Colorado State Forest Service

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 with Colorado 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.