Forest Products Specialist

The Forest Products Specialist provides statewide technical assistance and technology transfer expertise to a variety of stakeholders, including businesses as well as internal and external customers, to support and grow Wisconsin’s forest products industry in the assigned program areas. Program areas include forest products utilization and marketing support; domestic, international, and emerging forest products market and business development; manufacturing process improvement; carbon markets; renewable energy and woody biomass; impacts of invasive species related to wood markets; and related policy development on emerging issues. Areas of program expertise evolve with emerging issues in forest products.

This position develops detailed knowledge of the forest resource and forest products industry in Wisconsin and is a key internal and external consultant for staff, leadership, inter-divisional teams, and partner groups. This position maintains cutting-edge knowledge and expertise by staying abreast of current research and maintaining an effective professional network. The customer base for this position is Wisconsin forest businesses, state agencies, economic development and industry trade organizations, Division staff, as well as colleagues throughout the Department and corresponding programs in the US Forest Service and other states.

The Forest Products Specialist provides excellent customer service and face-to-face interactions with members of Wisconsin’s forest products industry to foster job growth, job retention, and industry expansion.

We encourage you to review the full position description by clicking here.

Starting pay is $70,720 to $75,920 annually ($34.00/hour to $36.50/hour). Pay for current State employees may vary based on the State of WI Compensation Plan, which requires additional DPM approval to offer a pay increase to transfer candidates.

This position includes an excellent benefits package, including health care, vacation, sick leave, and retirement benefits.

This position is included in Pay Schedule/Range 15-03. A 12-month probationary period may be required.

The selected candidate must meet the requirements for traveling and operating a State vehicle, including the ability to obtain and maintain a valid Wisconsin driver's license.

The selected candidate will be required to pass a background check prior to an offer of employment.

Based on an assessment of the goals and work activities, this position may be eligible for telework. Telework approval is based on individual circumstances and is subject to supervisor approval and DNR telework policies. Approval is subject to change without notice based on business needs.

All State employees are required to report their COVID vaccination status, whether vaccinated or not, and must provide supporting documentation if vaccinated. Newly hired employees will be required to submit this information within their first two weeks of employment. At this time, those who are unvaccinated are subject to weekly COVID-19 testing protocols.

DNR does not sponsor work visas. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required I-9 form.