Senior Research Associate & Assistant Director External Relations & Sustainability
- Colorado State University
- Fort Collins, Colorado
- Full Time
Posting Detail Information
Working TitleSenior Research Associate & Assistant Director External Relations & Sustainability
Position LocationFort Collins, CO
Work LocationPosition is fully in-office/in-person
Research Professional PositionYes
Posting Number202500934AP
Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification TitleSr Research Associate
Number of Vacancies
Work Hours/Week40
Proposed Annual Salary Range$110,000 - $120,000
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; its a thriving community thats 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 ( !
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on07/14/2025
Description of Work Unit
The Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship at Colorado State University is interdisciplinary with programs of emphasis in forestry, fire science, fire management, natural resource policy/planning, rangeland ecology, and restoration ecology. The Departments faculty and staff support the Warner College of Natural Resources ( WCNR ) and the University in fulfilling the Land Grant Mission in these programmatic areas. The Department offers undergraduate majors in Forestry, Rangeland Ecology, and Natural Resources Management in addition to Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees, and a Masters in Natural Resource Stewardship degree. The Warner College is home to five academic departments and several centers and institutes such as the Colorado Forest Restoration Institute, the WESTFIRE Research Center, the Colorado State Forest Service, Natural Resource Ecology Lab, the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands and the Colorado Natural Heritage Program. These programs, institutes and centers provide a foundation for research, education and outreach in this field.
The Colorado Forest Restoration Institution ( CFRI ) is a Congressionally authorized program within the Department of Forest & Rangeland Stewardship at Colorado State University. CFRI was established in 2004 by Congress (PL108-317) as one of three state-based ecological restoration institutes in the Southwest with the mission to develop, compile, synthesize, and apply locally relevant science-based knowledge to achieve forest restoration and wildfire mitigation goals. In 2005, the governors and presidents of the three universities signed a charter committing state and university support for the mission of the institutes. Roughly half of CFRI annual budget comes from Congressional funding, leveraged with state and university support, other project agreements, competitive grants, and philanthropic gifts. The geographic focus of the Institute is the State of Colorado, the U.S. Southwest, and the U.S. Intermountain West. Visit the CFRI website for more info about our mission and work.
Position Summary
This Senior Research Associate and Assistant Director position is tasked with providing leadership in overseeing the development, implementation, and sustainability of CFRIs program of work that advances scientific knowledge and practice of post wildfire forest resilience and recovery in the Rocky Mountain West. The incumbent will be responsible for cultivating, sustaining and growing collaborative relationships with individuals and entities with authority and responsibility over forest resilience and wildfire risk reduction, spanning forest ecology boundaries between knowledge development and knowledge application that results in securing funding as Principal Investigator on applied projects. The position creates and directs processes for developing, synthesizing, publishing, and applying locally-relevant forest ecology scientific knowledge in collaboration with research peers, managers, and other interested and affected entities; leads and contributes to the publication of peer-reviewed journal papers and non-technical products for a diverse audience; and contributes to the growth and sustainability of collaborative monitoring and adaptive management projects in which CFRI is engaged. The position works closely with the CFRI leadership team to assist with overall management and leadership of staff and processes that ensure organizational sustainability. Within the CFRI leadership team, responsibilities include working with the Director and leadership team to cultivate and manage key external partner relationships such as with other SWERI institutes, legislative bodies, government agencies, and academic researchers. A successful incumbent will be: passionate about the mission of the CFRI ; eager to interact with funders; able to understand the need for producing relevant information for affected entities and funders while also pursuing applied scholarly activities that anticipate future information needs in their subject matter expertise; and, able to inspire, lead, and manage staff.
Required Job Qualifications
+ Must be a CSU employee.
+ M.S. in a natural resource-related ecology, geography, and/or management program with significant job-related experience.
+ Demonstrated expertise and experience in developing and implementing collaborative monitoring, research, and adaptive management activities regarding the effects of forest restoration activities and post fire forest recovery across multiple geographic scales and management decisions.
+ Working knowledge of the Southwest Ecological Restoration Institutes and ability to effectively advance the mission to demonstrate and promote adaptive ecosystem management for wildfire risk reduction and forest restoration.
+ Expertise in ecology and management of forest vegetation in forest types common to the western United States.
Preferred Job Qualifications
+ Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communication and interpersonal skills with audiences ranging from academic researchers, forest and fire managers, policy makers, and public audiences.
