Intermediate Forester - NR Forestry Specialist Int

Location: Blackduck, MN. Full-time, unlimited position with the MN Department of Natural Resources.

About the role

The Intermediate Forester performs forest resource management work by administering one or two forestry sub-programs at the Area administrative level under limited supervision. This position also performs field assignments across all Division programs to protect, manage, and utilize forest resources in accordance with department policy. Occasionally functions as a lead worker to Forestry Specialists, Forestry Technicians, interns, emergency firefighters, temporary crews, and volunteers.

Responsibilities

• Administer the Fire Prevention Sub-program tasks within the assigned area.
• Direct the Invasive Species Sub-program tasks within the assigned area.
• Interact and collaborate with other sub-program and program staff at the Area, Region, and Statewide levels.
• Use GIS and 4Trees systems to input forest data, perform analysis, manage databases, and create maps.
• Engage in wildfire prevention and suppression activities to minimize threats to life, property, and resources.
• Receive and review burn permit requests from landowners and prescribed burn practitioners; approve or deny requests based on knowledge of fire weather and fire science principles.
• Provide fire training to other foresters, emergency firefighters, and fire departments.
• Participate in outreach events to promote sustainable forestry and wildfire prevention to community or school groups.
• Operate various vehicles, equipment, and tools (pickup, trailer, ATV, snowmobile, fire engine, long-handled tools, etc.). Occasional overnight travel required.

Normal working hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Employees must be available to work weekends, evenings, holidays, and occasionally on multi-day assignments away from home during elevated fire danger or to respond to other natural disasters.

Requirements

• 3 years (36 months) of forestry experience conducting fieldwork in at least three of the following:
  • Use of GIS to collect and enter forest inventory, regeneration, or native plant community data.
  • Designing, appraising, administering, and scaling timber sales.
  • Applying silviculture techniques in reforestation, release, and stand improvement.
  • Use of aerial photography for mapping, surveys, and data collection.
  • Application of methods to prevent or suppress wildfires.
• OR 2 years (24 months) of any three of the above forestry fieldwork experience and 1 year (12 months) of forestry experience performing program-level or lead worker duties such as administering forestry programs, preparing reports/proposals, monitoring outcomes, or assigning work.
• An associate’s degree in forestry or a related natural resources field may substitute 6 months of fieldwork experience. A bachelor’s degree in forestry or a related natural resources field may substitute 1 year (12 months) of fieldwork experience.
• Ability to earn National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) basic firefighter (FFT2) qualification within 6 months of hire.
• Planning skills to manage a forestry sub-program; make schedules, assign job tasks, lead Area teams, track and report progress, make programmatic decisions, and exercise discretion under limited supervision.
• Human relations skills to assign and monitor work progress, resolve task conflicts with loggers, contractors, the public, and other employees, and represent the division on committees or work groups.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing to clearly teach or train others and convey complex forest management practices or policy to coworkers, contractors, special interest groups, or the public.
• Knowledge of multi-use forestry concepts to plan, conduct, and evaluate management activities that benefit wildlife species, ecosystem health, recreational opportunities, and wood marketing and utilization.
• Computer skills to keep records, analyze data, manage databases, write reports, and communicate and collaborate with partners and colleagues using applications (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, SharePoint, Adobe, ArcGIS).
• Unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, or higher, in a forestry program accredited by the Society of American Foresters.
• Leadership skills or training (such as L-280, “Followership to Leadership”) to collaborate, make decisions, give direction, motivate, and influence others.
• Experience completing tasks in programs administered by the Division of Forestry including Wildfire Prevention and Suppression, Cooperative Forest Management, Ecological Classification System, Timber Sales, Silviculture, Forest Inventory, Forest Health, Terrestrial Invasive Species, State Forest Roads, and State Lands & Leases.
• Qualified as a National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Fire Fighter Type 1 (FFT1), Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5), Helicopter Crewmember (HECM), Tracked Vehicle Operator (TVOP), or Intermediate Faller (FAL2).
• Current licensures or certificates related to the position, which may include pesticide applicator, forest officer, fire investigator, or certified blaster.
• Knowledge of forestry policies and procedures to implement assigned tasks safely and within legal and ethical guidelines.

Pay

$26.89 - $39.22/hourly; $56,146 - $81,891 annually.

Benefits

• 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).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support, including mental health, relationship challenges, 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.