Forest Health Program Associate

Job Description

Position Summary:

The Forest Health Program Associate provides technical and field support for mountain pine beetle (MPB) management along Colorado’s Front Range and contributes to statewide forest health initiatives within the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS). This position independently conducts field assessments, supports research and monitoring of forest insects and diseases, and assists with data collection, analysis, and outreach. Working collaboratively with CSFS staff, private landowners, agency partners, and other stakeholders, the position supports science-based forest health management, applied research, and efforts to address emerging forest health concerns across Colorado.

For full consideration, please apply by January 4, 2027, 11:59 PM (MT).

Essential Job Duties:

• Plan and implement field-based forest health monitoring, including deployment, maintenance, and collection of insect traps and associated data.
• Collect, process, and manage insect specimens and field data, ensuring accuracy, quality control, and proper documentation.
• Support applied research activities, including study design, field data collection, forest measurements, and identification of insect and disease impacts.
• Perform taxonomic identification of forest insects and curate specimens for long-term scientific collections.
• Maintain and analyze program datasets; prepare summaries, visualizations, and reports to support decision-making and program delivery.
• Provide technical assistance and support outreach efforts through presentations, materials development, mapping products, and digital communication tools.

Supervision:

• Does not supervise.

Conditions of Employment:

• Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for all new hires).
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Travel - 65-85% travel around the state of Colorado.
• This is a term-limited 2 year position, may extend position if funding is available.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Natural Resources, Entomology within Biology, Agriculture or Zoology.
• Three years of professional experience in forestry, forest health, entomology, or a related discipline.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3+ years of forest health or forest entomology experience.
• Degree emphasis in entomology or forestry.
• Knowledge of forest pest management principles and western U.S. forest ecosystems.
• Experience with insect trapping methods for forest pests (e.g., Lindgren traps, emergence cages, rearing).
• Taxonomic identification skills using keys for insects.
• Experience with field data collection, management, and recordkeeping.
• Strong written communication and experience to work independently.
• Experience with social media, outreach materials, or science communication.
• Interest or experience in UAS (FAA Part 107 license preferred or willingness to obtain).

For additional information contact Dan West at Dan.West@colostate.edu.

Salary Range$55,000 - $65,000

Required 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

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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

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.