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Local Forestry Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Forester - Open Pool

Alamosa, CO · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

Lead planning, implementation, and closeout of small- to moderate-complexity forestry and natural ... Provide technical assistance and customer service to landowners, local governments, HOAs, fire ...

Forester - Open Pool

Durango, CO · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

Lead planning, implementation, and closeout of small- to moderate-complexity forestry and natural ... Provide technical assistance and customer service to landowners, local governments, HOAs, fire ...

Forester - Open Pool

Rifle, CO · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

Lead planning, implementation, and closeout of small- to moderate-complexity forestry and natural ... Provide technical assistance and customer service to landowners, local governments, HOAs, fire ...

Forester - Open Pool

Salida, CO · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

Lead planning, implementation, and closeout of small- to moderate-complexity forestry and natural ... Provide technical assistance and customer service to landowners, local governments, HOAs, fire ...

Forester - Open Pool

Golden, CO · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

Lead planning, implementation, and closeout of small- to moderate-complexity forestry and natural ... Provide technical assistance and customer service to landowners, local governments, HOAs, fire ...

Forester - Open Pool

Boulder, CO · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

Lead planning, implementation, and closeout of small- to moderate-complexity forestry and natural ... Provide technical assistance and customer service to landowners, local governments, HOAs, fire ...

Forester - Open Pool

La Veta, CO · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

Lead planning, implementation, and closeout of small- to moderate-complexity forestry and natural ... Provide technical assistance and customer service to landowners, local governments, HOAs, fire ...

Forester - Open Pool

Granby, CO · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

Lead planning, implementation, and closeout of small- to moderate-complexity forestry and natural ... Provide technical assistance and customer service to landowners, local governments, HOAs, fire ...

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Showing results 1-20

Local Forestry information

See Colorado salary details

$27K

$39.8K

$53.1K

How much do local forestry jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for local forestry in Colorado is $39,798.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,600.00 and $44,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is local forestry?

Local forestry refers to the management, conservation, and restoration of forests at a community or regional level. Professionals in local forestry work to maintain healthy forest ecosystems, support biodiversity, and ensure sustainable use of forest resources. Their responsibilities may include managing public woodlands, advising landowners, fighting forest pests and diseases, and educating the public about forest conservation. Local forestry plays a crucial role in environmental protection, climate regulation, and supporting local economies.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in local forestry roles?

Professionals in local forestry often face challenges such as balancing conservation efforts with the needs of the community, managing invasive species, and responding to environmental threats like wildfires or disease outbreaks. The role also involves working outdoors in varying weather conditions and sometimes performing physically demanding tasks. Additionally, collaborating with stakeholders—such as landowners, government agencies, and local residents—to develop sustainable management plans is a key part of the job, requiring strong communication and negotiation skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in local forestry, and why are they important?

To thrive in Local Forestry, you need knowledge of environmental science, forestry management practices, and usually a degree in forestry or a related field. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, chainsaws, GPS devices, and relevant safety certifications is often required. Strong teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills distinguish top professionals in this role. These skills ensure the sustainable management of forest resources, safety in field operations, and successful collaboration with stakeholders and the community.

What is the difference between Local Forestry vs Forest Technician?

AspectLocal ForestryForest Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in forestry, environmental science, or related fieldUsually requires an associate's degree or relevant certification in forestry or natural resources
Work EnvironmentFieldwork in forests, parks, and conservation areas; community engagementFieldwork and data collection in forested areas; assisting with forest management tasks
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, conservation organizations, forestry companiesForestry services, government agencies, environmental consulting firms

Both roles involve working outdoors in forested environments, but Local Forestry often encompasses broader community and conservation efforts, while Forest Technicians focus more on technical data collection and supporting forest management activities.

Can you work in local forestry without a degree?

Many entry-level positions in local forestry, such as forest technician or laborer, do not require a college degree and often prioritize relevant skills, physical fitness, and certifications like OSHA safety training. However, higher-level roles or specialized positions may require a degree in forestry, environmental science, or related fields. Practical experience and knowledge of tools like GPS or GIS can also be valuable for employment in this field.

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

The most popular types of Forestry jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Local Forestry jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Local Forestry job openings:

Infographic showing various Local Forestry job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,798 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Lead Project Forester

Durango, CO • On-site

Colorado State University
Education • 5 - 10K employees

$60K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Colorado State University rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

463rd of 633 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job DescriptionPosition Summary:

This position is involved with all five Goals of the Strategic Plan and is critical to accomplishing the CSFS mission and providing forestry leadership and expertise for proactive forest stewardship for landowners and cooperators in critical, priority landscapes.

