Job Information
Colorado State University Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) RamCorps Member in Fort Collins, Colorado
Position Information
Classification TitleTemporary Hourly
Employment CategoryTemporary
Is this an Hourly position?Yes
Work Hours/Week40
Overtime Eligible?Yes
Position LocationGould, CO
Does this position qualify for hybrid or remote work?No
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 by AmeriCorps through Serve Colorado – The Governor’s Commission on Community Service. Our program facilitates members serving across the state of Colorado. To learn more about CSU Extension, visit ourwebsite (https://extension.colostate.edu/) . To learn more about AmeriCorps, clickhere (https://americorps.gov/) .
To learn more about the CSU Extension AmeriCorps Program, visithttps://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 , visithttps://csfs.colostate.edu/.
We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities. We invite you to reviewColorado State University’s Principles of Community (http://diversity.colostate.edu/principles-of-community) that guide our mission and vision of access, teaching, service and engagement.
Search Contact EmailMelinda.Macpherson@colostate.edu
Position Summary
These AmeriCorps Members, based out of the State Forest Field Office within the Colorado State Forest Service ( CSFS ) Northwest Area, will serve alongside the seasonal forestry crew. The State Forest is a 70,000-acre parcel of land owned by the State Land Board and managed by the CSFS . Member service will accomplish diverse tasks revolving around multiple-use management on public lands.
Term of Service / Time Commitment:
This is a full-time, national, and community service position requiring, at a minimum, a total of 1700 hours during the year (approximately 40 hours/week).
The position begins in February 2025 and ends in December 2025. The work schedule for this position is typically Monday – Thursday from 7:00am to 5:30pm, but there can be some flexibility.
Training and Support Provided:
Members receive significant training and experience in community engagement, project implementation, leadership, diverse populations, and more. Up to 20% (or 340 hours) of total hours served may be spent in applicable approved trainings. Members will be supervised and supported by Blair Rynearson, CSFS , State Forest Manager,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.
Location and Service Conditions:
This service position is based at Colorado State Forest Field Office, Gould, CO 80480 and will involve service with Colorado Parks and Wildlife ( CPW ). There is potential for collaboration with the Fort Collins Field Office of the Colorado State Forest Service as well. The position will involve frequent days of service outdoors. The work site is located in mountainous terrain at elevations ranging from 8,500 to 12,000 ft. Corps Members’ summer duties will include hiking off-trail in rugged terrain and inclement weather, with occasional camping. It will also involve operating chainsaws and manual labor associated with building slash piles. Members will receive the appropriate safety training from the CSFS related to such activities. The State Forest has a new facility in Gould and Corps Members may be asked to assist in construction projects associated with building small cabins and improving the existing structures. Winter duties withColorado Parks and Wildlife will require snowmobiling and occasional snowshoeing. Primary winter duties will involve managing recreation (visitor contact with snowmobilers, cross county skiers, and snowshoers, assisting with public events like full moon snowshoeing and public Christmas tree cutting), assisting in facility maintenance and plowing snow.
Program Benefits:
A living allowance of approximately $1,034.16 for full time per pay period on a bi-weekly cycle for an approximate total of $24,820 for the term of service. Taxes are deducted and the living allowance is distributed by direct deposit to the member.
An education award of $7,395 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.
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.
Trainings will include: S-212 Wildland Fire Chainsaw Certification, CPR /First Aid Training, UTV / ATV Safety Institute Training and Snowmobile Training).
Corps Members will share housing near the State Forest Field Office in the Community of Gould. Housing and utilities are provided by the State Forest Field Office at no cost to the Corps Members.
Fully covered health insurance through the University.
Position Minimum Qualifications
At least 18 years old at start of service.
High school diploma or G.E.D.
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.
Wear official AmeriCorps identity items such as name tag, T-shirts, and lapel pins during all AmeriCorps service.
Cultural sensitivity and ability to work respectfully and inclusively with a diverse population.
Excellent organizational and time management skills.
Computer skills: familiarity with MS Office 365, especially Outlook and SharePoint, and Zoom.
Ability to learn and retain complex information with accuracy and to follow procedures consistently and with attention to detail.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Ability and willingness to work long hours with occasional evening and weekend duties (work based on a 40-hour work week).
Ability and willingness to perform strenuous outdoor work and carry backpacks with 25+ pounds of work and personal gear across steep terrain in potentially inclement weather conditions.
