Job Description

Position Summary

This AmeriCorps Member will be based in Fort Collins, Colorado as part of the Forest Monitoring Program, which is within the Science and Data Division of the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS). The Forest Monitoring Program is staffed with four full-time employees with a range of field-based monitoring experience, silviculture knowledge, and experience in forest health projects. The AmeriCorps Member will be involved in field data collection for wildfire risk mitigation and forest health projects. They will also help with data entry and data management, have opportunities to interact with landowners, and assist with pre- and post-field season tasks.

We are seeking applicants who are professional, self-directed, innovative, and energetic. Of special interest are applicants that demonstrate a capacity to learn new skills, think critically, and serve as effective team members.

The primary office location is in Fort Collins, CO with frequent travel to various field locations in Colorado. While this position is eligible for some hybrid work, the individual is expected to maintain a balance establishing a presence in the primary office, to effectively carry out the duties of the position. Work schedule will vary but some nights and weekends will be required. This position will include weekly travel within Colorado.

Term of Service / Time Commitment

This is a quarter-time national and community service position requiring, at a minimum, a total of 450 hours during the summer (approximately 40 hours/week). The position begins in May 2026 and ends in August 2026. The work schedule for this position requires frequent travel. Please see below for details.

Location and Service Conditions

The position will involve frequent days of service outdoors. Summer duties will include hiking off trail in rugged terrain and inclement weather, with occasional camping. Most travel will include provided lodging and per diem. Duties will revolve around data collection in the field.

The AmeriCorps Member will serve a schedule of four days per week for 10 hours each day. This position will require extended travel, usually for 4 days/week, but will be regularly housed within hotels/campsites paid for by the Forest Monitoring Program during their travel. They will typically return to Fort Collins at the end of each Thursday. For projects located more than five hours away, we may augment to an 8-6 schedule where the member may serve 8 days on and then get six days off. Further, we may switch to car camping for certain projects, especially if there are no reasonably priced hotels close to our project sites. We will not be backpacking. Occasional weekend or evening service may occur, depending on travel logistics.

AmeriCorps members are required to wear AmeriCorps identity items such as name tag, T-shirts, and lapel pins during all AmeriCorps service. The member serving in this role must have a willingness to work long hours with occasional evening and weekend duties (work based on a 40-hour work week).

Training and Support Provided

• Members receive significant training and experience in community engagement, project implementation, leadership, diverse populations, and more.

• Up to 20% (or 90 hours) of total hours served may be spent in applicable approved trainings.

• Members will be supervised and supported by Tori Hunter, Ethan Bucholz, Madi Ono, and Ashley Prentice, CSFS Forest Monitoring Program, as well as by Melinda Macpherson, RamCorps Program Manager, melinda.macpherson@colostate.edu. The cohort of members serving throughout the region will act as additional resources and support for each other, including Blair Rynearson, CSFS State Forest Manager.

Program Benefits

• A living allowance of approximately $821.25 for full time per pay period on a bi-weekly cycle for an approximate total of $6,570 for the term of service. Taxes are deducted and the living allowance is distributed via direct deposit to the member.

• An education award of $1,956.35 earned upon successful completion of term of service.

• It is possible to temporarily postpone repayment of qualified student loans through forbearance while serving as an AmeriCorps member.

• Possible mileage reimbursement for travel to required trainings and days of service.

• Access to ongoing professional development trainings and resources through the university.

• Experience working with professionals in the field with on the ground training.

• Non-tangible benefits including making a difference in a community, valuable networking opportunities, and serving the local community in an identified area of need.

• Alumni benefits include priority hiring with organizations that are part of Employers of National Service and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to eliminate educational debt.

• Other certifications, experience, etc. (Trainings may include: FVS training, CPR/First Aid Training, UTV/ATV Safety Institute Training and Snowmobile Training, GIS training).

Full Consideration Date

3/1/2026

Description of Work Unit

Established in 2015, the partnership between CSU Extension and AmeriCorps aims to provide people power to the communities of Colorado. The CSUE AmeriCorps Program is an AmeriCorps State program funded through Public Health Institute (PHI)/Civic Spark. Our program facilitates members serving across the state of Colorado. To learn more about CSU Extension, visit our website. To learn more about AmeriCorps, click here.

To learn more about the CSU Extension AmeriCorps Program, visit https://engagement.colostate.edu/ramcorps/.

Established in 1955, the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) is a service and outreach agency of the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University. The CSFS is committed to providing timely, relevant forestry information and education to the citizens of Colorado to achieve resilient forests and communities. The mission of the Colorado State Forest Service is to achieve stewardship of Colorado’s diverse forest environments for the benefit of present and future generations.

To learn more about the CSFS, visit https://csfs.colostate.edu/.

Essential Duties

• Participate in on-going trainings and events as required and requested by AmeriCorps, CSU Extension, and/or partner sites.

• Field data collection (tree height, tree diameter, fuel loading, canopy cover, fuel-model determination, growth habit, ground cover classification, ocular estimates of plant cover, litter, and duff measurements). Member will be exposed to biting/stinging insects, and wildlife during field work. The member will receive training on field safety.

• Interaction with landowners and other CSFS employees across Colorado to guide through monitoring process and protocols and site access

• Participate and seek out professional development and other opportunities which can be tailored to career goals.

• Complete contract service hours (quarter-time: 450 hours) and site-specific responsibilities by August 21, 2026.

Conditions of Employment

• Must be at least 18 years old at start of service.

• Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date.

• Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident of the United States.

• Able to pass a National Service Criminal History Check (state, FBI, and National Sex Offender Public Website checks) per 45 CFR 2540.202.

Supervision

This position has no supervisory responsibility.

Required Job Qualifications

• High school diploma or G.E.D.

• Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office Suite and Zoom.

• Ability to perform strenuous outdoor work and carry backpacks with 25+ pounds of work and personal gear across steep terrain in all inclement weather conditions.

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and complete multiple tasks with minimal supervision based on submitted application materials.

• One season of field experience in forestry, landscaping, or working outdoors.

Application Instructions

For full consideration, all materials must be submitted in Workday no later than 11:59 PM Mountain Time on Sunday, March 1, 2026.

Please submit the following to apply:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

For questions regarding the application process, contact OEE HR at OEE_HR@colostate.edu. For questions regarding the AmeriCorps program, the position, qualifications, or job duties please contact Melinda Macpherson at melinda.macpherson@colostate.edu.

Salary Range

$14.60 per hour (AmeriCorps positions are exempt from adhering to minimum wage restrictions.)

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

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.

• Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

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.