Description
The work you'll do is more than just a job.
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
Job Summary
The DNR is seeking to hire one (1) NR Forestry Specialist Sr (Forest Legacy Projects Coordinator) position located in one of the following locations, St. Paul, Sauk Rapids, or Grand Rapids, MN. The selected candidate may have the option to telework up to 50% of the time. If approved, the candidate would be required to complete an annual telework agreement.
The position works closely with the program coordinator in statewide strategic and administrative leadership to the Division of Forestry’s Forest Legacy Program (FLP). This position assists in Forest Legacy project selection process, acquisition process and ongoing FLP project activities within the Department; implements a monitoring program for Forest Legacy Conservation Easements; and assists in the development of funding, fiscal accounting and grant reporting to federal and state grants. The position will take the primary lead in conducting stewardship activities with easement holders. The position will take the program’s primary lead in delivering outreach and education of the two Legacy programs. Frequent statewide travel is an expectation of this position.
Responsibilities include:
Develop, maintain, and provide technical expertise and resources to increase the Division’s ability to maintain a monitoring program for Forest legacy easements.
Assist in the development of program funding including fiscal accounting, and grant reporting to federal and state grants.
Develop and coordinate management of policies and planning.
Maintain knowledge of Minnesota’s private forests, private forest landowners, threats of conversion to non-forest uses, and strategies to prevent forest conversion and fragmentation as they pertain to the FLP in Minnesota.
Assist in the project selection process, acquisition process and ongoing FLP project activities within the Department for the Forest Legacy Program.
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 (2) 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 (3) years of entry-level professional forest management experience (e.g. NR Forestry Specialist class).
Knowledge of Forest management theory and techniques sufficient to plan and organize the management activities and act as lead worker for professional employees and contractors.
Leadership skills sufficient to motivate people and obtain program commitment from area personnel.
Communication skills sufficient to orally convey complex ideas in understandable terms, and write effective letters, memos, and reports
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 use ESRI products sufficiently.
Ability to create forest management plans for individual private landowners.
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)
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 state policies and procedures for contract administration sufficient to write technical specifications and oversee contract work.
Knowledge of the FLP acquisition process with the Division of Lands and Minerals, FLP partners and the U.S. Forest Service.
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) Outreach and education and 4) Cooperative Forest Management.
Completion of a Leadership Development Program.
Experience in writing forest management plans (Forest Stewardship plans or baseline property reports) for individual private landowners.
Additional Requirements
This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record; per DNR Fleet Policy, only those 18 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license may operate equipment and vehicles on behalf of the Agency.
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
Application Details
How to Apply
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Gary Michael at gary.michael@state.mn.us or 651-259-5262.
If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA.DNR@state.mn.us. To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Hannah Ziemann at hannah.ziemann@state.mn.us.
Working together to improve the state we love.
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
A sense of purpose in their work
Connection with their coworkers and communities
Opportunities for personal and professional growth
Benefits
As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
Your benefits may include:
Paid vacation and sick leave
12 paid holidays each year
Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans Fertility care, including IVF
Diabetes care
Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
Support to help you reach your career goals:
Training, classes, and professional development
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:
A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES
Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.
