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Position Information

Classification TitleTemporary Hourly

Employment CategoryTemporary

Is this an Hourly position?Yes

Work Hours/Week0-40

Overtime Eligible?Yes

Position LocationAlamosa, CO

Does this position qualify for hybrid or remote work?No

Description of Work Unit

The Colorado State Forest Service ( CSFS ) partnered with the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University in 2018 to develop a summer internship program that offers paid internships to undergraduate students. Intern positions provide students with in-depth learning and work experiences in natural resources. Internships include a 15-85% split between training for the student and hourly work for the CSFS , as defined below under “Duties and Responsibilities”. Student interns prepare 2 written documents throughout their internship period to advance professional writing skills and encourage self-reflection. They also receive one-on-one mentoring and evaluations from their CSFS supervisor(s). A small professional development stipend will be made available to support costs/fees associated with trainings, workshops, conferences, and other applicable opportunities during the internship period. A housing stipend will be offered to interns to mitigate the cost of living in Colorado.

This intern is based out of the Alamosa Field Office (Alamosa, CO) within the CSFS Southwest Area, which serves the San Luis Valley, including Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Rio Grande, and Saguache counties. The intern will be directly supervised by Sam Scavo, Forester, and will implement the Good Neighbor Authority ( GNA ) program on USFS lands. The GNA program enables the USFS to enter into agreements with state agencies to expand the ability to conduct treatments on federal lands. The goals of GNA projects in Colorado largely focus on wildfire risk mitigation, improving forest health and watershed protection. As many forests in this part of Colorado serve as the watersheds that drain into the Rio Grande. Watershed protection from uncharacteristic disturbances is a top priority in many of these areas. This internship may involve collaborations with adjacent CSFS Field Offices (e.g. Durango Field Office, Gunnison Field Office, Salida Field Office, etc.) with project work, mapping activities, and public outreach and education among other responsibilities. Training opportunities may include but are not limited to: Wildland Fire Training (S130/190), chainsaw certification (S-212), ROHVA – ROV / UTV Drivers Course Training, USFS Insect and Disease training, in-state professional society meetings (e.g. Society of American Foresters, International Society of Arboriculture), Colorado Incident Management and Wildfire Academy, ATFS Certified Tree Farm Inspector Training, and more as available.

We are seeking student interns who are professional, self-directed, innovative, and energetic. The applicant should enjoy working with people from diverse backgrounds and respect different viewpoints. Of special interest are applicants that demonstrate a capacity to learn new skills, think critically, and serve as effective team members.

· Housing stipends between $1,500 and $2,000 are available for each student to support costs associated with rent and utilities for the duration of the internship.

· Housing availability is limited, but there may be an opportunity for the intern to be based out of the USFS Bunkhouse in South Fork, CO.

· Small professional development stipends are available for each student to help with costs associated with conferences, workshops, trainings, etc.

· Ability and willingness to work long hours with occasional evening and weekend duties (work based on a 40 hour work week).

· Student might be exposed to poisonous plants, biting stinging insects, and wildlife during field work.

· Ability to safely operate 4-wheel drive vehicles, UTVs/ATVs, and forest machinery and tools.

· Ability to provide suitable work gear, including sturdy hiking boots, rain gear, sleeping bag, and other personal items related to camping and hiking.

· Ability and willingness to travel throughout Colorado for 1-3 day-long trips to CSFS field offices, potentially requiring stays in hotels. Approved lodging and per diem expenses are covered (see GSA CONUS rates (https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates) for Colorado).

Search Contact EmailKristen Switzer, Kristen.Switzer@colostate.edu

Position Summary

· Assist with inventory, layout and administration of GNA small sales on the Rio Grande National Forest and San Luis Valley BLM GNA projects.

· Data acquisition and management

· Utilize FieldMaps on tablet or cell phones

· Utilize GPS and ArcPad to map and rate wildfire risk on occupied lots.

· Upload data to GPS . Collect data. Download data. Create maps in ArcPro using the information collected.

· Public interaction with landowners on factors affecting defensible space and forest health.

· Assist adjacent Field Offices with project work as necessary. Cruising for forest management plans, marking trees for thinning projects.

