The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Forestry has two openings for Tax Law Forestry Specialists (Forestry Specialist classification). The first position leads field administration of Wisconsin’s Forest Tax Law programs in Crawford and Richland County, the second position is in Dane, Lafayette and Green Counties. 

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is a great place to work! We are a workplace focused on diversity, equity, and inclusivity. Current employees value work-hour flexibility, casual office atmosphere, healthy work-life balance, and working for an organization that provides training and growth opportunities.

The DNR excels at protecting and managing natural resources while supporting the economy and the well-being of our citizenry. We are dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. The staff works in partnership with individuals and organizations to manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air, and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) offers interesting and meaningful work with an employee-friendly and inclusive work environment, work-life balance, a casual office environment, flexibility, and many opportunities to grow your skills. The State of Wisconsin offers an exemplary benefits package with:

• generous paid time off, including at least 3.5 weeks of vacation/personal time, 9 paid holidays, and ample sick time that rolls over each year with no cap
• excellent and affordable health insurance options (starting at $39/month for single and $97/month for family coverage) other great insurance options (dental, vision, life, and more) top-notch retirement program and optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan

• 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.

Position Summary

The Tax Law Forestry Specialist:  

• Provides field administration, coordination, and enforcement of the forest tax laws and policy development in collaboration with the Tax Law Leadership and Statewide Program Specialists. 
• Internal and external consultant for staff, leadership, inter-divisional teams, and partner groups. 
• Maintains cutting-edge knowledge and expertise in the forest tax laws and silviculture by staying abreast of current research and maintaining an effective professional network. 
• Works with stakeholders including Division staff with private forestry responsibilities, as well as colleagues throughout the Department and key partner groups, including corresponding external customers (small non-industrial private landowners).

Qualifications:

You need to have the following:

• Experience or education in Forest Management, such as administering/implementing forest management operations or developing/reviewing forest management plans.
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook or similar word processing, spreadsheet, and email software
• Effective communication skills to accomplish business objectives

Any of the following would be nice to have:

• Experience administering forestry contracts, such as timber sales, tree planting, site preparation, invasive species, or timber site improvement
• Experience with Geographical Information System (GIS) software 
• Experience providing professional customer service and collaborating with internal or external customers to accomplish a goal
• Experience performing at least one of the following managed forest law activities:
  • Written a managed forest law (MFL) plan
  • Submitted an MFL cutting notice or MFL cutting report
  • Prepared MFL Transfer of Ownership Form
  • Prepared MFL maps
• Bachelor’s degree in forestry (or higher-level degree) from a program accredited by the Society of American Foresters.
• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources with passing coursework in Silviculture, Dendrology, Forest Ecology, and Forest Mensuration (i.e., measurement, sampling, mapping/photo interpretation). 
• Current certification as a Certified Forester from the Society of American Foresters (or an international equivalent. 

Review the full job description for additional information about the position’s duties and responsibilities.