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Intermediate Forester
Job Class: Natural Resources Forestry Specialist Intermediate
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 79133
  • Location: Hill City
  • Telework Eligible: No
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 11/07/2024
  • Closing Date: 11/27/2024
  • 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: $26.04 - $37.98 / hourly; $54,371 - $79,302 / 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.

Job Summary

 

This position is located in Hill City, MN. This position performs professional-level program support work and administers one or two forestry sub-programs at the Area administrative level.  Sub-programs include: land administration, state forest recreation, state forest roads, forest development, timber sales, private forest management, utilization and marketing, forest soils and ecological classification system, forest health, community forestry, fire management, and natural resources assessment.

This position implements Division of Forestry State Land Management, Wildfire Prevention and Suppression, Cooperative Forest Management, Forest Inventory Resource Information (Grand Rapids location), Forest Resource Information and Analysis, Nursery and Tree Improvement, and Administrative and Technical Support programs at the Area administrative level by completing field assignments.

State Land Management Program:  Administer and implement state forest management policies and procedures; manage, develop, and protect complex forest ecosystems; 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; inspect state leases; communicate to the public on forest ecosystem science and department policies, procedures, and regulations. 

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 on forest ecosystem science and department policies, procedures, and regulations. 

Wildfire Prevention and Suppression Program:  Administer and implement forest resource protection policies and procedures; collect and analyze fire weather information; plan for and suppress wildfires; and enforce natural resource protection statutes; communicate to the public on fire science and department policies, procedures and regulations. 

Forest Resource Information and Analysis Program:  Administer and implement forest resource information and analysis policies and procedures, measure state administered lands following the department 4 Trees Program policies and procedures; collect, record, and analyze forest resources information. 

Forest Inventory and Analysis Program:¿(Grand Rapids location only) Administer and implement forest inventory projects, policies, and procedures.  Measure inventory plots statewide, provide quality and accuracy checks; collect, record, and analyze forest resource information.¿ 

Formal Training: Complete formal Division of Forestry classroom and field training sessions as assigned. 

Operational Support:  Provide work direction to other professional staff, technicians, firefighters, laborers, temporary crews, and contractors in the assigned subprogram; fulfill lead worker responsibilities at the field station.

Occasional overnight travel required. Work hours are subject to change based on work needs; hours of work and days off will vary and include weekends, evenings and holidays. Normal working hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will change based on work needs; hours of work will include weekends, evenings and holidays.

Qualifications

 

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 forest management experience equivalent  demonstrating knowledge in the following areas: (1) Forest mensuration and inventory techniques sufficient to carry out assigned programs; (2) Timber sale appraisal, design and Administration techniques sufficient to carry out assigned programs; (3) Scientific principles involved in silviculture practices to be applied in the field; (4) GIS/ GPS skills sufficient to collect data, establish field locations, and create maps.
  • 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.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Leadership skills sufficient to motivate people and obtain program commitment from area personnel.
  • Broad range of experience with all programs administered by the Division of Forestry with an emphasis on the following: Wildfire Prevention and Suppression, Cooperative Stand Assessment, Ecological Classification, Timber Program-Timber Sale Appraisal and Design, State Forest Roads.
  • Qualified as an Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5), Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1), and/or single resource boss
  • Current licensures/certificates related to the position including but not limited to CDL, pesticide applicator certification, forest officer, fire investigator, wetland delineator. 
  • Knowledge of Department and Division policies, procedures and operating guidelines and State of Minnesota statutes pertaining to natural resources management.
  • Ability to train and teach sufficient to convey information in classrooms, field demonstrations, seminars, workshops and to DNR staff.
  • Successful completion of the MN DNR entry level forester training.

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. 

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

Application Details

 

How to Apply 

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line 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 Brian Leitinger at brian.leitinger@state.mn.us or 218-429-3023.

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 job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.