Natural Resources Forestry Specialist

Job Summary:

This position provides administrative support to a major Forestry Division program area. This may include developing administrative procedures, responding orally and in writing to a wide range of technical questions. Incumbents may be required to know technical terminology, special software programs, and/or word processing. 

Duties include: 

• Provide operations support directly to Area Forest Supervisor and staff.
• Prepare and maintain multiple budgets, payroll, procurement, human resource and other record systems to ensure accuracy of data and conformance with statutes and policies.
• Process all accounts payables in a timely manner for the Deer River Area.
• Develop, implement and maintain office procedures and work systems to resolve existing problems or to respond to new systems or policies.
• Prepare and manage all budget and fiscal activities including requisitioning and creating encumbrances for each budget year using the Statewide Accounting System.
• Administer and reconcile all procurement activity for all Area operations each month so that purchase transactions and payments are in a timely manner and in accordance with statute and policy.
• Develop internal deadlines for submission of paperwork, completion of daily work and completion of special assignments.
• Support Area timber program forester relating to forest management activities in the Area so the timber program is administered effectively and efficiently.  Remain knowledgeable of the timber sale system and data input in the statewide Timber Sales Module (TSM).
• Educate co-workers, interns, and seasonal staff in specific tasks and procedures to improve and maintain performance levels.
• Assist Area Fire Program Forester with wildfire support services, communication and customer education.
• Provide customers with efficient and personal service through answering questions, offering information, and directing inquiries to appropriate personnel.

Normal working hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. but are subject to change based on work needs. Hours of work may include weekends, evenings and holidays.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Mathematic and accounting skills sufficient to review, track, analyze, prepare financial summaries/reports resolve discrepancies, provide corrective actions and maintain complete and accurate financial records.
• Advanced word processing skills sufficient to carry out administrative tasks and ensure documents and records are complete, accurate, and current.
• Customer service and oral and written communication skills sufficient to respond promptly, professionally, and accurately with internal and external customers.
• Organizational and time management skills sufficient to prioritize workload, meet required deadlines, initiate and follow-up on activities independently.
• Interpersonal skills sufficient to work with a variety of internal and external customers on a broad range of tasks and responsibilities.
• Proofreading/editing skills sufficient to ensure accuracy of written materials.
• Spreadsheet and database skills sufficient to accurately enter data, retrieve information, manage data, and generate reports.
• Knowledge of general office equipment including two-way radio systems and pagers, copiers, phone system, personal computer, printers, scanners, postage machine, etc. sufficient to maintain and use and provide direction.
• Leadwork skills sufficient to provide direction in administrative procedures and/or office functions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three or more years of general office experience.
• Knowledge of the Division of Forestry program guidelines
• Knowledge of the functions of each division of the DNR.
• Experience using Word, Access, Excel (including pivot tables, charts, macros), SWIFT, Wires and Microsoft Outlook.
• Knowledge of state budgeting, procurement and invoicing processes and procedures sufficient to prepare and interpret fiscal records and reports, analyze account balances and budgets, receipt invoices

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