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Minnesota Department of Natural Resources · 4 days ago

NR Prog Consultant - Seed Procurement

Willow River, MN

Part-time

Hybrid

Mid, Senior Level

$35.96/hr - $53.32/hr

2+ years exp

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Minnesotans and is seeking a Natural Resources Program Consultant specializing in Seed Procurement. This role is responsible for developing and leading the forestry division’s seed procurement and tree improvement programs to support reforestation efforts in response to climate change.

Environmental ConsultingGovernmentNatural ResourcesNon Profit

No H1B

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain a robust and effective seed procurement program to ensure adequate seed supply for reforestation on Minnesota public and private lands

Provide strategic direction for the Seed Procurement Program that plans, leads and conducts efforts in seed orchard management to increase seed production for public and private land reforestation in a changing climate

Develop, expend and monitor budgets for the Seed Procurement Program

Provide technical support to personnel working in areas with seed orchards or procurement sites to maximize seed production to meet procurement needs

Establish and administer training programs to expand statewide seed procurement capacity

Other duties as assigned by State Forest Nursery Supervisor

Qualification

Seed procurementTree improvementForest managementBudget managementTraining skillsTree geneticsSilvicultureHuman relationsTeam buildingComputer skillsMeeting facilitationWritten communicationOral communicationNegotiationConflict resolutionEffective listeningLeadership ability

Required

Bachelor of Science Degree in agronomy, horticulture, (or a closely related field of academic study) OR a Bachelor of Science Degree in Forest Science/Management from a university program accredited by the Society of American Foresters, or comparable accrediting institution, or current Society of American Foresters Certified Forester status

Ability to work independently in administrative tasks related to workload planning, lead work, managing and monitoring complex budgets, and coordinating activities with partners, staff, and contractors sufficient to meet program objectives

Two years advanced level professional experience (e.g., NR Forestry Regional Specialist, NR Forestry Program Coordinator or equivalent) administering a regional, state or organization-wide forest management program that includes responsibility for coordination of planning, implementation and evaluation of program and staff activities

Two years working with tree genetics, silviculture, seed procurement, tree improvement, or forest management sufficient to solve unusual or difficult problems, advise field staff, determine future program directions and evaluate program work

Experience administering a program sufficient to properly lead staff, prepare and manage complex budgets, distribute equipment resources and direct program activities

Training/teaching skills sufficient to convey information in classrooms and provide field demonstrations, seminars, and workshops to DNR staff, partnering resource managers and the general public

Human relation, coaching, collaborative, persuasion, and team building skills sufficient to effectively work with diverse interests, gain cooperation for new approaches/ideas, explain/resolve complex program problems with internal/external partners to accomplish common conservation objectives

Written and oral communications sufficient to speak or write to large or small groups, legislative committees, officials of other agencies, private groups or the public; to write convincing and well-documented reports on resource issues; and to conduct training sessions with division staff or outside groups

Demonstrated leadership ability to motivate and guide self and other staff to work effectively with stakeholders through the application of a wide range of organizational, procedural, technical, analytical and interpersonal skills and ability to operate independently as well as in a team environment to prioritize work and achieve agreed upon milestones and deliverables

Computer skills sufficient to create/prepare reports, manage databases and track projects

Experience in meeting facilitation, group processes, conflict resolution, effective listening and negotiation sufficient to work with diverse groups, stakeholders, etc

Preferred

Advanced degree as described above

Knowledge of department and division programs, policies and procedures sufficient to make program decisions that are compatible with other policies and programs in the division and department

Experience collaborating with forest managers at a multi-state or national scale

Experience procuring wild and orchard grown seed, developing seed orchard growing stock and grafting, and creating and maintaining trees seed orchards

Continuous improvement process skills, root cause analysis and project management

Experience interpreting and applying natural resource/forestry laws

Experience with Arc View GIS

Knowledge of legislative process sufficient to develop legislative proposals, monitor status of legislation and understand legislative committee processes

Benefits

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

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

Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care