CSFS Communications and Communities Intern

Job Description 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 Coloradou2019s diverse forest environments for the benefit of present and future generations. 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 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. Essential Job Duties + Education and Outreach: host outreach booths at events and festivals aligned with CSFS mission; lead forest education activities with support from Project Learning Tree materials and Smokey Bear (e.g., second Saturdays with CSU Spur in Denver); deliver public educational resources to promote wildfire readiness and defensible space (e.g., Live Wildfire Ready materials); Promote youth natural resource career exploration with activities from Project Learning Tree; Mentor high school students interested in environmental education and natural resources; Support Project Learning Tree professional development events- material distribution, logistic coordination, event marketing, data tabulation, content development and delivery + Urban and Community Forestry: City tree Inventories; Community forestry projects with our UCF Hub at CSU Spur (e.g., planting, pruning, etc.) + Communications: social media projects; 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 Educatoru2019s Network, conferences and trainings offered through the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education, and more. 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. + Ability and willingness to travel throughout Colorado for 1-3 day-long trips, potentially requiring stays in hotels. Approved lodging and per diem expenses are covered (see GSA CONUS rates (for Colorado). + Ability and willingness to work long hours with occasional evening and weekend duties (work based on a 40-hour work week). + 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 Danielle Ardrey, Conservation and Youth Education Specialist Minimum Qualifications + 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. natural resource, or environmental education fields. + Must have a valid driveru2019s license, the ability to obtain a driveru2019s 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 diverse 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 Applications Instructions Please submit applications by 11:59 p.m. 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 u2013 The cover letter must include the following information: + 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. + 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. For questions regarding the position or program, please contact: Kristen Switzer Experiential Learning Specialist Colorado State Forest Service (802) 345-7523 Salary Range $18/hour Required Application Documents To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. 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. Cover Letter, Resume/CV, Transcripts Employee Benefits Colorado State University is not just a workplace; itu2019s a thriving community thatu2019s 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. ( + Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here. + For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator. ( + Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in 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. Inspired by its land-grant heritage, Colorado State University is committed to excellence and engagement, setting the standard for public research universities in teaching, research, service and extension for the benefit of the citizens of Colorado, the United States, and the world. Prospective Employees, click here to learn more about CSU's perks and purpose. ( Current employees will need to apply for jobs in Workday.

Created: 2026-02-12