+ Experience hiring, training, and overseeing personnel to contribute to project deliverables.
+ Experience in applying non-spatial and spatial analytical methods and techniques to analyze complex forestry data.
+ Record of authorship on published peer-review scientific journal papers and technical reports, especially within fields of forest ecology monitoring and post fire forest recovery.
+ Demonstrated experience developing and implementing boundary spanning adaptive management programs within forestry and wildfire fields that connects science concepts and management actions across organizational and jurisdictional boundaries; subject matter disciplines; research, management, and policy knowledge systems; and cultural boundaries.
+ Experience interacting with legislative bodies, political entities, government organizations, and the Southwest Ecological Restoration Institutes.
+ Demonstrated skills in strategic planning and organizational leadership.
+ Have or ability to obtain a valid drivers license by the start of employment or access to a driver to conduct short notice personal travel.
Essential Duties
Job Duty CategoryProgram and Project Development and Strategic Planning
Duty/Responsibility
+ Cultivate, establish and maintain communication with individuals and organizations involved in forest restoration, resiliency, and collaborative adaptive management strategies to collaboratively identify potential programs of work and projects
+ Support and/or co-lead engagement, strategic planning, and alignment with SWERI institutes in other states
+ Support and/or co-lead engagement to sustain productive working relationships with Congress, funding partners, state government, and other affected entities defined in SWERI legislation
+ Develop and submit proposals and corresponding administrative paperwork as Principal Investigator or Co-Principal Investigator to secure funding for projects
+ Cultivate and maintain communication with CFRI team members to collaboratively identify and determine strategic goals, needs, and opportunities aligned with CFRI partners strategic goals, needs, and opportunities
+ Identify, develop and cultivate opportunities to partner with other organizations to solve complex problems and identify solutions relating to post-fire forest recovery and management and future forest development
+ Assist the Director and leadership team to develop and oversee processes for CFRI team members to collaboratively identify and determine strategic goals, needs, and opportunities aligned with CFRI partners strategic goals, needs, and opportunities to support CFRI institutional and programmatic sustainability
Percentage Of Time40
Job Duty CategoryProgram and Project Management
Duty/Responsibility
+ Direct or co-lead the development and implementation of work plans specifying tasks and timelines for completion towards project deliverables, including coordinating with other CFRI staff
+ Apply technical expertise as appropriate to carry out and complete tasks
+ Conduct necessary travel to field sites to carry out project tasks
+ Submit expenses and information to WCNR Business Office, Office of Sponsored Programs, and other administrative units in a timely manner
+ Evaluate and communicate knowledge from CFRI monitoring and research results through oral presentations to project partners and professional audiences, and through written products, technical reports, project briefing papers, and popular media
+ Assist the Director and leadership team in hiring, training, and supervising CFRI staff to conduct tasks and produce products contributing towards project deliverables
Percentage Of Time30
Job Duty CategoryApplied Research
Duty/Responsibility
+ Maintain up to date knowledge of the latest science relevant to post fire reforestation and recovery and collaborative adaptive management processes
+ Lead and contribute to discussions with CFRI team members and research partners about basic and applied research opportunities and approaches that support CFRI programs of work and strategic directions
+ Lead and contribute to technical discussions with CFRI team and research partners about monitoring and/or research designs, analytical methods, and presentation of results within subject matter expertise
+ Lead- or co-author scientific journal papers, technical reports to managers and collaboration stakeholders, and non-technical briefing papers to policymakers and the general public
+ Direct and implement the evaluation and communication of knowledge from CFRI monitoring and research results through oral presentations to project partners and professional audiences
Percentage Of Time30
Application Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
Interested applicants must submit a current resume which addresses how professional experiences align with identified required and preferred qualifications of the position. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications in the announcement to be considered for hire. Apply no later than July 14, 2025 for full consideration. Mailed or emailed applications will not be accepted.
Upload each of the items below individually as a Word Document (.doc), PDF (.pdf), or Rich Text Format (.rtf). Please note that incomplete applications cannot be considered. Please remove social security numbers and birth dates from application materials. A complete application consists of:
+ Resume
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.
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.
Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
Search ContactBrett Wolk, ...
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.
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.
