Forestry Regional Specialist – Ecological Classification System

The MN DNR Division of Forestry is seeking to hire a Forestry Regional Specialist in Bemidji, MN!

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

Natural Resources Forestry Regional Specialists develop forestry programs at the Region administrative level. Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry Programs include: State Land Management, Resource Protection, Cooperative Forest Management, Forest Resource Information and Planning, Nursery and Tree Improvement, and Administrative and Technical Support.

This position currently exists to develop and lead the Ecological Classification Program at the regional administrative level. In addition, this position is an integral part of the region forestry team and participates in the implementation of region assignments.  Work hours are subject to change based on work needs/ hours of work and days off may vary and includes weekends, evenings and holidays.

Duties include:

• Develop program goals and reports.
• Collect and analyze resource data and trends.
• Administer budget including preparation, administration, and implementation of business contracts.
• Monitor the work of Forestry Area Staff.
• Develop and deliver educational programs and materials.
• Train natural resource staff in the administration and implementation of forestry programs.
• Complete formal Division of Forestry classroom and field training sessions as assigned.

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 advanced level professional experience equivalent to the NR Forestry Specialist SENIOR class – plan, direct staff, administer budget, administer and implement programs, consult, interact with other resource disciplines and train and educate; OR three years intermediate level professional experience equivalent to the NR Forestry Specialist, Intermediate class.
• Ability to coordinate and deliver a regional Ecological Classification System (ECS) Program so that Northwest Region personnel understand ECS and accomplish native plant community classifications, inventory, and mapping, consistent with Division goals and objectives.
• Ability to deliver training and field assistance in collaboration with the Silviculture and Terrestrial Invasive Species Program so that Northwest Region personnel have the tools, resources, and support to sustainably manage forest vegetation consistent with Division goals and objectives.
• Ability to Co-lead and deliver a Regional Terrestrial Invasive Species (TIS) Program so that Northwest Region personnel can implement invasive species monitoring and control activities consistent with the Division’s goals and objectives.
• Ability to serve as a PFM contact and PFM program promoter for the Northwest Region.
• Ability to develop schedules, studies, research projects and work assignments sufficient to efficiently and effectively accomplish Forestry program objectives and implement forestry science.
• Ability to administer program sufficient to manage, properly allocate limited resources and to direct activities.
• Ability to coordinate technical information and transfer data to prepare, administer and implement silvicultural treatment contracts.
• Ability to train and teach sufficient to convey information in classrooms, field demonstrations, seminars, workshops and to DNR staff.
• Human relations sufficient to direct, administer and train foresters and to lead personnel working in programs.
• Communication skills sufficient to communicate complex concepts and principals to other resource professions and the public and make effective presentations to a wide variety of audiences by identifying their level of understanding and evoking a positive response.
• Ability to prepare and edit high quality technical reports and management plans and research and interpretation scientific literature sufficient to solve problems, educate others and increase expertise in a specialty area.
• Integrate information from scientific literature, historical data and past experiences sufficient to devise risk-rating systems and management guidelines.
• Leadership skills sufficient to motivate people and obtain program commitment from division personnel and other Forest managers.
• Ability to negotiate budget, staffing needs and equipment allocation sufficient to administer programs and train personnel.