Timber, Forest Health & Wildfire Mitigation Industries Workforce Development Program

Colorado Senate Bill 23-005 directs the Colorado State Forest Service to offer qualifying for-profit businesses and non-profit organizations funding to hire and train new employees in the timber, forest health and wildfire mitigation industries. Up to 50 percent of the costs to hire and train new employees can be reimbursed under this program. Businesses and organizations should submit an application when they hire a new employee.

These are some examples of qualifying positions:

• Mechanical timber harvesting and removal
• Hand crew member involved in timber removal or wildfire mitigation
• Wood products manufacturing and marketing
• Mechanical, electrical and equipment fabrication or operator positions in the qualifying industries 
• Forest health, forestry services, forest technicians and forestry aides
• Mechanical and non-mechanical hazardous fuels removal or reduction

There is no application deadline. The CSFS will accept applications until all funding has been awarded. Multiple positions for a single applicant business and/or organization will be considered. 

To apply, download and save the application. Applicants should submit an application at the time of new employee hiring. Complete the form and email to tim.reader@colostate.edu. Emailed applications are preferred, but mail or hard copy applications will also be accepted.