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Natural Resources Forestry Specialist Senior

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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Private Forest Management/Nursery Liaison
Job Class: Natural Resources Forestry Specialist Senior
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 88439
  • Location: Brainerd or Badoura State Nursery
  • Telework Eligible: Yes
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 08/27/2025
  • Closing Date: 09/16/2025
  • 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, local daily, statewide on occasion
  • Salary Range: $28.82 - $42.31 / hourly; $60,176 - $88,343 / 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 Specialist Senior in the Division of Forestry. The selected candidate will have the option to report to one of the following locations: Brainerd or the Badoura State Nursery in Akeley, MN.

This position exists to help implement Division of Forestry’s Nursery Operations and will represent the Cooperative Forest Management (CFM) Unit, particularly the private forest management program at the Nursery. The position acts as a lead to formulate, advise, and assist with resource management activities on private lands, and with other public agencies and private organizations, so the forest resource will be utilized and managed to the greatest extent possible.

Responsibilities include:

  • Serve as primary contact point for the Private Forest Management (PFM) Coordinator and CFM foresters.
  • Assist with a range of questions or issues that CFM foresters and partner foresters may need addressed. Issues include but are not limited to private landowner seedling orders, assignment of payment, delivery, seedling availability, etc.
  • Direct Cooperative Forest Management programs in the designated Division of Forestry Area.
  • Assist with Nursery operations including seedbed preparation and seeding strategies to improve seedbed quality, increase regeneration survival, reduce weed competition and meet sales objectives.  Also assist with seedling lifting during spring and fall lifting season so that quantities and quality of species are lifted in logistical order and hauled to packing building to meet production and shipping schedules, in particular for PFM seedlings.
  • Provide leadership and work to ensure adequate outreach and education around the nursery and its impact on private forest management.

This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis, up to 3 days per pay period, which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete an annual telework agreement. 

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 intermediate level professional forestry experience OR three (3) years entry level professional forestry experience.
  • 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.
  • Knowledge of chemistry sufficient to prescribe, use, and evaluate pesticides.
  • Knowledge in servicing and operating a wide variety of light, heavy, and specialized nursery equipment sufficient to operate equipment safely and effectively.
  • Knowledge of seedling biology as it relates to seeding and transplant production, and to continuously seek out and test improved methods.
  • Knowledge of forest soils and plant physiology.
  • Knowledge of forest entomology to identify and control pests.
  • 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 identify native trees, shrubs, seeds and cones.
  • Ability to maintain written records.
  • Ability to provide lead work as needed.
  • Ability to identify inefficiency and provide for efficiency improvements.
  • Ability to plan and implement complex projects.
  • Skill in seedling transporting, handlings, packing, storing and shipping for survival and efficiency.
  • Skill in nursery operations and equipment to implement and improve efficiency of operations.
  • Skill in safety and communicating safety and PPE in all aspects of job

Preferred Qualifications

  • Qualified as Fire Fighter Type 1 (FFT1) / Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT 5)
  • 2 years of experience in forest nursery production.
  • Certified Forest Officer.
  • Leadership skills sufficient to motivate people and obtain program commitment from area personnel.
  • Knowledge of water quality BMPs and Forest Management Guidelines sufficient to implement appropriate practices on a variety of forest management sites and situations.
  • Experience in timber sale administration.
  • Knowledge of wetland classification and/or delineation.
  • 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) Private Forest Management; 2) Forestry Incentives; 3) Forest Nursery Operations; and 4) Resource Protection with an emphasis on fire suppression and management.
  • Completion of a Leadership Development Program.
  • Experience using ESRI products.
  • Experience using the Private Forest Management Module (PFMM)

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.