Region 2 Forest Manager - State Prog Admin Manager Sr

Working Title: Region 2 Forest Manager

Job Class: State Program Administrator, Manager Senior

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 85774
• Location: Grand Rapids
• Telework Eligible: Yes, up to 50%
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 04/24/2025
• Closing Date: 05/14/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Forestry
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, Occasional travel
• Salary Range: $43.38 - $62.41 / hourly; $90,577 - $130,312 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrep
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
• 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.

This position is responsible for the management, implementation, and integration of all Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Forestry programs, activities, policies, program budgets, and operations in the department’s Northeast Region (centered in Grand Rapids). This position assists and provides leadership to develop and implement the Division's and Department's mission and vision.

Responsibilities include:

• Direct implementation and integration of Division programs and activities with program coordinators and consultants, regional specialists, and area supervisors.
• Direct and implement Fire, State Land, and Cooperative Forest Management program activities.
• Provide leadership and supervision directly to areas, region program staff, and indirectly to field staff.
• Direct operating budget management activities at the regional level; monitor and provide direction on area budgets.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with external constituents and stakeholders for awareness and understanding of DNR goals and to understand stakeholder needs, desires, and expectations.
• Coordinate and collaborate preparation and implementation of DNR plans and policies.
  
  

This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete an annual telework agreement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science Degree in forest science/management (or a related field of academic study) from a university program accredited by the Society of American Foresters or comparable accrediting institution.
• Three (3) years managerial or advanced supervisory experience directing and supervising forest management programs and staff.
• Knowledge of forest management programs, forest ecosystem science, policies and procedures and knowledge of rules and laws related to forest management and protection programs sufficient to evaluate unit and program management.
• Knowledge of government budgeting and financial management processes sufficient to coordinate and articulate budget proposals, prioritize and manage budgets, monitor revenue, administer grants, and interpret budget reports.
• Ability to apply broad knowledge to complex issues sufficient to anticipate trends, analyze data, and find solutions that balance long-term resource conservation demands.
• Ability to integrate multi-disciplinary aspects of natural resource management.
• Ability to oversee large projects, prioritize, and make recommendations or decisions on direction of a project.
• Leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills to direct, develop, and engage staff.
• Ability to develop internal and external cooperative relationships and partnerships.
• Conflict management skills to analyze and resolve ambiguous or controversial situations and make difficult decisions.
• Communication skills to effectively communicate complex information to a wide variety of audiences.
• Ability to apply systems thinking perspectives and practices.
• Knowledge of different cultural and community groups sufficient to administer the programmatic area and ensure stakeholders understand the requirements and expectations of a given program.
• Ability to treat employees inclusively in the areas of accommodation, accessibility, scheduling, expectations, individualized resource needs, training, and development.
• Ability to set long term and short-term goals and objectives that equitably empower all employees, stakeholders, and the public.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree or other education/training in areas pertinent to position responsibilities.
• Knowledge of DNR programs and areas of responsibilities in other divisions.
• Knowledge of the legislative process and functions.
• Knowledge of strategic and operational planning procedures sufficient to participate in generation of unit plans, evaluate recommendations, and explain proposals and reports to staff, peers, and superiors.
• Knowledge of a variety of land management activities such as acquisition, leasing, rights, agreements, and land laws.
  
  

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 Andrew Arends at andrew.arends@state.mn.us or 651-295-7794.

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.