FIND_THE_RIGHTJOB.

Colorado State University

Urban Wood Research Associate I

Fort Collins, United States

Position Location

Fort Collins, CO

Work Location

Position qualifies for hybrid/in-office work

Research Professional Position

Yes

Posting Number

202501280AP

Position Type

Admin Professional/ Research Professional

Classification Title

Research Associate I

Number of Vacancies

Work Hours/Week

Proposed Annual Salary Range

$33,750 - $41,250

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.

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.

Desired Start Date

Position End Date (if temporary)

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on

09/24/2025

Description of Work Unit

The Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) provides technical forestry assistance, urban forestry technical guidance, wildfire mitigation expertise, and outreach and education to help landowners and communities achieve their forest management goals. The CSFS Communications and Communities Division works collaboratively with other CSFS staff and many partners to provide outreach and education to landowners, organizations, and communities throughout Colorado and supports and enhances the outreach efforts of CSFS forestry professionals throughout the state. The division also provides administration and oversight of urban and community forestry programs that directly contribute to the agency’s mission of “the stewardship of Colorado’s diverse forest environments for the benefit of present and future generations”.

Position Summary

The Urban Wood Research Associate (RAI) fosters collaboration and networking among organizations, municipalities and city foresters, milling operations, wood waste managers, high-end wood product developers and buyers, non-profits, and arborists. This part-time position provides essential support by identifying and assisting these partners with grant opportunities through the CSFS and others to strengthen urban wood management and promote innovative uses, with a specific focus on communities with historic environmental justice disparities. The Urban Wood Research Associate is also responsible for providing professional functions and technical expertise to CSFS field offices in delivering urban wood utilization programs and meeting needs throughout all of Colorado’s communities.

The Urban Wood Research Associate plays a pivotal role in designing and implementing programs, conducting research, organizing networking events, and delivering educational initiatives that advance urban wood utilization throughout the state. Additionally, this position is responsible for overseeing the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Wood Feasibility Study, ensuring its successful execution and application of findings to improve urban wood management practices.

Ongoing duties of this position include assisting with community forestry activities within the CSFS Urban and Community Forestry Program (tree planting, inventory, canopy assessment, risk assessment, etc.); conducting trainings and workshops with professionals and community members; coordinating with researchers and others to determine wood volume estimates from tree inventories; and serving as an advocate for community forestry, coordinating and participating in regional and national community forestry forums, and attending and speaking at conferences.

This position requires proficiency and skills in program delivery, including but not limited to recording accomplishments, completing required reports, meeting deadlines, and managing projects, with the goal of aligning urban wood projects with the urban and community forestry objectives outlined in Colorado’s Forest Action Plan.

Daily activities include providing technical assistance in urban wood production to and maintaining relationships with CSFS staff and key partners, conducting trainings and workshops, writing grants, providing direction to arboriculture and urban forestry professionals, working alongside neighborhood and non-profit groups to develop projects, and assisting the UCF Program Manager and Associate Director of Communications and Communities with other special projects as they arise. Technical assistance may require operation of heavy machinery and aiding on a jobsite and in the field.

Required Job Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in construction management, forestry, environmental engineering, industrial design, sustainable architecture or a related field
One year of combined experience in urban forestry, wood working, environmental science, or non-profit work related to forestry or wood
Successful applicants must have a valid Colorado driver’s license or the ability to acquire one upon employment.

Preferred Job Qualifications

Proficiency in collaborating with organizations and proven ability to assist in developing urban and community forestry and urban wood utilization-based initiatives, programs, and projects.
Experience generating productive outcomes working alongside historically disadvantaged populations.
Experience with urban wood projects and demonstrated interest in urban wood utilization in a professional or informal setting.
Ability to produce outcomes within logistically challenging environments.
Ability to work collaboratively and advance outcomes with internal staff and external partners and cooperators.
Ability to effectively document accomplishments and keep program records.
Experience writing, reviewing, and implementing forestry and urban wood grants.
Experience in organizing, developing, and delivering public presentations, events, and other informational and educational activities.
Commitment to safety, quality, professionalism, and excellent customer service.
Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
Familiarity with desktop and online GIS and Microsoft Office products and platforms.International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist credential.

Essential Duties

Job Duty Category

Program planning and administration

Duty/Responsibility

Collaborate on program development for the urban wood utilization program, including assisting with new grant proposals and ongoing grants.
Monitor target accomplishments and ensure accomplishment reports are completed.
Coordinate urban wood projects implemented through the Community Forestry Hub at the CSU Spur campus in Denver and surrounding communities.
Oversee and develop outreach programming at CSU Spur to partner with the CSFS Spur arborist school and the CSFS community arboriculture training.

Percentage Of Time

40%

Job Duty Category

Technical Field Support

Duty/Responsibility

Serve as the lead subject matter expert for CSFS field staff and partners in planning and implementing urban wood utilization programs in Colorado communities.
Foster integration and collaboration across CSFS programs and field offices.
Collaborate with Wood Utilization and Marketing Specialists at the CSFS to integrate wood utilization across urban and backcountry settings.
Organize and deliver workshops to professionals and community members on urban wood utilization, which may include wood production and arboriculture practices including milling, climbing trees, and operating chainsaws and other forestry equipment.
Answer all questions from partners on urban wood program establishment.

Percentage Of Time

60%

Application Details

Special Instructions to Applicants

To apply, please upload a cover letter that addresses the required and preferred job qualifications, a resume, and the contact information for three professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.

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.

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.

Conditions of Employment

Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Travel - Irregular work hours and periodic long days, periodic evening and weekend service, and occasional off-site work and overnight travel, Special Requirements/Other - ? Office work, both independently and as part of a larger multi-functional division ? Field work with heavy machinery and milling equipment ? This position is telework eligible.

Search Contact

Carrie Tomlinson, Carrie.Tomlinson@colostate.edu

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.

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.

Similar jobs