Job Summary

The MN DNR Division of Forestry is hiring a Forestry Regional Specialist! Located in Cloquet, MN, this position will develop and lead Silviculture program activities at the Regional Administrative level and function as an Area team member to implement field assignments. 

Job Responsibilities

• Develop program goals and reports.
• Collect and analyze resource data and trends.
• Administer budget including preparation, administration, and implementation of business contracts.
• Monitor the work of Forestry Area Staff.
• Develop and deliver educational programs and materials.
• Train natural resource staff in the administration and implementation of forestry Silviculture programs.
• Complete formal Division of Forestry classroom and field training sessions as assigned.

Qualifications

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 years journey level professional forest management with experience providing leadership in supporting program such as forest inventory, terrestrial invasive species, forest road administration, etc (e.g. NR Forestry Specialist Intermediate class) OR three years of entry-level professional forest management with experience in timber sale appraisal and administration, forest inventory management(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.
• Ability to clearly communicate complex concepts and principles to other resource professionals and the public in verbal and written format.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of Department and Division policies, procedures and operating guidelines and State of Minnesota statutes pertaining to natural resources management.
• Qualified as Fire Fighter Type 1 (FFT1) / Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT 5)
• Certified Forest Officer.
• 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.
• Experience in timber sale administration.
• Experience developing silvicultural stand prescriptions and planning, contracting, and inspecting reforestation projects such as site preparation, tree planting, seeding, and release treatments.
• Knowledge of the Ecological Classification System (ECS) and native plant community classes sufficient to apply them in stand-level silvicultural decision making.
• Experience conducting regeneration surveys, coordinating seed and cone collection, or working with the State Forest Nursery.
• Knowledge of wetland classification and/or delineation.
• 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.