Program Forester

The DNR is currently seeking one (1) full-time NR Forestry Specialist Sr to work in the Division of Forestry in Lewiston, MN. This position will function as a Program Team Leader in the management, planning, and implementation of one, or more, major forestry program (as defined by the “Minnesota Forest Resources Plan – Program Direction”) OR a significant portion of a program that, on average, takes 40% or more of an Area’s total FTEs to implement, at the Area administrative level.  This position serves as program manager at the Area Administrative level and will also function as an area team member to implement field assignments. 

Responsibilities include: 

• Manage and administer Forestry programs at the Area administrative level so they are effectively implemented, follow policies, and meet targets and goals.
• Provide wildfire protection services for the Lewiston Area, for other in-state needs and to support national fire protection agreements. Maintain fire equipment and maintain and develop fire suppression skills.
• Advise and formulate resource management recommendations on non-industrial private lands (NIPF) and other non-state lands in Fillmore County so that forest resources are managed responsibly and sustainably to the greatest extent possible.
• Implement field assignments under the lead of area program foresters.

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 professional forestry experience (e.g. NR Forestry Specialist Intermediate class) OR three (3) years entry level professional forestry experience (e.g NR Forestry Specialist class).
• Knowledge of Forest management theory and techniques sufficient to plan and organize the management activities of a field station, oversee program management practices within an area, and act as lead worker for professional employees and contractors.
• Knowledge of division policies and procedures governing program activities sufficient to follow them in fighting fires, developing forest tracts, conducting timber sales, building roads, and managing public and private forests.
• Knowledge of state policies and procedures for contract administration sufficient to write technical specifications and oversee contract work.
• Leadership skills sufficient to motivate people and obtain program commitment from area personnel.
• Human relations skills sufficient to assign and monitor the work of staff; resolve problems with loggers, clients, the public, and other employees; conduct training classes; and represent the division on committees and task forces.
• 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
•  Ability to clearly communicate complex concepts and principles to other resource professionals and the public in verbal and written format.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in timber sale administration.
• Qualified as Fire Fighter Type 1 (FFT1) / Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT 5)
• Certified Forest Officer.
• Background or coursework in soil science, forest soils or hydrology.
• Broad range of experience with all programs administered by the Division of Forestry with an emphasis on the following major field operations programs: 1) State Land Management; 2) Resource Protection with an emphasis on fire suppression and management; 3) Forest Resource Information and Analysis with an emphasis on FIM; and 4) Cooperative Forest Management.
• Completion of a Leadership Development Program.
• Experience using ESRI products.
• Leadership skills sufficient to motivate people and obtain program commitment from area personnel.
• Successful completion of the Division of Forestry Entry Level Professional Forester Development Program.
• 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 Department and Division policies, procedures and operating guidelines and State of Minnesota statutes pertaining to natural resources management.