References Requested
References Requested
Minimum Requested0
Maximum Requested0
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
+ Resume
Optional Documents
Working TitleSenior Research Associate & Assistant Director External Relations & Sustainability
Position LocationFort Collins, CO
Work LocationPosition is fully in-office/in-person
Research Professional PositionYes
Posting Number202500934AP
Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification TitleSr Research Associate
Number of Vacancies
Work Hours/Week40
Proposed Annual Salary Range$110,000 - $120,000
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; its a thriving community thats 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 ( !
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on07/14/2025
Description of Work Unit
The Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship at Colorado State University is interdisciplinary with programs of emphasis in forestry, fire science, fire management, natural resource policy/planning, rangeland ecology, and restoration ecology. The Departments faculty and staff support the Warner College of Natural Resources ( WCNR ) and the University in fulfilling the Land Grant Mission in these programmatic areas. The Department offers undergraduate majors in Forestry, Rangeland Ecology, and Natural Resources Management in addition to Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees, and a Masters in Natural Resource Stewardship degree. The Warner College is home to five academic departments and several centers and institutes such as the Colorado Forest Restoration Institute, the WESTFIRE Research Center, the Colorado State Forest Service, Natural Resource Ecology Lab, the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands and the Colorado Natural Heritage Program. These programs, institutes and centers provide a foundation for research, education and outreach in this field.
The Colorado Forest Restoration Institution ( CFRI ) is a Congressionally authorized program within the Department of Forest & Rangeland Stewardship at Colorado State University. CFRI was established in 2004 by Congress (PL108-317) as one of three state-based ecological restoration institutes in the Southwest with the mission to develop, compile, synthesize, and apply locally relevant science-based knowledge to achieve forest restoration and wildfire mitigation goals. In 2005, the governors and presidents of the three universities signed a charter committing state and university support for the mission of the institutes. Roughly half of CFRI annual budget comes from Congressional funding, leveraged with state and university support, other project agreements, competitive grants, and philanthropic gifts. The geographic focus of the Institute is the State of Colorado, the U.S. Southwest, and the U.S. Intermountain West. Visit the CFRI website for more info about our mission and work.
Position Summary
This Senior Research Associate and Assistant Director position is tasked with providing leadership in overseeing the development, implementation, and sustainability of CFRIs program of work that advances scientific knowledge and practice of post wildfire forest resilience and recovery in the Rocky Mountain West. The incumbent will be responsible for cultivating, sustaining and growing collaborative relationships with individuals and entities with authority and responsibility over forest resilience and wildfire risk reduction, spanning forest ecology boundaries between knowledge development and knowledge application that results in securing funding as Principal Investigator on applied projects. The position creates and directs processes for developing, synthesizing, publishing, and applying locally-relevant forest ecology scientific knowledge in collaboration with research peers, managers, and other interested and affected entities; leads and contributes to the publication of peer-reviewed journal papers and non-technical products for a diverse audience; and contributes to the growth and sustainability of collaborative monitoring and adaptive management projects in which CFRI is engaged. The position works closely with the CFRI leadership team to assist with overall management and leadership of staff and processes that ensure organizational sustainability. Within the CFRI leadership team, responsibilities include working with the Director and leadership team to cultivate and manage key external partner relationships such as with other SWERI institutes, legislative bodies, government agencies, and academic researchers. A successful incumbent will be: passionate about the mission of the CFRI ; eager to interact with funders; able to understand the need for producing relevant information for affected entities and funders while also pursuing applied scholarly activities that anticipate future information needs in their subject matter expertise; and, able to inspire, lead, and manage staff.
Required Job Qualifications
+ Must be a CSU employee.
+ M.S. in a natural resource-related ecology, geography, and/or management program with significant job-related experience.
+ Demonstrated expertise and experience in developing and implementing collaborative monitoring, research, and adaptive management activities regarding the effects of forest restoration activities and post fire forest recovery across multiple geographic scales and management decisions.
+ Working knowledge of the Southwest Ecological Restoration Institutes and ability to effectively advance the mission to demonstrate and promote adaptive ecosystem management for wildfire risk reduction and forest restoration.
+ Expertise in ecology and management of forest vegetation in forest types common to the western United States.
Preferred Job Qualifications
+ Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communication and interpersonal skills with audiences ranging from academic researchers, forest and fire managers, policy makers, and public audiences.
+ Experience hiring, training, and overseeing personnel to contribute to project deliverables.
+ Experience in applying non-spatial and spatial analytical methods and techniques to analyze complex forestry data.
