Student Internship
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Job Description
About the Company:
The Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) partners with Colorado State University’s Warner College of Natural Resources to offer paid summer internships to undergraduate students. These internships provide in-depth learning and work experience in natural resources, combining training and practical work for the CSFS. Interns receive mentoring, evaluations, a small professional development stipend, and a housing stipend to offset living costs in Colorado.
Job Description:
This temporary hourly internship is based at the La Veta Field Office in La Veta, CO, serving Huerfano and Las Animas counties. The intern will assist with a wide range of forestry and natural resource management activities, working directly under the supervision of Jared Fleming, Lead Project Forester. The work will involve both field and office duties.
Responsibilities include:
• Fieldwork (approx. 85% of the internship): Assisting with project layout (timber marking, boundary marking), shadowing project administration, timber cruising, grant administration, landowner property walkthroughs, insect and disease assessments, slash piling, chipping, and other field activities (depending on the intern’s skills and abilities). This may involve strenuous outdoor work in varied weather conditions, carrying heavy backpacks, and potential exposure to hazards like poisonous plants and wildlife. Safe operation of 4-wheel drive vehicles, UTVs/ATVs, and forestry tools is required. Travel to other CSFS field offices and partner agencies throughout Colorado for 1-3 day trips will be necessary (lodging and per diem covered).
• Office Work (approx. 15% of the internship): Shadowing programmatic functions, assisting with data processing, developing management recommendations, spatial data work using GeoTracks, landowner and public outreach, and field office maintenance.
• Professional Development: Participating in training opportunities (conferences, workshops, First Aid/CPR certification, FVS training, etc.), completing two professional writing assignments, and working with the supervisor to create a summer work plan, set goals, and track progress. Attendance at a mandatory orientation is required.
The internship runs from May 27, 2025, to August 15, 2025. The work week is typically 40 hours, but occasional 4-day, 10-hour workweeks may be necessary.
Required Qualifications:
• Undergraduate student at a Colorado institution (any year or major).
• GPA > 2.0.
• Demonstrated interest in forestry or natural resources.
• Valid driver’s license (or ability to obtain one).
• Team player and effective communicator.
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Forestry field experience.
• Chainsaw certification (S-212).
• Experience operating 4×4 vehicles, manual transmission vehicles, and UTVs/ATVs.
• Proficiency with forestry equipment (diameter tape, GPS, increment borer, etc.).
• Plant identification skills.
• Map and compass navigation skills.
• ArcGIS experience.
• MS Office Suite proficiency.
• NWCG S130/190 Wildfire Training.
• Completion of relevant coursework (e.g., NR220, F230).
Compensation: $17.50/hour. Overtime eligible. Housing stipend ($1500-$2000). Professional development stipend available. Approved lodging and per diem expenses covered for travel.
