Forestry Program Specialist

Colorado State University, United States

Updated: about 2 months ago
Location: Fort Collins, COLORADO
Deadline: 09 Oct 2023

Posting Details
Posting Detail Information


Working Title Forestry Program Specialist
Position Location Fort Collins, CO
Work Location Position qualifies for hybrid/in-office work
Research Professional Position No
Posting Number 202301624AP
Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title Project/Prgm Mngmt I
Number of Vacancies
Work Hours/Week 40
Proposed Annual Salary Range $65,000-70,000, commensurate with experience
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion , and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
  • For detailed benefit plan information for eligible employees, visit https://hr.colostate.edu/hr-community-and-supervisors/benefits/benefits-eligibility/ and https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-perks/ .
  • For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, visit https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/ .
  • For more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in, visit https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/ .
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 10/09/2023
Description of Work Unit
The Colorado State Forest Service is an agency of Colorado State University (CSU), Colorado’s land grant institution of higher education, and is housed, organizationally, in the Warner College of Natural Resources. The CSFS also staffs the Division of Forestry for the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. The CSFS has 18 field units throughout the state, with a State Office located in Fort Collins on one of the foothills campuses of CSU.
The Forest Planning and Implementation Division of the Colorado State Forest Service provides administration and oversight of forest management programs that directly contribute to the agency’s mission of “the stewardship of Colorado’s diverse forest environments for the benefit of present and future generations”. The Forestry Program Specialist is a sub-staff of the Forest Planning and Implementation Division of the Colorado State Forest Service. The administration of forest management programs is carried out under the supervision of the Manager of Program Delivery.
Position Summary
Under the direct supervision of the Manager of Program Delivery, the Forestry Program Specialist is responsible for the oversight and administration of programs including the Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) program and related grant programs such as the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Community Assistance Grant, United States Forest Service (USFS) Adjacent Lands Grant and National Forest Foundation (NFF) grants. This position will be responsible for program administration, professional forestry functions, and science-based forest management expertise supporting field units throughout Colorado. The position maintains key working relationships with partners and represents the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) on a variety of state and regional committees.
This position requires that the Program Specialist is proficient in general program management skills including but not limited to: recording accomplishments, meeting deadlines, tracking budgets, developing and sustaining key relationships and supporting field operations. The Program Specialist needs to be proactive in their program development, assist other Program Specialists accomplishing program objectives, forecast program needs, be aware of significant changes, practices, science, etc. in related areas, and effectively share new knowledge and information with internal staff and external partners and cooperators. The Program Specialist will also serve as a CSFS representative and advocate for forest management and social change consistent with our mission and strategic priorities.
Daily activities include: grant and agreement writing and administration, budget administration, assisting field with program implementation and coordination, maintaining relationships with key partners, conducting trainings and workshops, and assisting the Manager of Program Delivery with other special projects as they arise.
Required Job Qualifications
  • A bachelor’s degree (or greater) in forestry, another natural resources program, or a related degree will be considered.
  • Four years of combined field forestry and forest or natural resource management program administration experience.
  • 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
  • Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date.
Preferred Job Qualifications
  • Advanced knowledge of Forest Management with basic knowledge of Western United States Forests, Western watershed issues, and major forest health disturbances.
  • Experience with and knowledge of field forestry activities (cruising, prescription development, timber marking, timber sale and/or contract administration).
  • Knowledge of and experience with forestry-related operations including; timber harvesting, road construction and maintenance, and reforestation.
  • Experience with program planning and administration including: Effectively documenting accomplishments, record-keeping, developing annual reports; budget management; and developing annual program of work, and strategic planning.
  • Experience with writing, reviewing, and managing various forestry related grants.
  • Development and administration of contracts and agreements.
  • Strong organizational, multitasking, planning and prioritizing skills.
  • Experience with and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and advance outcomes with internal staff and external partners, cooperators and teams.
  • Experience working in and maintaining a safe working environment.
  • Demonstrated excellent customer service ethic and professionalism.
  • Experience in organizing, developing and delivering public presentations.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills including experience communicating effectively with federal, state, local agencies and non- governmental organizations.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and at a high level of proficiency.
  • Ability to build strong working relationships with communities, other agencies, non-profit groups, partners and stakeholders.
  • Strong interpersonal skills including demonstrated ability to work on multiple projects in a collaborative team environment, resolve conflicts, and negotiate with multiple workgroups or organizations.
Diversity Statement
Demonstrated knowledge of, and relevant ability with, culturally diverse communities among potential target and constituent populations.