+ Record of authorship on published peer-review scientific journal papers and technical reports, especially within fields of forest ecology monitoring and post fire forest recovery.
+ Demonstrated experience developing and implementing boundary spanning adaptive management programs within forestry and wildfire fields that connects science concepts and management actions across organizational and jurisdictional boundaries; subject matter disciplines; research, management, and policy knowledge systems; and cultural boundaries.
+ Experience interacting with legislative bodies, political entities, government organizations, and the Southwest Ecological Restoration Institutes.
+ Demonstrated skills in strategic planning and organizational leadership.
+ Have or ability to obtain a valid drivers license by the start of employment or access to a driver to conduct short notice personal travel.
Essential Duties
Job Duty CategoryProgram and Project Development and Strategic Planning
Duty/Responsibility
+ Cultivate, establish and maintain communication with individuals and organizations involved in forest restoration, resiliency, and collaborative adaptive management strategies to collaboratively identify potential programs of work and projects
+ Support and/or co-lead engagement, strategic planning, and alignment with SWERI institutes in other states
+ Support and/or co-lead engagement to sustain productive working relationships with Congress, funding partners, state government, and other affected entities defined in SWERI legislation
+ Develop and submit proposals and corresponding administrative paperwork as Principal Investigator or Co-Principal Investigator to secure funding for projects
+ Cultivate and maintain communication with CFRI team members to collaboratively identify and determine strategic goals, needs, and opportunities aligned with CFRI partners strategic goals, needs, and opportunities
+ Identify, develop and cultivate opportunities to partner with other organizations to solve complex problems and identify solutions relating to post-fire forest recovery and management and future forest development
+ Assist the Director and leadership team to develop and oversee processes for CFRI team members to collaboratively identify and determine strategic goals, needs, and opportunities aligned with CFRI partners strategic goals, needs, and opportunities to support CFRI institutional and programmatic sustainability
Percentage Of Time40
Job Duty CategoryProgram and Project Management
Duty/Responsibility
+ Direct or co-lead the development and implementation of work plans specifying tasks and timelines for completion towards project deliverables, including coordinating with other CFRI staff
+ Apply technical expertise as appropriate to carry out and complete tasks
+ Conduct necessary travel to field sites to carry out project tasks
+ Submit expenses and information to WCNR Business Office, Office of Sponsored Programs, and other administrative units in a timely manner
+ Evaluate and communicate knowledge from CFRI monitoring and research results through oral presentations to project partners and professional audiences, and through written products, technical reports, project briefing papers, and popular media
+ Assist the Director and leadership team in hiring, training, and supervising CFRI staff to conduct tasks and produce products contributing towards project deliverables
Percentage Of Time30
Job Duty CategoryApplied Research
Duty/Responsibility
+ Maintain up to date knowledge of the latest science relevant to post fire reforestation and recovery and collaborative adaptive management processes
+ Lead and contribute to discussions with CFRI team members and research partners about basic and applied research opportunities and approaches that support CFRI programs of work and strategic directions
+ Lead and contribute to technical discussions with CFRI team and research partners about monitoring and/or research designs, analytical methods, and presentation of results within subject matter expertise
+ Lead- or co-author scientific journal papers, technical reports to managers and collaboration stakeholders, and non-technical briefing papers to policymakers and the general public
+ Direct and implement the evaluation and communication of knowledge from CFRI monitoring and research results through oral presentations to project partners and professional audiences
Percentage Of Time30
Application Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
Interested applicants must submit a current resume which addresses how professional experiences align with identified required and preferred qualifications of the position. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications in the announcement to be considered for hire. Apply no later than July 14, 2025 for full consideration. Mailed or emailed applications will not be accepted.
Upload each of the items below individually as a Word Document (.doc), PDF (.pdf), or Rich Text Format (.rtf). Please note that incomplete applications cannot be considered. Please remove social security numbers and birth dates from application materials. A complete application consists of:
+ Resume
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.
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.
Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
Search ContactBrett Wolk, ...
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.
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.
References Requested
References Requested
Minimum Requested0
Maximum Requested0
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
+ Resume
Optional Documents
Job ID: 483997553
Originally Posted on: 7/3/2025
Want to find more Chemistry opportunities?
Check out the 16,768 verified Chemistry jobs on iHireChemists
Similar Jobs
Sign Up for Job Alerts