Essential Job Duties:
  • Lead planning, prioritization, and delivery of forestry programs and projects (e.g., CWPP implementation, forest stewardship, Good Neighbor Authority projects, urban & community forestry, outreach) to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest resilience.
  • Supervise and mentor Foresters, Forestry Technicians, seasonal employees, and interns; set goals, assign work, coach performance, and ensure safety and quality standards.
  • Manage budgets, grants, and contracts; track deliverables, timelines, and compliance; maintain accountability for program performance and quality control.
  • Support field office and area operations by contributing to annual work plans, longrange priorities, scopes of work, and interagency agreements; serve as acting Supervisory Forester when assigned.
  • Develop and sustain partnerships with landowners, local governments, and federal/state/tribal/NGO collaborators; represent CSFS in multiparty initiatives and pursue funding opportunities (grants, agreements).
  • Provide technical assistance and approve/oversee silvicultural prescriptions and vegetation management activities consistent with CSU/CSFS policies and best available science.
  • Coordinate across field offices to align operational plans, share resources, and ensure consistent program delivery.
Conditions of Employment:
  • Pre-employment Criminal Background Check.
  • Valid Colorado driver's license or ability to acquire one upon employment.
  • Ability to travel and work irregular work hours and periodic long days, evening and weekend service; occasional out of area, and periodic overnight travel.
  • Ability to drive 4x4 trucks on rough terrain, pulling a trailer and operating OHVs (to include side-by-sides, ATVs and snowmobiles).
Supervision:
  • This position will supervise 1 FTE Forester, seasonal employees, and student interns.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • A bachelor's degree (or greater) in Forestry, Wildlife Biology/Management, Fire Ecology or other related natural resource field will be considered.
  • Three years of professional forestry experience, with specific experience in Wildfire Management/Fuels Mitigation, Wildlife Biology, Forest Management, Dendrology, Forest Ecology, Forest Measurements, Silviculture, or Vegetation Dynamics.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Two years of experience with a state forestry agency.
  • Experience developing work plans and project/program prioritization and resource allocation.
  • Experience in public presentations and outreach.
  • Professional experience with participation on teams, committees and other special assignments, as well as the ability to work independently.
  • Experience with contracts, agreements, and grant management.
  • Program and/or project management experience that included budget preparation and administration.
  • Excellent written communication skills.
  • Experience with the general Microsoft Suite Office and ArcGIS software.
  • Knowledge of western United States forest management techniques in the following areas: Silviculture (e.g., Colorado tree silvics; intermediate treatments; even-aged and uneven-aged structure), disturbance regimes, WUI fuels reduction, forest insect and diseases, timber harvesting systems, community forestry in WUI situations.
  • Experience with basic field forestry skills (cruising and timber marking) related forestry project boundaries, harvest plans, silvicultural prescriptions, natural and artificial regenerations methods, road layout, and contract inspections.
Salary Range$60,000 - $65,000Required Application Documents

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Cover Letter, Resume/CV 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, and focus on work-life balance,CSUis where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

  • Review our detailed benefits information here.

  • Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

  • For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.

  • Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

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,CSUconducts 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.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.


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About Colorado State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Colorado State University is one of the nation’s top public Tier 1 Research universities and an institution on the rise. Our Ram success is driven by an ambition to be excellent in all we do combined with an unparalleled location that is one of the fastest-growing and most vibrant areas in the country. CSU is a higher education destination for working and learning for faculty, staff, and students from across Colorado, the nation, and around the globe. CSU has produced record enrollment in the past decade, built on all-time highs in student diversity and student success, experienced record fundraising and research expenditures that keep hitting new highs year-after-year, and our faculty are known nationally and internationally for their groundbreaking research. Among other recognition for research and creative scholarship, CSU was recognized in 2022 as one of 10 top research institutions in the world contributing to solving the COVID pandemic. CSU is thriving, with a five-year average enrollment of more than 33,400 students. The record-setting 2022 incoming class of 5,517 students reflects 25% from diverse populations and 24% who were first in their families to attend college. CSU graduates find success with 85% securing a job related to their career plans within six months of graduation. More than nine out of 10 Rams would select CSU again, demonstrating the quality of the campus and learning environments.

Industry

Education

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Fort Collins, CO, US

Year founded

1870

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