CSFS Durango Field Office Intern

Colorado State University • Durango, CO

2d • $18

About The Position

Position Summary Full consideration date: 2/6/2026 Work unit description: The Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) is a service and outreach agency of the Warner College of Natural Resources (WCNR). The CSFS provides technical forestry assistance, wildfire mitigation expertise, and outreach and education to help landowners and communities achieve their forest management goals. Our mission is to achieve stewardship of Colorado’s diverse forest environments for the benefit of present and future generations. The position title of this internship is CSFS Durango Field Office Intern. This intern will be based out of the Durango Field Office in the CSFS Southwest Area and is directly supervised by Josh Braun (Forester). The Durango Field Office is one of 18 field offices at the CSFS and is staffed by four full-time foresters, a Supervisory Forester, a statewide marketing & utilization forester, four inventory foresters responsible for conducting the Forest Inventory and Analysis Program in southwestern Colorado, and an administrative assistant. The Durango Field Office services 5 counties in SW Colorado including La Plata, Archuleta, Montezuma, Dolore, and San Juan counties. We are seeking student interns who are professional, self-directed, innovative, and energetic. Essential Job Duties Assisting with and aiding in the expansion and productivity of: Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) forestry projects with the U.S. Forest Service and National Forest Foundation to treat insect and disease infected trees, reduce hazardous fuels, and other activities to improve and restore forest and watershed health, including wildlife habitat.; Inventory, boundary layout, and mapping for project implementation and forest management plans.; Other duties, including sick tree calls, wildfire mitigation, and urban and community forestry. Virtual and in-person meetings with local and federal partners, collaboratives, and private landowners. Learn about: Ponderosa pine, pinon-juniper, and mixed-conifer forest management techniques through exposure in the field, wildlife habitat improvement, endangered species identification, wetland delineation and hydrology, soil types, Best Management Practices (BMPs), as well as reviewing and participating in written forest management plans (FMPs). Set up forest inventories using ArcGIS, Avenza, and Excel; complete data analyses using Forest Vegetation Simulator (FVS), Conduct forest inventories using laser range finders, tablets, D-tape, clinometer, GPS, increment borer, and other assessment tools and techniques. Conditions of Employment Housing stipends up to $1,500 are available for each student to support costs associated with rent and utilities for the duration of the internship. Small professional development stipends are available for each student to help with costs associated with conferences, workshops, trainings, etc. Student might be exposed to poisonous plants, biting stinging insects, and wildlife during field work. 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 for Colorado).Attend a mandatory 1.5-day orientation session on Monday, May 18, and Tuesday, May 19, 2026, either in person at the CSFS State Office on the Foothills Campus in Fort Collins or virtually. There may also be optional First Aid/CPR courses offered that week regionally. 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. Hourly internship duties will occur from May 26, 2026, through August 14, 2026. Supervision Intern will be supervised by Josh Braun, Forester.

Requirements

• Undergraduate student pursuing a degree at a Colorado institution of higher education. Students can be any year or major. Students graduating in the spring of 2026 or later are eligible for an internship in the summer of 2026.
• Good academic standing with undergraduate institution (GPA > 2.0).
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Preference is given to students in a forestry or natural resource-related major.
• Good written and oral communications.
• Field experience and/or exposure to forestry and natural resources management.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Assisting with and aiding in the expansion and productivity of: Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) forestry projects with the U.S. Forest Service and National Forest Foundation to treat insect and disease infected trees, reduce hazardous fuels, and other activities to improve and restore forest and watershed health, including wildlife habitat.
• Inventory, boundary layout, and mapping for project implementation and forest management plans.
• Other duties, including sick tree calls, wildfire mitigation, and urban and community forestry.
• Virtual and in-person meetings with local and federal partners, collaboratives, and private landowners.
• Learn about: Ponderosa pine, pinon-juniper, and mixed-conifer forest management techniques through exposure in the field, wildlife habitat improvement, endangered species identification, wetland delineation and hydrology, soil types, Best Management Practices (BMPs), as well as reviewing and participating in written forest management plans (FMPs).
• Set up forest inventories using ArcGIS, Avenza, and Excel; complete data analyses using Forest Vegetation Simulator (FVS)
• Conduct forest inventories using laser range finders, tablets, D-tape, clinometer, GPS, increment borer, and other assessment tools and techniques.

Benefits

• Housing stipends up to $1,500 are available for each student to support costs associated with rent and utilities for the duration of the internship.
• Small professional development stipends are available for each student to help with costs associated with conferences, workshops, trainings, etc.
• Approved lodging and per diem expenses are covered (see GSA CONUS rates for Colorado).

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed