Job Description

About the Colorado Forest Restoration Institute

The Colorado Forest Restoration Institution (CFRI) is a Congressionally-authorized program within the Warner College or Natural Resources and the Department of Forest & Rangeland Stewardship at Colorado State University. CFRI was established in 2004 by Congress as part of the Southwest Ecological Restoration Institutes (SWERI) with the mission to connect science with context-specific and actionable solutions that reduce wildfire risk and build ecological resilience in Western forest landscapes. In 2005, the state governors and presidents of the three SWERI universities signed a charter committing state and university support for the institutes. The geographic focus of the Institute is the State of Colorado, the U.S. Southwest, and the U.S. Intermountain West. Visit the CFRI website for more info about our mission and work. https://cfri.colostate.edu

Position Summary

The Knowledge Synthesis, Communication, and Application Specialist transforms forest and fire science into actionable information that supports effective, on‑the‑ground ecosystem management. The Specialist collaborates with staff and interdisciplinary partners to identify information needs and synthesize complex knowledge into practitioner‑ready materials, policy‑maker communications, technical publications, and digital content. Strong writing and editing skills (technical and non‑technical) are essential, along with the ability to thrive in a team-oriented environment with a high degree of collaborative project work. The role is also responsible for internal publication processes; impact reporting for CFRI projects and programs; and supporting knowledge application through live events and electronic information dissemination. The role requires skills at synthesizing complex forest and fire information across disciplines and knowledge systems to help co-develop a science‑informed and locally relevant narrative throughout our work.

Essential Job Duties:

• Lead collaborative efforts with staff and partners to synthesize research and management insights into practitioner‑ready resources for adaptive ecosystem management.

• Develop clear, compelling communication materials for policy makers and agency leadership.

• Oversee internal publication processes and execute high editorial standards.

• Leverage internal team skills, oversee contractors, and coordinate with partners to expand digital, audio, visual, in-person, and other communication or knowledge exchange platforms.

• Develop and implement processes to measure and track impact of projects and programs, and develop communications demonstrating impact for staff, funders, policy makers, and organizational supporters.

• Support the design and delivery of live events (in-person/virtual/hybrid) that foster learning, knowledge exchange, and implementation capacity.

• Support communication needs of CFRI leadership, and develop CFRI organizational and marketing documents, such as strategic planning, information brochures and pamphlets, and other products as assigned.

• Collaborate and coordinate with other SWERI institutes, CSU communication staff, and other external partners to develop and align clear and consistent messaging to intended audiences.

• Assist the Director and leadership team in hiring, training, mentoring, and supervision of CFRI staff to conduct tasks and produce products contributing towards project deliverables in a way that cultivates organizational integrity, curiosity, collegiality, and achievement.

• Conduct travel to conferences, meetings, field sites, or otherwise needed to carry out project tasks.

• Submit expenses and information to WCNR Business Office, Office of Sponsored Programs, and other administrative units in a timely and professional manner .

Conditions of Employment:

• Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)

Supervision:

• Supervises 1-2 Research Associate I and/or Research Coordinator

• May supervise 1-3 Temporary student or non-student hourly or Temporary Research Associate seasonally or on a short term basis

Minimum Qualifications:

• Masters degree in science communication, journalism, English, or a related field, or alternatively a degree in forestry or natural resources with substantive training in communication fields

• 3+ years of experience working in science synthesis, communication, and application

• Demonstrated ability to write, edit (copy and substantive), and communicate synthesis of scientific and technical natural resource information clearly

• Sufficient knowledge of forest ecology and management and/or wildland fire science in common forest types to the western United States to independently summarize key concepts

Preferred Qualifications:

Application Instructions

• Required documents to apply: Resume, Cover letter addressing qualifications and interest in the position, and contact information for three professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates.

Salary Range

$84,000 - $97,000

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.

Resume/CV, Statement of Interest

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, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

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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.