Job Summary

The Minnesota Forestry Resources Council is seeking a Forest Policy Administrator located at its office on the University of Minnesota's St. Paul campus. This is a state government position within the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

The purpose of the MFRC Forest Policy Administrator position is to provide professional policy analysis and policy related information services to the Minnesota Forest Resources Council (MFRC). This position works closely with fellow MFRC staff members and the MFRC’s appointed stakeholder representatives to administer the development and implementation of forest policy initiatives that support sustainable management, use, and protection of Minnesota’s forest resources while balancing the long-term economic, ecological, and social needs and limits of forest resources. 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Develop and implement MFRC sustainable forest policy initiatives and priorities.
• Provide professional communications support related to MFRC forest policy recommendations and issues.
• Assist and occasionally lead information and administrative functions of the MFRC.

This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete an annual telework agreement. 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in forestry, public policy, agricultural sciences, natural resources, environmental or ecological studies, political science, or a closely related field.
• 3 years of professional experience in forestry, agricultural sciences, natural resources, environmental or ecological studies, or public policy with duties such as research, analysis, reporting, and advocacy.
  • A Master's degree in any of the above or closely related fields may substitute a year and six months of experience.
  • A PhD  in any of the above or closely related fields may substitute two years of experience.
• Experience developing and publishing formal reports and diverse written materials.
• Skills in writing sufficient to prepare involve preparing reports and public communications.
• Skills at public speaking sufficient to make presentations to internal and external audiences, including legislation and the public.
• Skills in organization sufficient to works simultaneously on a variety of projects under tight deadlines.
• Skills with human relations sufficient to work with diverse audiences.
• Ability to review, interpret, and present information to recommend appropriate communication strategies.
• Ability to use word processing, presentation, and spreadsheet software such as Word, PowerPoint and Excel, including utilizing technologies in virtual meetings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience specific to forest or natural resources policy analysis, advocacy, governmental affairs, or closely related policy responsibilities.
• A master’s degree or PhD degree in a forestry or natural resources related field, including policy aspects.

Additional Requirements

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