Forest Economics & Ecology Section Chief

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Forestry is accepting applications for a Forest Economics and Ecology Section Chief to lead, direct and administer all policy, personnel, and budget activities for the Forest Economics and Ecology Section within the Applied Forestry Bureau.

This recruitment is considered Statewide, as most regional headquarters within the state of Wisconsin may be considered via applicant need and agency approval. Remote work will be available, up to the majority of the work week, after the initial onboarding period. The exact amount is based on program need. Frequent travel throughout the state will be required.

The DNR is a great place to work! We are a workplace focused on diversity, equity, and inclusivity. Current employees value work-hour flexibility, casual office atmosphere, healthy work-life balance, and working for an organization that provides training and growth opportunities. 

The DNR excels at protecting and managing natural resources while supporting the economy and the well-being of our citizenry. We are dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. The staff works in partnership with individuals and organizations to manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air, and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities. 

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) offers interesting and meaningful work with an employee-friendly and inclusive work environment, work-life balance, a casual office environment, flexibility, and many opportunities to grow your skills. The State of Wisconsin offers an exemplary benefits package with:

• generous paid time off, including at least 3.5 weeks of vacation/personal time, 9 paid holidays, and ample sick time that rolls over each year with no cap
• excellent and affordable health insurance options (starting at $39/month for single and $97/month for family coverage) other great insurance options (dental, vision, life, and more) top-notch retirement program and optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan
• Well Wisconsin program offering wellness tools and rewards to employees and spouses
• A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their household members tools, resources, and professional consultation services.

Position Summary

The Forest Economic and Ecology Section Chief’s role is to inform and support sustainable management of Wisconsin’s urban and rural forest resources by providing technical expertise and performing applied research across the field of forestry in collaboration with internal and external partners. Work within the section currently includes the multi-state DREAM (Desired Regeneration through Assisted Migration) and ASCC (Adapted Silviculture for Climate Change) projects, as well as efforts to review and update forest management practices, evaluating the impacts of browse on forest regeneration, and understanding the dynamics of past land use patterns on today’s forest cover. This position is responsible for coaching, mentoring and supervising 8 permanent and 6 to 12 LTE staff. This position serves on management teams and is expected to be an active contributor. Customer and partner groups may include forestry and non‐forestry DNR staff, citizens, citizen groups, industry leaders, tribal governments, and governmental and educational representatives.

Please review the Position Description for more details on this position.

Qualifications:

Required qualifications include the following:

• Experience participating in the development and implementation of policies or program strategies related to natural resources
• Experience participating in the development and implementation of systems/processes to evaluate program goals, objectives, and accomplishments

Best-qualified applicants will also have any of the following preferred qualifications:

• Experience leading, directing or supervising a team
• Experience managing budgets/grants, including tasks such as allocation and monitoring of fiscal resources
• Experience, education, or formal certification in forest management sciences; such as silviculture, forest ecology, forest hydrology, forest socio-economics, fire and landscape disturbance, forest genetics, climate change, etc.