Job Details

Working Title: Cooperative Forest Management Forester
Job Class: NR Forestry Specialist Senior
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 79373
• Location: St Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/14/2024
• Closing Date: 10/04/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Forestry
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - travel for field work; some overnight travel for trainings.
• Salary Range: $28.82 - $42.31 / hourly; $60,176 - $88,343 / 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

The DNR is looking for two (2) Natural Resources Forestry Specialist Senior in St Paul. This position exists to carry out activities relating to Division of Forestry outreach programs activities and grant initiatives. The position will administer all Cooperative Forest Management (CFM) programs (Private Forest Management, Urban and Community Forestry, School Forest, Forest Legacy, and Recreation) within the Sandstone and Lewiston Area(s), for the Department of Natural Resources in an area consisting of Ramsey, Hennepin, Washington, Anoka, and Dakota Counties.
Responsibilities include:

• Carry out activities relating to Division of Forestry outreach programs activities and grant initiatives in order to improve public understanding and stewardship of natural resources.
• Direct all Urban and Community Forest (UCF) Management programs in portions of the Metro Area described above.
• Direct Private Forest Management programs in the designated Division of Forestry Area. The position acts as a lead to formulate, advise, and assist with resource management activities on private lands, and with other public agencies and private organizations, so the forest resource will be utilized and managed to the greatest extent possible.
• This position supports the delivery of the various Division of Forestry programs to ensure delivery of the department and division missions. Programs supported by this position include Urban and Community Forestry, School Forest, Recreation, Forest Legacy, State Tree Nursery and Tree Improvement, Forest Health, and Wildfire/Resource Protection.

This position will require reporting to the primary work location on a regular basis. This position has a limited 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 a telework agreement.

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 (2) years intermediate level professional experience OR three (3) years entry level professional experience.
• Experience using ESRI products, such as Arc GIS.
• Knowledge of Forest management theory and techniques sufficient to plan and organize the management activities and act as lead worker for professional employees and contractors.
• Knowledge of Urban and Community forestry, forest economics, arboriculture, property taxes, statistics, entomology, plant pathology and recreation management.
• Technical knowledge in the area of forest survey and mapping and appraisal techniques of the values of forested lands
• Knowledge of chemical applications to prescribe, use, and evaluate pesticides and herbicides.
• Knowledge of forest soils and plant physiology.
• Knowledge of forest entomology to identify and control pests.
• Communication skills sufficient to communicate complex concepts and principals to other resource professionals and the public and make effective presentations to a wide variety of audiences by identifying their level of understanding and evoking a positive response.
• Human relations skills sufficient to assign and monitor work, resolve problems with staff and customers, conduct training, administer discipline, and motivate and energize individuals and groups.
• GIS skills including cartographic output (map generation) sufficient to integrate various types of data and produce professional analysis.
• Skill in safety and communicating safety and PPE in all aspects of the job.
• Cultural competency skills sufficient to work with and serve diverse communities.
• Ability to identify native trees, shrubs, seeds and cones.
• Ability to train and teach sufficient to convey information in classrooms, field demonstrations, seminars, and workshops for school groups, residents, and partnering resource managers.
• Ability to maintain written records.
• Ability to provide lead work as needed.
• Ability to identify inefficiency and provide for efficiency improvements.
• Ability to plan and implement complex projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Forest Officer, International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist, or equivalent certifications.
• Completion of a Leadership Development Program.
• Experience or coursework in soil science, forest soils or hydrology.
• Experience with budget policies, procedures and regulations sufficient to manage and administer budget and to cost effectively deliver resources.
• Experience in timber sale administration.
• Broad range of experience with all programs administered by the Division of Forestry with an emphasis on the following major field operations programs: 1) Private Forest Management; 2) Forestry Incentives; 3) Forest Nursery Operations; 4) Urban and Community Forestry; and 5) Resource Protection with an emphasis on fire suppression and management.
• Knowledge of Federal Farm Bill programs as it relates to how they are administered, implemented.
• 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.
• Knowledge of Minnesota school and district structures to determine the right staff to best support School Forest activities.
• Qualified as Fire Fighter Type 1 (FFT1) / Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT 5)
• Organizational skills sufficient to prioritize, coordinate, and manage multiple tasks and projects.
• Leadership skills sufficient to motivate people and obtain program commitment from area personnel.

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

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 Valerie Mc Clannahan at valerie.mcclannahan@state.mn.us or 651-792-5125
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 Layla Daleiden at layla.daleiden@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.