At the DNR, we are committed to the conservation and management of the state's natural resources for outdoor recreation, economic development, and a sustainable quality of life. Apply with us and find your path.

Working Title: NR Forestry Specialist Senior - Timber
Job Class: Natural Resources Forestry Specialist Senior

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 03/07/2023
• Closing Date: 03/27/2023
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Forestry
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes
• Salary Range: $26.14 - $38.38 / hourly; $54,580 - $80,137 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
• Telework Eligible: No
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

This position provides professional level program support work and administers and implements Division of Forestry programs. Division of Forestry programs include: State Land Management, Cooperative Forest Management, Resource Protection, Forest Resource Information and Analysis, Nursery and Tree Improvement and Administrative and Technical Support.

State Land Management Program: Administer and implement state forest management policies and procedures. Manage, develop and protect complex forest ecosystems; apply silvicultural principles and practices to promote forest health and productivity; appraise forest resources for harvest; design harvest systems and regulations for timber sales; mark timber sale boundaries; administer state timber sales; measure cut forest products; and inspect state leases. Communicate to the public, stakeholders and other natural resource professionals on department policies, procedures, regulations and natural resources forestry science.

Cooperative Forest Management Program: Administer and implement cooperative forest management policies and procedures. Assist non-industrial forest woodland owners with the stewardship of their lands by providing forest management assistance and advice. Communicate to the public, stakeholders and other natural resource professionals on department policies, procedures, regulations and natural resources forestry science.

Resource Protection Program: Administer and implement forest resource protection policies and procedures. Collect and analyze weather information; plan for and manage suppression of wild fires; and oversee enforcement of natural resource protection statutes. Communicate to the public, stakeholders and other natural resource professionals on department policies, procedures regulations, and natural resources forestry science.

Forest Resource Information and Analysis Program: Administer and implement forest resource information and analysis policies and procedures. Collect and record forest resources information following the Forest Inventory Module (FIM) policies and procedures. Communicate to the public, stakeholders and other natural resource professionals on department policies, procedures, regulations and natural resources forestry science.

Formal Training: Complete formal Division of Forestry classroom and field training sessions as assigned. This includes becoming a Certified Forest Officer within the next training / certification cycle.

Operational Support: Provide work direction to other professional staff, technicians, laborers, temporary crews and contractors.

Minimum Qualifications

Normal working hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. but are subject to change based on work needs; hours of work may include weekends, evenings and holidays.

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Forest Science/Management (or a closely related field of academic study) from a university program accredited by the Society of American Foresters, or comparable accrediting institution, or current Society of American Foresters Certified Forester status.
• Two years journey level professional experience equivalent to the NR Forestry Specialist Intermediate class OR three years entry level professional experience equivalent to the NR Forestry Specialist class.
• Knowledge of Forest management theory and techniques sufficient to plan and organize the management activities of a field station, oversee program management practices within an area, and act as lead worker for professional employees and contractors.
• Knowledge of division policies and procedures governing program activities sufficient to follow them in fighting fires, developing forest tracts, conducting timber sales, building roads, and managing public and private forests.
• Knowledge of state policies and procedures for contract administration sufficient to write technical specifications and oversee contract work.
• Leadership skills sufficient to motivate people and obtain program commitment from area personnel.

• Human relations skills sufficient to assign and monitor the work of staff; resolve problems with loggers, clients, the public, and other employees; conduct training classes; and represent the division on committees and task forces.
• Ability to clearly communicate complex concepts and principles to other resource professionals and the public in verbal and written format.
• Organizational and interpersonal skills sufficient to work as a productive member of a team
• Conflict resolution/human relation skills sufficient to negotiate, resolve issues, read situations and settle disputes equitably by finding common ground and cooperation
• Requires an unrestricted Class D Minnesota Driver's License: a single unit vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of less than 26,000 pounds. This is a basic driver's license. Operators may also tow vehicles/trailers as long as the gross combination weight does not exceed 26,000 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of Department and Division policies, procedures and operating guidelines and State of Minnesota statutes pertaining to natural resources management.
• Qualified as Fire Fighter Type 1 (FFT1) / Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT 5)
• Certified Forest Officer.
• Single Resource Boss Qualified and ICT 4 trainee, Unit Leader Qualified or Forest Officer (FO) Investigator Qualified.
• Leadership skills sufficient to motivate people and obtain program commitment from area personnel.
• Successful completion of the Division of Forestry Entry Level Professional Forester Development Program.
• Knowledge of water quality BMPs and Forest Management Guidelines sufficient to implement appropriate practices on a variety of forest management sites and situations.
• Experience in timber sale administration.
• Knowledge of wetland classification and/or delineation.
• Background or coursework in soil science, forest soils or hydrology.
• Broad range of experience with all programs administered by the Division of Forestry with an emphasis on the following major field operations programs: 1) State Land Management; 2) Resource Protection with an emphasis on fire suppression and management; 3) Forest Resource Information and Analysis with an emphasis on FIM; and 4) Cooperative Forest Management.
• Completion of a Leadership Development Program.
• Experience using ESRI products

Physical Requirements

Requires occasionally lifting articles such as 50 pounds maximum and frequently lifting and/or carrying objects such as heavy tools and file boxes. This job may require walking or standing to a significant degree on rough terrain or may involve sitting most of the time with pushing and pulling of arm and/or leg controls.

Additional Requirements

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s License with a clear driving record.

It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. All job offers are contingent upon passing the following components:

• Employment Reference Check
• SEMA4 Records Check
• Criminal History Check
• Conflict of Interest Review
• Education/license verification

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page and submit an application/resume that clearly describes how you meet the qualifications listed above. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

If you have questions about the position, contact Michael Hup at michael.hup@state.mn.us or 218-878-5643.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Nicole Tefft at nicole.tefft@state.mn.us.

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Public pension plan
• Training and professional development
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and indicate what assistance is needed.