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Central Region Timber Specialist

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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Central Region Timber Specialist
 Job Class: NR Forestry Regional Specialist
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 87724
  • Location: St Paul
  • Telework Eligible: No
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 07/30/2025
  • Closing Date: 08/19/2025
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
  • Division/Unit: Forestry
  • Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
  • Days of Work: Monday - Friday
  • Travel Required: Yes - occasional overnight
  • Salary Range: $29.78 - $43.82 / hourly; $62,181 - $91,496 / annually
  • Classified Status: Classified
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
  • FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
  • Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

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 one (1) Natural Resources Forestry Regional Specialist in St Paul. The purpose of the NR Forestry Regional Specialist is to provide regional program leadership and coordination for one or more statewide programs. This Regional Specialist position exists to lead, coordinate and administer the Division of Forestry's Timber program and additional special assignments for the Central Region. This position will report to the DNR Central Region Headquarters.

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

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 professional forestry experience in a senior forester role providing primary leadership (non-supervisory) to forestry staff with an advance emphasis in harvest management, silviculture, resource protection, or other area of forestry emphasis (e.g.NR Forestry Specialist Senior) OR three (3) years of experience in an intermediate forester role (e.g. NR Forestry Specialist Intermediate).
  • 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.

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.

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 Robert Milne at bob.milne@state.mn.us or 651-259-5798

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.