Minnesota Department of Natural Resources · 9 hours ago
Cooperative Forest Management Forester - NR Forestry Specialist Senior
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking a full-time NR Forestry Specialist Senior in Faribault. The role involves administering all Cooperative Forest Management programs within an administrative area and includes responsibilities such as directing Private Forest Management programs and serving as the primary local contact for the State’s Forest Legacy program.
Government Administration
Responsibilities
Direct all Private Forest Management programs in the designated Division of Forestry area by acting as a lead to formulate, advise, and assist with resource management activities on private lands, and with other public agencies and private organizations
Participate in the Forestry Incentives program through tasks related to incentives provided to private forest landowners. In particular: state, federal and county cost share programs, the Sustainable Forest Incentives Act (SFIA) and the 2c Managed Forest Tax law
Direct all Urban and Community Forest Management programs in the designated Division of Forestry area
Serve as the primary local contact for designated area when assistance is needed relating to the State’s Forest Legacy program (FLP), including promoting forest legacy easements on private lands of high conservation significance, and to assist the FLP coordinator
Carry out work activities related to Resource Protection; this includes wildfire prevention, pre-suppression, and suppression on all ownerships within the designated area. The position also has statewide duties in resource protection associated with, as assigned, off unit fire suppression
Carry out activities relating to Division of Forestry outreach programs activities to improve public understanding and stewardship of natural resources
Qualification
Required
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 intermediate professional forest management with experience providing leadership in supporting program such as forest inventory, terrestrial invasive species, forest road administration, silviculture OR three years of entry-level professional forest management with experience in timber sale appraisal and administration, forest inventory management
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
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
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
Ability to clearly communicate complex concepts and principles to other resource professionals and the public in verbal and written format
Ability to earn and maintain National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) basic wildland firefighter (FFT2) qualification
Ability to work weekends, evenings, holidays, and occasionally on multi-day assignments away from home during times of elevated fire danger to protect life, property, and natural resources from wildfire and other natural disasters in Minnesota
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
Preferred
Knowledge of Department and Division policies, procedures and operating guidelines and State of Minnesota statutes pertaining to natural resources management
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
Experience in timber sale administration
Qualified as Fire Fighter Type 1 (FFT1) / Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT 5)
Certified Forest Officer
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) Cooperative Forest 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) State Land Management
Completion of a Leadership Development Program
Experience using ESRI products
Experience using the Private Forest Management Module (PFMM)
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
Knowledge of wetland classification and/or delineation
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
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
Company
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) works with citizens to conserve and manage the state's natural resources, to provide outdoor recreation opportunities, and to provide for commercial uses of natural resources in a way that creates a sustainable quality of life.