Member might be exposed to biting/stinging insects and wildlife during field work.
Ability and willingness to tent-camp and backcountry hike, including off- and on-trail.
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 (https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates) for Colorado).
Preferred Qualifications
Be dedicated to community service.
Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and complete multiple tasks with minimal supervision.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to complete physically demanding tasks in extreme weather conditions.
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.
One season of field experience in forestry, landscaping, or working outdoors.
Posting Details
Working TitleColorado State Forest Service (CSFS) RamCorps Member
Posting Number202400765T
DepartmentExtension Community Engagement
Salary Range$14.60 per hour
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, commitment todiversity, equity and inclusion (https://inclusiveexcellence.colostate.edu/about/) , and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
Review our detailed benefits information here. (https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/02/benefits-summary-hourly.pdf)
Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator (https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/) .
Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/) !
Close Date01/05/2025
Special Instructions to Applicants
For full consideration, all materials must be received directly athttps://jobs.colostate.edu/no later than 11:59 PM Mountain Time on Sunday, January 5, 2025.
Please submit the following to apply:
Resume
Cover Letter
For questions regarding the application process, contact the Talent Acquisition office atHR_TA@colostate.edu. For questions regarding the AmeriCorps program, the position, qualifications, or job duties please contact Melinda Macpherson atmelinda.macpherson@colostate.edu.
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 Statement
Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. TheOffice of Equal Opportunity (https://oeo.colostate.edu/) is located in 101 Student Services.
The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715,titleix@colostate.edu.
The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,oeo@colostate.edu.
The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,oeo@colostate.edu.
Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to theOffice of Civil Rights, Department of Education (https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/howto.html) .
Diversity Statement
Personal or professional commitment to diversity and inclusion as demonstrated by persistent effort, active planning, allocation of resources and/or accountability for diversity and inclusion outcomes.
Essential Job Duties
Job Duty CategoryDirect Service
Duty/Responsibility
SUMMER DUTIES :
Use chainsaws and/or brush saws to thin young lodgepole pine forest for forest health and fuels reduction
Assist with layout, cruising, boundary delineation, and marking of forest treatments. Help with re-flagging boundaries, checking on contractors, and post-treatment surveys.
Serve on projects/initiatives like the Michigan Ditch Fuel Removal Project, Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change, conventional timber sales, and miscellaneous treatments.
Cruise and collect data for forest-wide inventory, including various GPS and GIS applications.
Participate in local outreach and education events.
General labor: facility and equipment maintenance, construction projects at the Michigan River Camp, building fence and road/trail maintenance.
WINTER DUTIES :
The service member’s time will be divided between all sections of the State Forest State Park: Maintenance, Park Ranger, Visitor Services, and Interpretive/Education Programs. This position will assist with all areas of daily park operations.
Assists in Visitor Services operations and education/interpretive programs, assuring quality customer experience.
Operates and performs routine maintenance (keeping vehicles clean, reporting any repairs needed, etc.) on State owned vehicles and equipment.
May assist with carpentry, plumbing, masonry, snow removal, electrical work, and transporting materials and supplies.
Contingent on needs, members may continue to support winter forestry operations.
Minor Projects:
Assist CSFS forest monitoring division with snow course measurements for a Colorado Water Conservation Board funded forestry project.
Support CSFS through assisting with logistics during prescribed burning operations of slash piles.
Percentage Of Time80%
Job Duty CategoryMember Training and Professional Development
Duty/Responsibility
Participate in on-going trainings and events as required and requested by AmeriCorps, CSU Extension, and/or partner sites.
S-212 Wildland Fire Chainsaw Training
UTV / ATV Safety Institute Training
CPR /First Aid Training
CPW Snowmobile Training
Percentage Of Time10%
Job Duty CategoryService Commitment
Duty/Responsibility
Complete contract service hours (full-time: 1700 hours) and site-specific responsibilities by December 19, 2025.
Commit to complete your term of service.
Have dependable transportation to and from host site, program/partner site, and programming activities.
Wear official AmeriCorps identity items such as name tag, T-shirts, and lapel pins during all AmeriCorps service.
Represent AmeriCorps, Colorado State University Extension, host site, and program/partner site in a professional manner.
Accurately complete and submit enrollment paperwork and reports.
Percentage Of Time10%
References
Minimum References Required
Maximum References Required
Documents Needed To Apply
Required Documents
Resume
Cover Letter
Optional Documents