Essential Duties


Job Duty Category Program Planning and Administration
Duty/Responsibility
This position requires proficiency in general program planning and administration skills including but not limited to: recording accomplishments, meeting deadlines, budget tracking and administration. The Program Specialist needs to be proactive and forward thinking in their program development, assist other Program Specialists in accomplishing program objectives, forecast program needs, be aware of significant changes, practices, science, etc. in related areas, and effectively share new knowledge and information with internal staff and external partners and cooperators.
  • Specifically, the incumbent will facilitate the creation and implementation of multi-year plans to ensure completion of annual program of work; coordinate closely with local, state and federal partners in the administration of assigned programs; plan and monitor annual budgets for assigned programs including on-going grants under the purview of this position; and monitor target accomplishment and ensure accomplishment reports are completed in a timely manner.
  • Areas of focus include (but are not limited to):
    • Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) Program
    • Maintain critical partner relationships (USFS, BLM, NFF, etc.) at a statewide level
    • Assist with development and review of new and modifications to GNA and partner agreements, Supplemental Project Agreements (SPAs) and financial plans
    • Provide budget oversight and tracking for all SPAs and partner agreements
    • Provide guidance and training to CSFS staff and external partners on the GNA program and implementation
    • Assist with partner coordination
    • Develop guidance for program reporting and submit annual/quarterly reports

  • Community Assistance (CA) Grant Program
    • Coordinate and apply for funding through the BLM funded CA program
    • CA grant administration and oversight
    • Budget tracking and program reporting
  • Adjacent Lands Grant or similar Grant Program(s)
    • Coordinate and apply for funding through the USFS or other partners for non-federal land treatments adjacent to federal GNA projects
    • Adjacent Lands Grant/NFF or similar grant administration and oversight
    • Budget tracking and program reporting
Percentage Of Time 45%
Job Duty Category Support to Field Staff and Professional Services
Duty/Responsibility
The incumbent of this position will be responsible for providing professional forest management services and science-based forest management information to all CSFS field staff in the planning and implementation of forest management activities within their jurisdiction including: GNA, BLM Community Assistance Grants, USFS Adjacent Lands Grants, and NFF agreements.
  • Provides technical, educational and outreach support to CSFS Areas and their industrial/nonindustrial cooperators on forest management practices/issues as requested
  • Provides assistance to CSFS field units in the development of timber sale contracts and service agreements to carry out this work.
Percentage Of Time 20%
Job Duty Category State and Regional Program Leadership
Duty/Responsibility
The position maintains key working relationships with various local, state, region and federal partners including the USFS, BLM, and NFF. The incumbent is expected to provide leadership, oversight, science-based forest management expertise, coordination and administration of working groups when needed, and advocating for forest management and social change consistent with our mission and strategic priorities.
  • Represents the CSFS on the Council of Western States Foresters (CWSF) GNA Task Force
  • Serve as the liaison with the USFS Region 2 and statewide BLM GNA and NFF program contacts
  • Coordinate with the Colorado Timber Industry Association (CTIA)
Percentage Of Time 20%
Job Duty Category Grant Administration
Duty/Responsibility
The incumbent of this position will be responsible for preparation and submittal of grant applications for programs under oversight including NFF Grants, BLM Community Assistance Grants and USFS Adjacent Lands Grants. The Program Specialist is expected to monitor target accomplishment and ensure accomplishment reports are completed in a timely manner.
Specific responsibilities include (but are not limited to):
  • Provide technical support to CSFS staff and cooperators to ensure grant programs are effectively administered in compliance with state/federal fiscal rules.
  • Administer grant proposal process including distributing pre-proposal forms and budgets, setting timelines for submissions, leading full grant development, and finalizing grants for submission.
  • Manage budgets for individual grant projects and track accomplishments. Approve reimbursements.
  • Assist area staff in identifying areas for potential grant projects that align with agency priority areas.
  • Develop grant proposals that support program goals and objectives as needed.
Percentage Of Time 10%
Job Duty Category Supervision of Seasonal and Hourly Employees
Duty/Responsibility
  • This position may be responsible for the daily oversight and guidance of seasonal and/or hourly staff, ensuring regular communication with employees. This position will develop and monitor ongoing performance. They will be responsible for creating bi-annual employee development plans, and updating those plans as needed. They are also expected to ensure the day-to-day safety of employees, and mentor and train seasonal and/or hourly staff as needed.
Percentage Of Time 5%

Application Details


Special Instructions to Applicants
Interested applicants must submit a cover letter which addresses how professional experiences align with identified required and preferred qualifications of the position, a current resume, and the names, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of three (3) professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates.
Hybrid Position with location based out of the State Office – Fort Collins, Colorado
CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the search contact, Diana Selby at Diana.Selby@colostate.edu.
Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver’s License - Successful applicants 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., Special Requirements/Other - Irregular work hours and periodic long days, evening and weekend service, occasional off-site., Travel - Periodic overnight travel.
Search Contact Diana Selby, Diana.Selby@colostate.edu
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, titleix@colostate.edu .
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, oeo@colostate.edu .
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, oeo@colostate.edu .
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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