Division directly relate to its mission to achieve stewardship of Colorado’s diverse forest environments for the benefit of present and future generations. The division is responsible for leadership of all CSFS communications-related initiatives to increase visibility, knowledge and awareness of the CSFS, forestry, the benefits of trees and forests, environmental issues and wildfire mitigation in Colorado. This includes seeking and cultivating relationships that improve the delivery of CSFS messages and facilitating the transfer of knowledge using a variety of educational and informational methods and styles.
Position Summary
Under the strategic direction of the Communications Manager, the Forestry Communications Specialist is responsible for ongoing, detailed coordination and tasks required to create content in conjunction with forestry experts, writers, editors, videographers, internal and external contractors and others. This position will distill complex scientific material from interviews and technical reports into engaging, compelling multimedia content to communicate with lay audiences. The communications specialist will create appropriate media products (including but not limited to feature articles for print and online publications, videos, podcasts, story maps, e-newsletters and social media posts) that further the mission of the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS). This position may also travel to events to take photos and video and will coordinate other projects as assigned.
This position operates out of the State Office of the CSFS in Fort Collins, Colorado, with the potential for flexible work arrangements, including remote work. Candidates interested in remote options must be able to travel to Fort Collins, the Denver area and/or other locations throughout Colorado periodically for staff meetings, etc.
Required Job Qualifications
  • A bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Media Communications or similar communications program, OR Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, Forestry or other agency-aligned degrees, along with a background or experience in communications, also will be considered.
  • At least two years of experience in content creation for various audiences, as a professional writer/editor, video producer, multimedia producer, website author, audio producer, social media manager or a combination of those.
  • Experience with Microsoft Office (i.e. Word and Outlook) and Adobe Creative Suite (i.e. Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and Premiere Pro).
  • 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
  • At least four years of professional experience in content creation or digital storytelling through writing/editing, publications, public outreach, video production, social media, podcast production and/or journalism, preferably in a science, forestry or natural resource field.
  • Experience in the entire content production process, from concept to planning to review/editing to print and/or online publication.
  • Experience creating online reports or story maps.
  • Experience creating media products that conform to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.
  • Experience using a Content Management System, such as WordPress or Drupal.
  • Basic photography and image editing experience.
  • Basic videography experience including filming, editing and/or production.
  • Professional experience with social media and related best practices, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.
  • Education/outreach experience working with diverse audiences in public settings.
  • Proficiency with AP Style.
  • Ability and willingness to serve as a backup to respond to media inquiries by arranging media interviews with CSFS staff.
  • Professional or academic experience in natural resource management, forestry or similar programs of study.
  • Knowledge and awareness of forest management principles and wildfire mitigation practices.
  • Well-developed and professional written and oral communication skills.
  • Experience coordinating multiple programs/projects and effectively establishing priorities while being accountable for commitments.
  • Ability to provide excellent customer service and assistance to a broad range of internal and external customers.
  • Energetic and positive team player who also works well independently.
  • Strong organizational skills and keen attention to detail.
Diversity Statement
Demonstrated knowledge of, and relevant ability with, culturally diverse communities among potential target and constituent populations.

Essential Duties


Job Duty Category Content creation and digital storytelling
Duty/Responsibility
  • Create compelling, engaging content for various audiences for website, social media, print publications, e-newsletters, podcasts and partner publications.
  • Under the guidance of the Communications Manager, coordinate the process of producing a wide range of content related to forest health, forest restoration and wildfire mitigation.
  • Complete research and conduct interviews to prepare online/print content for various audiences. Write and/or consolidate articles or produce videos or recordings into drafts for review and comment. Facilitate the review and editing process.
  • Distill technical or scientific information into engaging, comprehensible information for lay audiences.
  • Attend media/special events to take photographs or video and report on.
  • Follow the editorial calendar and suggest angles and content for upcoming communications priorities for the agency.
  • Assist with the production of story maps and digital reports.
Percentage Of Time 60%
Job Duty Category Online communication support
Duty/Responsibility
  • Ensure accessibility of all CSFS online content.
  • Make requested updates to the CSFS website.
  • Assist with maintenance of multimedia library.
  • Assist with the agency’s drone (UAS) program.
  • Other projects as assigned.\
Percentage Of Time 25%
Job Duty Category Social media management
Duty/Responsibility
  • Contribute content to the social media team, following the editorial calendar.
  • Post on social media according to CSU guidelines and coordinate the content and posting by other CSFS staff involved with social media.
  • Monitor and respond to posts on social media accounts and engage with other partners and constituents through social media platforms.
Percentage Of Time 10%
Job Duty Category CSFS branding and design support
Duty/Responsibility
  • Assist with development of promotional materials and displays, making sure that key messages are integrated into all displays, handouts and other materials.
  • Assist with the creation of office, project and interpretive signage as necessary.
  • Create and revise agency PowerPoint templates as needed.
Percentage Of Time 5%

Application Details


Special Instructions to Applicants
To apply, please submit a cover letter addressing how you meet both the required and preferred qualifications, a résumé, 3 examples of content created (upload links to one word document) and (3) professional references.
This position has the potential for flexible work arrangements. Candidates interested in remote options must be able to travel to Fort Collins, the Denver area, or other locations throughout Colorado for site visits, meetings, trainings, etc.
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 - Occasional irregular work hours and evening and weekend service, with occasional overnight travel, Special Requirements/Other - Ability to work effectively and efficiently under deadline pressure and to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Search Contact Kristy Burnett, [email protected], 970-218-8363
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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