Colorado State University · Denver, CO

Urban & Community Forestry Program Specialist at Colorado State University — Denver, CO

Full-timeDenver, CO$65,000–$70,000/yearPosted 2026-07-15Apply on Workday

Full job description

Job Description

Position Summary:

Reporting directly to the Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) Program Manager, this position responsible for providing community forestry assistance and programs to field offices, partners and communities throughout the Front Range of Colorado integrated with the agency’s broader program of work. The Front Range UCF Program Specialist is expected to demonstrate exceptional technical proficiency in urban forestry practices and community engagement.

Full Consideration Date: 8/25/2026

https://csfs.colostate.edu/

Essential Job Duties:

  • Facilitate the development and implementation of long-range plans and an annual work plan for UCF programs on the Front Range, in the Denver area and in the immediate area surrounding the CSU Spur campus.
  • Work alongside neighborhood, local, state, regional and federal partners in the delivery of UCF programs.
  • Collaborate on budget development for the UCF program, including new grant proposals and ongoing grants.
  • Monitor target accomplishments and ensure accomplishment reports are completed.
  • Support CSFS field staff working on UCF activities in the Front Range.
  • Serve as the lead subject matter expert for CSFS field staff and partners in planning and implementing UCF program activities (tree planting, inventory, canopy assessment, risk assessment, community meetings, outreach activities, etc.) on university, municipal and private lands throughout the Front Range.

Supervision:

  • There are no permanent employees assigned to this position for supervision. This position may supervise hourly employees on an as-needed basis.

Conditions of Employment:

  • Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires).
  • May require travel (may be overnight) and occasional irregular work hours and evening and weekend service.
  • May require field and office work, both independently and as part of a larger multi-functional division.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • A bachelor’s degree or higher in forestry, natural resources, environmental sciences, landscape architecture or a related program of study.
  • Four years of professional forestry experience, with specific experience in urban and community forestry.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience working with diverse organizations, community groups and nonprofits in developing urban and community forestry initiatives, programs and projects.
  • Experience working with disproportionately impacted communities or disadvantaged populations.
  • Experience successfully applying for and administering grants.
  • Experience preparing contracts and agreements for forest management work.
  • Experience organizing, developing and delivering public presentations, workshops, events, publications, and other informational and educational activities.
  • Experience writing, reviewing and implementing urban forest management plans.
  • Current International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist credential.
  • Excellent written communication skills.
  • Basic knowledge of western United States forestry.
  • Familiarity with spoken Spanish and ability to understand and communicate with Spanish speaking community members.

Salary Range

$65,000 - $70,000

Required Application Documents

Cover Letter, Resume/CV

Employee Benefits

  • 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.
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Background Check Policy Statement

EEO