Forestry Program Specialist

Colorado State University, United States

Updated: over 1 year ago
Location: Fort Collins, COLORADO
Deadline: 26 Sep 2022

Posting Details
Posting Detail Information


Working Title Forestry Program Specialist
Position Location Fort Collins, CO
Is this position eligible for hybrid or remote work?
Research Professional Position No
Posting Number 202201351AP
Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title Project/Prgm Mngmt I
Number of Vacancies
Work Hours/Week 40
Proposed Annual Salary Range $55,000 - $58,000, 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 09/26/2022
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 17 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.
This position is based in Fort Collins, with the potential for flexible work arrangements, including remote work within the State of Colorado. Candidates interested in remote options must be able to travel to Fort Collins, the Denver area, or other locations throughout Colorado periodically for meetings, trainings, etc.
Position Summary
Under the direct supervision of the Manager of Program Delivery, the Forestry Program Specialist is responsible for the oversight and administration of assigned forestry grant programs including the Forest Restoration and Wildfire Risk Mitigation (FRWRM) grant program, Landscape Scale Restoration Grant program, and Healthy Forests and Vibrant Communities fuels mitigation grant program. This position will be responsible for program administration, professional forestry functions, and technical assistance to field units throughout Colorado.
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, 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 on various committees and working groups.
Daily activities include: grant program development and administration, budget administration, assisting field with program implementation and coordination, maintaining relationships with key partners, responding to requests for information from various constituents with quick turnaround times, 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 other related field will be considered.
  • Four years of combined field forestry and forest 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 or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date.
Preferred Job Qualifications
  • Advanced knowledge of Forest Management with basic knowledge of United States Forests, Western watershed issues, and major forest health disturbances.
  • Knowledge of field forestry activities (prescription development and forestry project administration).
  • Program Planning and Administration
    • 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.
    • 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.

  • Communications
    • Ability to build strong working relationships with diverse stakeholders.
    • Experience in organizing, developing and delivering public presentations, publications, and other informational and educational activities.
    • Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
    • Experience communicating effectively with federal, state, local agencies and non- governmental organizations.
    • Demonstrated ability to work independently and at a high level of proficiency.
    • 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):
  • Forest Restoration and Wildfire Risk Mitigation Grant Program (FRWRM)
    • Revise, edit and finalize grant application materials including; request for applications, applications, application instructions, and scoring materials.
    • Recruit technical advisory panel members and communicate program process and scoring directions.
    • Facilitate annual scoring and funding recommendation meetings with the FRWRM technical advisory panel.
    • Coordinate on program promotion and respond to media requests.
    • Accept and review applications for eligibility.
    • Coordinate with CSFS Administrative Division to provide scores/feedback, approval and denial letters, award packets, etc.
    • Manage budgets for individual grant projects and track accomplishments.  
    • Review and approve all reimbursement requests.
    • Summarize and communicate information about the program internally and externally (awards, progress reports, legislative inquiries, etc.).
    • Manage agreements related to grant program requirements.
    • Respond to legislative requests and incorporate legislative changes into the program.

  • LSR Grants and HFVC Grants
    • 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 proposal forms and budgets, setting timelines for submissions, 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 65%
Job Duty Category Support to Field Staff and Professional Services
Duty/Responsibility
The incumbent of this position will be responsible for providing programmatic direction to CSFS field staff in the planning and implementation of forestry grant programs within their jurisdiction. This position will also:
Provide annual updates and internal training for CSFS staff involved in assigned grant programs.
  • Provides assistance to CSFS field units in the development of competitive grant applications to carry out this work.
  • Provide technical support to CSFS staff, cooperators, and landowners to ensure assigned grant programs are effectively administered in compliance with state/federal fiscal rules.
  • Outdoor work may occur with periodic field visits to interact with CSFS staff and collaborators, document accomplishments and understand area priorities.
Percentage Of Time 20%
Job Duty Category State and Regional Program Leadership
Duty/Responsibility
The position maintains key working relationships with various local, state, and federal partners.  The incumbent is expected to provide leadership, oversight, coordination and administration of working groups when needed, and advocating for forest management and social change consistent with our mission and strategic priorities.  This position will also represent the CSFS on competitive grant scoring committees. 
Percentage Of Time 10%
Job Duty Category Supervision of Non-Permanent Employees
Duty/Responsibility
This position may be responsible for the daily oversight and guidance of non-permanent 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 s staff as needed.
Percentage Of Time 5%

Application Details


Special Instructions to Applicants
For full consideration, please apply by 9/26/2022 with a cover letter that addresses the required and preferred job qualifications, a resume, and the contact information for three professional references. 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 off-site and periodic overnight travel., Special Requirements/Other - Irregular work hours and periodic long days, evening and weekend service
Search Contact Tina Little (970) 491-8662 [email protected]
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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