· Assist Alamosa Field Office staff with ongoing project layout & implementation.

· When field work is not possible, office work may include:

· GIS mapping projects

· Field equipment maintenance

· Assisting with management plan development

· Processing and reconciling timber sale load tickets

· On the job training with attending partner meetings, reviewing grant reimbursements, reviewing project scope of works, attending webinar trainings, etc.

· Work with supervisor(s) to prepare a summer work plan, set goals and learning objectives, and evaluate progress.

· Complete two professional writing assignments throughout the summer.

· Attend a mandatory day-long orientation session onMonday, May 19, 2025either in person at the CSFS State Office on the Foothills Campus in Fort Collins, CO or virtually.

· Hourly internship duties will occur from May 27, 2025 through August 15, 2025.

Position Minimum Qualifications

· Undergraduate student pursuing a degree at a Colorado institution of higher education. Students can be any year or major.

· Good academic standing with undergraduate institution ( GPA > 2.50).

· Demonstrated career interest in forestry or natural resource fields.

· Must have a valid driver’s license, the ability to obtain a driver’s license, or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date.

· Experience working as an effective team member and clear communicator.

· Exhibits a positive attitude and willingness to learn.

Preferred Qualifications

· Good written and oral communications.

· One season of forestry field experience.

· Experience operating chainsaws, including official certification in chainsaw operation such as S-212.

· Ability to (or willingness to learn how to) operate 4-wheel drive vehicles, manual transmission vehicles, and UTVs/ATVs in variable weather and road conditions.

· Experience using forestry equipment (diameter tape, loggers tape, GPS , increment borer, etc.).

· Experience identifying trees, grasses, forbs, and shrubs in the western U.S.

· Experience navigating with maps, compass, and GPS units.

· Experience using ArcGIS.

· Experience using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, internet, and e-mail.

Posting Details

Working TitleStudent Internship

Posting Number202400739T

DepartmentColorado State Forest Service

Salary Range$17.50/hr

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 todiversity, equity and inclusion (https://inclusiveexcellence.colostate.edu/about/) , and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

• Review our detailed benefits information here. (https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/02/benefits-summary-hourly.pdf)

• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator (https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/) .

• Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/) !

Close Date02/07/2025

Special Instructions to Applicants

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 listed search contact.

References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates. 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.

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.

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. TheOffice of Equal Opportunity (https://oeo.colostate.edu/) 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 theOffice of Civil Rights, Department of Education (https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/howto.html) .

Diversity Statement

Demonstrated knowledge of, and relevant ability with, culturally diverse communities among potential target and constituent populations.

Essential Job Duties

Job Duty CategoryForest Management

Duty/Responsibility

· Assist with inventory, layout and administration of GNA small sales on the Rio Grande National Forest and San Luis Valley BLM GNA projects.

· Data acquisition and management

· Utilize FieldMaps on tablet or cell phones

· Utilize GPS and ArcPad to map and rate wildfire risk on occupied lots.

· Upload data to GPS . Collect data. Download data. Create maps in ArcPro using the information collected.

· Public interaction with landowners on factors affecting defensible space and forest health.

· Assist adjacent Field Offices with project work as necessary. Cruising for forest management plans, marking trees for thinning projects.

· Assist Alamosa Field Office staff with ongoing project layout & implementation.

· When field work is not possible, office work may include:

· GIS mapping projects

· Field equipment maintenance

· Assisting with management plan development

· Processing and reconciling timber sale load tickets

· On the job training with attending partner meetings, reviewing grant reimbursements, reviewing project scope of works, attending webinar trainings, etc.

· Work with supervisor(s) to prepare a summer work plan, set goals and learning objectives, and evaluate progress.

· Complete two professional writing assignments throughout the summer.

· Attend a mandatory day-long orientation session onMonday, May 19, 2025either in person at the CSFS State Office on the Foothills Campus in Fort Collins, CO or virtually.

· Hourly internship duties will occur from May 27, 2025 through August 15, 2025.

Percentage Of Time100%

References

Minimum References Required3

Maximum References Required3

Documents Needed To Apply

Required Documents

• Cover Letter

• Resume

• Unofficial Transcripts

Optional Documents