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 looking for two Region Timber Specialist, one (1) located in St Paul and one (1) in Grand Rapids, MN. The purpose of the NR Forestry Regional Specialist is to provide regional program leadership and coordination for one or more statewide programs. These Regional Specialist positions exist to lead, coordinate and administer the Division of Forestry's Timber program and additional special assignments for the Central Region and Region 2. The Central Region Timber Specialist position will report to the DNR Central Region Headquarters, while the Region 2 Timber Specialist will report to the Region 2 Headquarters in Grand Rapids.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Serve as a liaison between Areas and statewide programs: Serve as the communications point person and chief liaison for assigned programs in the Region.
Help develop and deliver division and program vision, goals and policies
Develop, deliver and monitor regional work and spending plans: Oversee development of recommended regional work plans, annual work targets and budget requests.
Recommend budgets and recommend regional funding allocations
Prepare timely and appropriate reports
Engage in training, technology transfer and implementation of forestry programs.
Develop Regional program teams, and serve as an active member of statewide program teams       
Serve as a clearinghouse and source of information
Engage in the statewide program: Assist in shaping statewide program vision, policies, procedures, directions, etc.
Monitor and support the work of Forestry Area Staff.
Complete formal Division of Forestry classroom and field training sessions as assigned.

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 a telework agreement. This position will require reporting to the primary work location on a regular basis.

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 (24 months) of forestry experience in a role providing primary lead work (non-supervisory) and direction to other staff with an emphasis in harvest planning, appraisal, and sale administration, silviculture project development and administration, wildfire resource protection, cooperative forestry, or other major forestry program OR three years (36 months) of forestry experience providing program-level or lead worker duties in programs such as administering forest inventory, terrestrial invasive species, ecological classification system, or state forest roads programs.
Skills to integrate information from scientific literature, historical data and past experiences sufficient to devise risk-rating systems and management guidelines.
Leadership skills sufficient to motivate and guide staff to work efficiently and obtain program commitment from division personnel and other Forest managers.
Human relations skills sufficient to direct, administer and train foresters and to lead personnel working in programs.
Communication skills sufficient to communicate complex concepts and principals to other resource professions and the public and make effective presentations to a wide variety of audiences by identifying their level of understanding and evoking a positive response.
Ability to prepare and edit high quality technical reports and management plans and research and interpretation scientific literature sufficient to solve problems, educate others and increase expertise in a specialty area.
Ability to negotiate budget, staffing needs and equipment allocation sufficient to administer programs and train personnel.
Ability to coordinate and deliver a regional Timber Program so that Central Region personnel understand and implement habitat management consistent with Division goals and objectives.
Ability to deliver training and field assistance in collaboration with the silviculture and ECS Program so that Central Region personnel have the tools, resources, and support to sustainably manage forest vegetation consistent with Division goals and objectives.
Ability to review harvest prescriptions and requirements t to efficiently and effectively accomplish the timber program objectives and implement forestry science.
Ability to integrate and blend climate science data with native plant community strategies to convey forest ecosystem resilience and adaptation strategies to foresters and other resource professionals.
Ability to coordinate technical information and transfer data to prepare, administer and implement timber permits.
Ability to train and teach sufficient to convey information in classrooms, field demonstrations, seminars, workshops and to DNR staff.

Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of Minnesota statutes pertaining to natural resources management; of statistically sound survey techniques.
Successful completion of the Division of Forestry Entry Level Professional Forester Development Program; and a Leadership Development Program.
Broad range of experiences with all programs administered by the Division of Forestry statewide with an emphasis on the 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.
Experience with the MN DNR Native Plant Community Classification System

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 the Central Region position located in St Paul, contact Bob Milne at bob.milne@state.mn.us or 651-259-5798. If you have questions about the Region 2 position located in Grand Rapids, contact Wesley Belanger at wesley.belanger@state.mn.us or 218-212-2008

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 Layla Daleiden at layla.daleiden@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.