Graduate & Employment Opportunities

Join the Public Lands Policy Group

We are hiring!

Research Associate III – Forest and Climate Adaptation Policy

We are searching for a research associate (holding an MS with 2 years of experience or PhD) to work on several projects:

  1. conducting research on forest policy, climate adaptation, and land management
  2. lead or assist with teaching natural resource policy at the undergraduate level
  3. work with the  CSU Climate Adaptation Partnership (CAP) to continue to develop research and relationships to support research and community engagement around climate adaptation

Click here to view the full job description and apply.

Applications must be received by 4/29/2024.

Graduate Studies Opportunity – Indigenous Knowledges in Co-Management of Public Lands

We have a graduate studies opportunity (MA/MS or PhD) for Fall 2024 (or 2025) focused on the integration of Indigenous knowledges in co-management of public lands. The student would be co-advised by Dr. Courtney Schultz (Forest & Rangeland Stewardship) and Dr. Lindsey Schneider (Ethnic Studies). Depending on the student’s background and interests, they could work towards a degree in either the Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship (which offers an MS and PhD in Forest Sciences) or in the College of Liberal Arts (graduate programs include anthropology, history, political science, and sociology). Specific research topics are flexible but could include Indigenous land relationships, Indigenous data sovereignty, institutional research policies, relationships between tribal nations and government agencies, co-production of knowledge, history/development of management policy and approaches, climate adaptation, planning, ecological resilience, or tribal sovereignty, all with a connection to federal land management.

To apply, students should submit materials by May 1st for admission in Fall 2024. If a student is interested in admission in 2025, please send a CV and Statement of Interest nonetheless so we can consider our best applicants (we are happy to delay the start date if appropriate).  Please send:

  • Curriculum vitae w/ three references to contact (1 reference can be a community member)
  • Statement of Interest (2-page max)
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • Academic writing sample (10-20 pages)

Materials should be via email to courtney.schultz@colostate.edu and lindsey.schneider@colostate.edu.

Working for the PLPG

The PLPG is an active lab with undergraduate researchers, graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, and research associates. Dr. Schultz and the group meet often to support each other, share ideas, and explore new directions. Graduate students from the PLPG have gone on to work as planners for agencies, researchers with non-profits, staff at land trusts and consulting firms, and law students. The PLPG is a great place for students looking to deepen their knowledge of public policy and public administration in a natural resource management context. All of our research is applied and pragmatic, designed to solve real-world problems.

Follow these links to learn more about our current Staff, Students, and Alumni.

Interested students should contact Dr. Schultz with a statement of interest and a CV.