Program Forester Silviculture - NR Forestry Specialist Senior

Working Title: Program Forester - Silviculture

Job Class: Natural Resources Forestry Specialist Senior

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 85307
• Location: Sandstone
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 04/05/2025
• Closing Date: 04/25/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Forestry
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $28.82 - $42.31 / hourly; $60,176 - $88,343 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
  
  

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

The DNR is seeking to hire a NR Forestry Specialist Senior in Sandstone, MN. 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.
  
  

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.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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 forest management with experience providing leadership in supporting program such as forest inventory, terrestrial invasive species, forest road administration, etc (e.g. NR Forestry Specialist Intermediate class) OR three years of entry-level professional forest management with experience in timber sale appraisal and administration, forest inventory management, and wildfire response, (e.g. 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

• Certified Forest Officer or certified within the next training / certification cycle.
• 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)
• 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
  
  

Additional Requirements

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

Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

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. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status).

It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

• Conflict of Interest Review
• Criminal History Check
• Education Verification
• Employment Reference / Records Check
• License / Certification Verification
  
  

How To Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Robert Milne at bob.milne@state.mn.us or 651-259-5798.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA.DNR@state.mn.us. 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 Hannah Ziemann at hannah.ziemann@state.mn.us.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth
  
  

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
  
  

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
  
  

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
  
  

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.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.