1

Forest Service Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Forest Service information

See Colorado salary details

$34.7K

$73.6K

$124.6K

How much do forest service jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for forest service in Colorado is $73,575.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,700.00 and $84,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the Forest Service?

The Forest Service is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture responsible for managing public lands in national forests and grasslands. Its mission includes sustaining the health, diversity, and productivity of these lands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The Forest Service oversees activities like wildfire management, reforestation, conservation, recreation, and the protection of wildlife habitats. Additionally, it works with states, local communities, and private landowners to promote sustainable forest management practices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Forest Service?

To thrive in the Forest Service, you need a background in forestry, environmental science, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree or specialized training. Familiarity with GIS software, fire management tools, and safety certifications such as wildland firefighting are commonly required. Strong teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help individuals excel in managing diverse tasks and responding to emergencies. These skills are crucial to ensure the sustainable management of natural resources and the safety of both the public and the environment.

What are some of the main challenges faced by employees working in the Forest Service, and how are they typically addressed?

Forest Service employees often encounter challenges such as working in remote locations, unpredictable weather conditions, and balancing conservation efforts with public land use. To address these, teams emphasize strong communication, thorough safety training, and robust support systems. Collaboration across multidisciplinary teams is common, and employees have access to ongoing professional development to help them adapt to evolving environmental regulations and public needs. This supportive environment helps staff manage challenges and grow within the organization.

What is the difference between Forest Service vs Forest Technician?

AspectForest ServiceForest Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; often requires certifications in forestry or related fields
Work EnvironmentNational forests, parks, and public lands; outdoor, physically demandingFieldwork in forests, parks, and conservation areas; outdoor and hands-on
Employer & IndustryU.S. Forest Service, government agencyU.S. Forest Service, state agencies, or private contractors
Common Search & ComparisonForest Service vs Forest Technician

Both roles work within the U.S. Forest Service and involve outdoor work, but Forest Service is a broad agency position, while Forest Technicians focus on specific field tasks like data collection and trail maintenance. The qualifications are similar, emphasizing outdoor skills and certifications. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right fit in forestry careers.

Can you work for the Forest Service without a degree?

The Forest Service offers some entry-level positions that do not require a college degree, such as fire fighters, laborers, and certain seasonal roles. However, many professional and technical positions typically require relevant education or specialized training, and certifications like CPR or first aid may be necessary. Having relevant skills and experience can also improve job prospects in the Forest Service.

What are the most commonly searched types of Forest Service jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Forest Service jobs in Colorado are:

What are popular job titles related to Forest Service jobs in Colorado?

For Forest Service jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Forest Service jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Forest Service job openings:

Infographic showing various Forest Service job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,575 per year, or $35.4 per hour.

Wildland Firefighter (Fuels Specialist)

Forest Service

Canon City, CO • On-site, Remote

$67K - $87K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


USDA Forest Service rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 120 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

159th of 297 rated public sector bodies


Job description

Summary
This position is located at a USDA Forest Service Unit.
The incumbents primary responsibilities of the position are preparing and implementing prescribed fire plans, fire effects monitoring plans, manual and mechanical hazardous fuels treatments, and smoke and wildland fire use monitoring plans.
See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION for contact information.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
  • Prepare and implement prescribed fire plans, fire effects monitoring plans, manual and mechanical hazardous fuels treatments, and smoke and wildland fire use monitoring plans.
  • Assist in planning and coordinating routine aspects of the prescribed fire and fuels management program.
  • Assist in evaluating prescription treatments, monitoring methods and new technologies and making refinements as appropriate to improve the organization's effectiveness.
  • Conduct surveys and evaluates data to develop prescriptions for prescribed fire and wildland fire use.
  • Review project plans and makes recommendations on appropriate levels of monitoring. Assist in establishing study plots to assess fire and fire suppression impacts on the ecosystem.
  • Assist in researching the effects and behavior of prescribed fire to assist in the development of short-term fire management objectives and strategies.

Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service or exempt.
  • Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
  • Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
  • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify.
  • Must be 18 years of age.
  • This is a drug testing designated position. You will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. Appointment is based on a negative result. This announcement constitutes 30 days advance notice.
  • Must pass the Work Capacity Test for certain Interagency Fire Program Management or Fire Program Management positions.
  • Secondary Coverage: Prior wildland firefighting experience is required.
  • Willing to live/work in remote locations (volatile/unpredictable).
  • Some Fire positions may have Conditions of Employment such as: a valid state driver's license; a commercial driver's license (CDL); pre-appointment and random drug testing; or a physical or medical examination.
  • As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications
In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GW-08: You must have one year specialized experience equivalent to the GW-07 in the Federal service.
Specialized experience is defined as examples of the following: Serving as burn boss using various methods in broadcast burning, pile burning, and under burning operations. Performing fire pre-suppression or suppression duties on a fire line controlling wildfire and using fire to accomplish fuel treatment prescriptions. Assisting in monitoring fire behavior, evaluating fire effects, identifying potential problems and making basic recommendations.
Selective Placement Factors
Successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirements of Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB) and Secondary NWCG Core Requirement of Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4).
Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) and Forest Service - Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) qualifications must be met by the time of selection. Most recent IQCS master record and/or signed Agency Certified task book must be attached to your application. If you are selected, you may be required to submit an updated IQCS master record or signed Agency Certified task book as proof of attainment of IFPM requirements prior to a final verbal offer.
In order to be considered for this position, copies of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record (or equivalent training documents) which contain documented proof of the certification or attainment of the IFPM Selective Placement Factor for this position MUST be attached to your application. Red cards are not acceptable documentation. Currency Requirement: Required to maintain currency once hired into the position. Currency of NWCG qualifications is not required for selection. If not currently qualified, the applicant must provide documented evidence that they have been fully qualified in the past, and are able to regain currency within one year of being hired. Failure to provide this documentation will result in disqualification.
This position has been identified under the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) or Forest Service Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) and is subject to selective placement factor requirements contained in the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard and Guide when filling this vacancy. IFPM or FS-FPM selective placement factors are made up of a primary and secondary National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) core Incident Management Qualifications and Required Training. The applicant must possess these qualifications at the applicable complexity level to be considered eligible for this position.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a secondary firefighter position under 5 USC 8336 (CSRS) and 8412(d) (FERS). Prior wildland firefighting experience is required. There is no age limit for entry into secondary positions. Firefighter retirement coverage of the incumbent depends upon his or her individual work history.
WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the ARDUOUS level is a condition of employment.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Education
There is no substitution of education for specialized experience.
Additional information
For additional information about the duties and location(s) of these positions, please contact regional representative: To see the different locations within the Regional Offices | US Forest Service (usda.gov)
Region 2: Rocky Mountain Region - Timothy Griffin at timothy.e.griffin@usda.gov
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors.
These are permanent positions with varying tours of duty and may include weekend work. Some positions may have irregular and protracted hours of work. Tours of duty include full-time or less than full time (guaranteed minimum 13 pay periods full-time employment).
Government housing and federal day care facilities may be available.
The duty station for this position will be at one of the duty locations listed in this announcement. Salary range as shown is the locality pay Rest of U.S. (RUS). Pay rates vary by location. Please visit the Office of Personnel Management's website for additional information on pay rates.
Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. Final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at time of job offer.
The Forest Service may use certain incentives and hiring flexibilities, currently offered by the Federal government, to attract highly qualified candidates. Additional Information is available on the OPM Website.
Selectee will be responsible for tax obligations related to payments for moving expenses - 2017 Tax Cuts and Job Act, Public Law 115-97. Questions should be directed to the Travel Help Desk, 877-372-7248, Option 1, or email SM.FS.asc_tos@usda.gov
Positions filled from this announcement may be a bargaining or a non-bargaining unit position represented by either NFFE, AFGE or NAGE.
Expand Hide additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

What USDA Forest Service employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom