The DNR is currently seeking multiple NR Forestry Specialist Seniors to work in the Division of Forestry in Detroit Lakes, Rochester, and Sauk Rapids, MN. These positions exist to administer all Cooperative Forest Management (CFM) programs (Private Forest Management, Forestry Incentives, Urban and Community Forestry, and Forest Legacy,) within an administrative area consisting of several counties, unique to each above listed location. During the application process, applicants will choose their preferred location(s).

Responsibilities include: 

• Direct all Private Forest Management programs in the designated Division of Forestry area by acting as a lead to formulate, advise, and assist with resource management activities on private lands, and with other public agencies and private organizations.
• Participate in the Forestry Incentives program through tasks related to incentives provided to private forest landowners. In particular: state, federal and county cost share programs, the Sustainable Forest Incentives Act (SFIA) and the 2c Managed Forest Tax law.
• Direct all Urban and Community Forest Management programs in the designated Division of Forestry area.
• Serve as the primary local contact for designated area when assistance is needed relating to the State’s Forest Legacy program (FLP), including promoting forest legacy easements on private lands of high conservation significance, and to assist the FLP coordinator.
• Carry out work activities related to Resource Protection; this includes wildfire prevention, pre-suppression, and suppression on all ownerships within the designated area. The position also has statewide duties in resource protection associated with, as assigned, off unit fire suppression.
• Carry out activities relating to Division of Forestry outreach programs activities to improve public understanding and stewardship of natural resources.

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.
• Ability to earn and maintain National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) basic wildland firefighter (FFT2) qualification.
• Ability to work weekends, evenings, holidays, and occasionally on multi-day assignments away from home during times of elevated fire danger to protect life, property, and natural resources from wildfire and other natural disasters in Minnesota.

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) Cooperative Forest 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) State Land Management.
• Completion of a Leadership Development Program.
• Experience using ESRI products.
• Experience using the Private Forest Management Module (PFMM)
• 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.