The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), is hiring a Forest Products Specialist to provide detailed knowledge of the forest resource and forest products industry in Wisconsin and is a key internal and external consultant for staff, leadership, inter‐divisional teams, and partner groups.

This position has statewide responsibilities and could be headquartered at a Forestry Ranger Station or DNR office within the state determined to be best suited for the bureau’s needs, applicant preference, and space availability. This position has statewide responsibilities, so occasional travel within the state is required. 

Remote work will be available after the initial onboarding period. The exact amount is based on program need.

This recruitment may also be used to fill future similar positions.

Find a meaningful and rewarding career with the DNR! The DNR excels at protecting and managing natural resources while supporting the economy and the well-being of our residents. We strive to hire, develop, and retain a talented workforce representative of the people of Wisconsin we serve. We offer training and career growth opportunities, a comprehensive benefits package, and are searching for people with diverse backgrounds to join our dynamic and team-oriented environment.

Position Summary The Forest Products Specialist provides statewide technical assistance and technology transfer expertise to a variety of stakeholders including businesses as well as internal and external customers to support and grow Wisconsin’s forest products industry in assigned program areas. Program areas include forest products utilization and marketing support; domestic, international, and emerging forest products market and business development; manufacturing process improvement; carbon markets; renewable energy and woody biomass; impacts of invasive species related to wood markets; and related policy development on emerging issues. Areas of program expertise evolve with emerging issues in forest products. This position maintains cutting‐edge knowledge and expertise by staying abreast of current research and maintaining an effective professional network. The customer base for this position is Wisconsin forest businesses, state agencies, economic development and industry trade organizations, Division staff, as well as colleagues throughout the Department and corresponding programs in the US Forest Service and other states. The Forest Products Specialist provides excellent customer service and face‐to‐face interactions with members of Wisconsin’s forest products industry to foster job growth, job retention, and industry expansion.

For more information, please see an example of the Position Description.

Salary Information

Starting pay for this position is between $38.00 to $39.00 per hour (or $79,040 to $81,120 annually), in addition to excellent benefits. This position is included in the classification Forester Advanced within Pay Schedule/Range 15-03.

This position is not represented by a collective bargaining unit. Pay on appointment will follow the provisions of the State of Wisconsin Compensation Plan.

The State of Wisconsin offers an exemplary benefits package with: 

• Generous paid time off, including at least 3 1/2 weeks of vacation/personal time, nine paid holidays, and ample sick time that rolls over each year with no cap. 
• Excellent and affordable health insurance options (starting at $34/month for single and $83/month for family coverage).
• Other great insurance options (dental, vision, life, and more).
• A top-notch retirement program and optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan.
• A Well Wisconsin program, offering wellness tools and rewards to employees and spouses.
• A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their household members tools, resources, and professional consultation services.
• For more info, see our Total Rewards Calculator.

Job Details

Background Checks: The Department of Natural Resources conducts criminal background checks on final applicants prior to job offer. Please note that a criminal charge or conviction on your record will not necessarily disqualify you from state employment. In compliance with the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act, the DNR does not discriminate on the basis of arrest or conviction record.

Eligibility to work in United States: The Department of Natural Resources does not sponsor work visas at the time of hire or anytime during employment. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required Employment Eligibility Form I-9 upon hire.

Probation: A 12-month probationary period may be required. 

Reference Check: References are not required at the time of application but will be required upon successful completion of the interview process. 

Remote Work: Based on an assessment of the goals and work activities, this position may be eligible for remote work. Remote work approval is based on individual circumstances and is subject to supervisor approval and DNR remote work policies. Approval is subject to change without notice based on business needs. Employees with approved remote work arrangements are generally expected to work within the state of Wisconsin. 

Physical/ Environmental Factors: Physical requirements include talking in front of groups, sitting for long periods of time; lifting and carrying 5 to 30 lb. Environmental factors include working indoors in an office setting, outdoors in a forested setting, and independently traveling to offices around the state.

Travel:  Frequent travel throughout the state and periodic travel nationally and internationally is required.

Qualifications

Please make sure to describe and provide detailed examples within your resume and/or letter of qualifications for EACH of the following qualifications you meet. 

Required qualifications include experience in ALL the following criteria: 

Experience in the forest products industry in any of the following:

• Market Development
• Forest Utilization 
• Business Development
• Forest Products Manufacturing
• Woody Biomass Product Development/Wood Energy
• Forest Carbon Markets

AND

Experience related to business management in any of the following:

• Conducting feasibility studies
• Developing business plans
• Establishing supply chain or distribution strategies
• Assessing process or quality improvement
• Developing or presenting training programs to businesses or organizations

In addition, Preferred Qualifications include any of the following criteria:

• Experience providing consultation services to external organizations
• Experience developing policies
• Advanced degree (higher than Bachelor's degree) related to biomaterials, forest products, forestry, silviculture, or business management

Deadline to Apply

All applications must be received by 11:59 pm central on Monday, September 23, 2024.