Natural Resources Forestry Specialist

The Minnesota DNR, Division of Forestry is hiring 7 full-time forestry specialists to help manage our beautiful Minnesota forests. Our foresters get a wide range of experiences from wildland fire suppression to timber management and implementing silvicultural practices. 

This posting will be used to fill multiple current vacancies. One (1) at each of the following locations: Aitkin, Bagley, Baudette, Onamia, Orr, Outing, and Park Rapids. During the application process, applicants will be able to choose their preferred location(s).

Depending on internal movement, this posting may be used to fill vacancies in these locations if they become available: Backus, Baudette, Bemidji, Big Falls, Blackduck, Effie, Finland, Littlefork, McGregor, Northome, Preston, Sandstone, and Williams.

Natural Resource Forestry Specialists perform professional level program support by implementing Division of Forestry Programs. Complete field assignments and special administrative assignments in all aspects of Department operations at the forestry Area administrative level. Division of Forestry Programs include State Land Management,  Wildland Fire, Cooperative Forest Management, Forest Resource Information and Planning, Nursery and Tree Improvement, and Administrative & Technical Support.

State Land Management Program: Implement state forest management policy and procedure. Manage and develop forest resources; 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; and inspect state leases. Communicate to the public department policies, procedures, and regulations.

Cooperative Forest Management Program: Implement cooperative forest management policy and procedure. Assist non-industrial forest woodland owners with the stewardship of their lands by providing forest management assistance and advice. Communicate to the public department policies, procedures, and regulations.

Wildland Fire Program: Implement forest resource protection policy and procedure. Collect fire weather information; extinguish wildfires; and enforce natural resource protection statutes. Communicate to the public department policies, procedures and regulations.

Forest Resource Information and Analysis Program: Implement forest resource information and analysis policy and procedure. Measure state and county administered lands following Department of Natural Resources Cooperative Stand Assessment (CSA) Program policy and procedure; collect and record forest resources information.
Formal Training: As assigned.

Operational Support: Direct the work of technicians, laborers, temporary crews, and contractors.

Normal working hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. but are subject to change based on work needs, seasonal needs, and local fire danger. During these times, hours of work may include weekends, evenings, and holidays.

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.
• Scientific principles involved in forest resource management sufficient to administer and implement appropriate management practices. This may include: Plant physiology; dendrology; silviculture; soil science; chemistry; biology; botany; geology; entomology; forest ecology and meteorology.
• Knowledge of forestry ecosystem management science, timber harvesting, forest regeneration and timber stand improvement practices, forest survey and data collection and analysis techniques using statistical methods, forest road design and building, fire science, forest plant and shrub identification and safety practices.
• Knowledge of Aerial photography sufficient to select suitable photos and interpret them.
• Knowledge of forest mensuration, economics and survey and appraisal techniques sufficient to carry out assigned programs.
• Knowledge of Wildlife species and their habitat needs sufficient to prescribe, conduct and evaluate management activities.
• Knowledge of fire management techniques sufficient to identify the role of fire.
• Knowledge of recreation management sufficient to develop and manage a variety of recreation facilities.
• Knowledge of wood marketing and utilization sufficient to promote sound and efficient use of forest resources.
• Knowledge of statistics sufficient to ensure the accurate collection and interpretation of forest data.
• Human Relation skills sufficient to work with internal and external clients, DNR staff, special interest groups, loggers, forest product industry staff and general public, in a variety of situations.
• Skill in the use of forestry instruments, equipment and techniques sufficient to perform duties.
• Ability to communicate orally and in written form sufficient to clearly convey information on forest management practices to the general public, special interest groups and other department employees
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Leadwork skills sufficient to provide critical communication efficiently and effectively.
• Customer Service/Communication Skills sufficient to provide information and assistance to the public and staff in a courteous manner.
• Writing skills sufficient to write incident reports, maintain log records accurate and consistently.  
• Organizational and interpersonal skills sufficient to work as a productive member of a team.
• Conflict resolution/human relation skills sufficient to negotiate, resolve issues, read situations and settle disputes equitably by finding common ground and cooperation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of Department and Division policies, procedures and operating guidelines and State of Minnesota statutes pertaining to natural resources management.
• Ability to implement public responsiveness techniques.
• One year or more of forest management experience equivalent to a NR Forestry Specialist.
• Fire Fighter Type 1 qualified or Unit Leader Trainee (open task book).