Position Information
Classification TitleTemporary Hourly
Employment CategoryTemporary
Is this an Hourly position?Yes
Work Hours/Week0-40
Overtime Eligible?Yes
Position LocationFort Collins, CO
Does this position qualify for hybrid or remote work?No
Description of Work Unit
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 Colorado State Forest Service partnered with the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University ( CSU ) in 2018 to develop the CSFS Internship Program that offers paid summer internships to undergraduate students. Intern positions provide students with in-depth learning and work experiences in natural resources. Internships include a 15-85% split between training for the student and hourly work for the CSFS , as defined below under "Duties and Responsibilities". Student interns prepare 2 written documents throughout their internship period to advance professional writing skills and encourage self-reflection. They also receive one-on-one mentoring and evaluations from their CSFS supervisor(s). A small professional development stipend will be made available to support costs/fees associated with trainings, workshops, conferences, and other applicable opportunities during the internship period. A housing stipend will be offered to interns to mitigate the cost of living in Colorado.
The position title of this internship is CSFS Communications and Communities Intern. This intern will be based out of the Communications and Communities Division at the CSFS State Office in Fort Collins, CO and is directly supervised by Danielle Ardrey (Conservation and Youth Education Specialist). This intern will also work occasionally out of the CSFS Urban and Community Forestry Hub at the CSU Spur campus in Denver. The Communications and Communities Division is staffed by 10+ employees working communications, statewide outreach efforts, conservation education, youth education and career exploration, and urban and community forestry. The main focus of this internship will be education and outreach, with opportunities to learn from and support other programs within the division, such as Urban and Community Forestry and Communications.
We are seeking student interns 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.
Search Contact EmailKristen Switzer, Kristen.Switzer@colostate.edu
Position Summary
· Education and Outreach
o Host outreach booths at events and festivals aligned with CSFS mission
o Lead forest education activities with support from Project Learning Tree materials and Smokey Bear (e.g.- second Saturdays with CSU Spur in Denver)
o Deliver public educational resources to promote wildfire readiness and defensible space (e.g. - Live Wildfire Ready materials)
o Promote youth natural resource career exploration with activities from Project Learning Tree
o Mentor high school students interested in environmental education and natural resources
o Support Project Learning Tree professional development events- material distribution, logistic coordination, event marketing, data tabulation, content development and delivery
o Review and develop education and outreach materials and kits
· Urban and Community Forestry
o City tree Inventories
o Community forestry projects with our UCF Hub at CSU Spur (e.g., planting, pruning, etc.)
· Communications
o Social Media projects
o Communications content creation
· Training opportunities may include but are not limited to: First Aid/ CPR Certification, Project Learning Tree trainings, conferences and trainings offered through the Colorado Science Educator's Network, conferences and trainings offered through the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education, and more.
· 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.
· Attend a mandatory 1.5-day orientation session onMonday, May 18, and Tuesday, May 19, 2026either in person at the CSFS State Office on the Foothills Campus in Fort Collins, CO or virtually. There may also be optional First Aid/ CPR courses offered that week regionally.
· Hourly internship duties will occur from May 26, 2026 through August 14, 2026.
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 ratesfor Colorado).
Position Minimum Qualifications
· Undergraduate student pursuing a degree at a Colorado institute 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, natural resource, or environmental education 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.
Preferred Qualifications
· Skill in engaging audiences and effectively conveying information
· Experience planning, setting up, and managing outreach booths or similar public engagement at events, festivals, or community gatherings
· Experience delivering education programs to varied age groups
· Basic understanding of trees and forests in western U.S.
· Experience and/or coursework in tree identification
· Demonstrated ability to use email and other digital communication methods effectively
Posting Details
Working TitleCSFS Communications and Communities Intern
Posting Number202500709T
DepartmentColorado State Forest Service
Salary Range$18.00 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, 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 Date12/31/2025
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please submit applications by11:59 pm MST on Friday, February 6, 2026.You must submit a separate application for each position you are interested in being considered for, but can use the same cover letter for all applications (see specific information required in the cover letter below). Include the following information in your application packet:
1.Cover letter
The cover letter must include the following information:
a. The CSFS internship position(s) you are applying for (indicate each specific position title listed in the overview). The above position description is for CSFS Communications and Communities Intern.
b. Your interest in and qualifications for each of the positions for which you are applying. Please provide at least 2-3 sentences for each position explaining why you are applying for that position.
2.Resume
3.Unofficial undergraduate transcripts
4.Names and contact information for 3 professional references.
Applications missing any of the above information or submitted after the deadline will not receive full consideration.
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.
References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates. 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.
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.
Essential Job Duties
Job Duty CategoryEducation and Outreach
Duty/Responsibility
· Education and Outreach
o Host outreach booths at events and festivals aligned with CSFS mission
o Lead forest education activities with support from Project Learning Tree materials and Smokey Bear (e.g.- second Saturdays with CSU Spur in Denver)
o Deliver public educational resources to promote wildfire readiness and defensible space (e.g. - Live Wildfire Ready materials)
o Promote youth natural resource career exploration with activities from Project Learning Tree
o Mentor high school students interested in environmental education and natural resources
o Support Project Learning Tree professional development events- material distribution, logistic coordination, event marketing, data tabulation, content development and delivery
o Review and develop education and outreach materials and kits
Percentage Of Time60%
Job Duty CategoryUrban and Community Forestry
Duty/Responsibility
o City tree Inventories
o Community forestry projects with our UCF Hub at CSU Spur (e.g., planting, pruning, etc.)
Percentage Of Time20%
Job Duty CategoryCommunications
Duty/Responsibility
o Social Media projects
o Communications content creation
Percentage Of Time20%
References
Minimum References Required3
Maximum References Required3
Documents Needed To Apply
Required Documents
Cover Letter
Resume
Unofficial Transcripts
Optional Documents
