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Urban & Community Forestry Project Specialist

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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Urban & Community Forestry Project Specialist - State Prog Admin Sr
Job Class: State Program Administrator Senior
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 73554
  • Location: St. Paul; Brainerd
  • Telework Eligible: Yes, hybrid
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 11/14/2024
  • Closing Date: 12/05/2024
  • 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
  • Salary Range: $26.64 - $39.06 / hourly; $55,624 - $81,557 / annually
  • Classified Status: Classified
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
  • FLSA Status: Nonexempt
  • 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

 

This position was previously announced on 4/17/2024 through 5/07/2024. If you have already applied for this job, you do not need to reapply.

This posting will be used to fill one State Program Administrator Senior positions to work in the Forestry division. The selected applicant will have the option to report to one of the following locations: Brainerd, or St. Paul, MN. The specific location will be agreed upon at the time of selection.

These positions provide leadership, direction and administration for Urban and Community Forestry projects within the Division of Forestry. These positions will also work with the statewide Urban and Community Forestry assistance programs within the Division of Forestry and the numerous partners involved in Urban and Community Forestry, so that shade tree and community forest resources are maintained and managed to enhance the physical, social and economic wellbeing of the state’s communities.

Responsibilities include:

  1. Assess state urban and community forestry resources and programs, and develop products. Work with partners in promoting available data and provide education in its uses and applications.
  2. Administer the community forestry grants program, including the development and management of received and outgoing grants.
  3. Provide urban and community forestry outreach, education, and technical assistance to communities statewide, e.g. ordinance development, urban forestry invasives management and response, etc.
  4. Facilitate urban and community forestry training and continuing education and outreach opportunities to enhance management of community forests.

Normal working hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. but are subject to change based on work needs; hours of work may include weekends, evenings and holidays. This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis, which may be subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement.
 

Qualifications

 

Minimum Qualifications

·        Three (3) years intermediate level professional experience. Experience must include providing community forest management theory/practices and delivering technical knowledge to community and forest professionals.

o A Bachelor's degree in Urban and Community Forestry, Arboriculture, Natural Resources, Entomology, or closely related field may substitute for one year of experience.

o A Master’s degree in Urban and Community Forestry, Arboriculture, Natural Resources, Entomology, or closely related field may substitute for two years of experience.

·        Knowledge of current Urban and Community Forestry issues including forest health, environmental justice, urban wood utilization, canopy and community resource assessment, community forest benefits analysis, and community forest implications on storm water management.

·        Knowledge of resource planning strategies and communication methodologies with the capacity to analyze social economic and environmental data, apply assessment through development strategies and projects, and effectively communicate analysis and project effects.

·        Experience with budget policies, procedures and regulations sufficient to manage and administer budget and to cost effectively deliver resources.

·        Ability to manage grant efforts that include payments/expenditures, optimizing grant efforts, overseeing grant applications, progress reports, compliance/regulations, reviewing grant proposals, managing grant databases, and engaging/educating grantees and partner organizations.

·        High level of organizational skills with an ability to prioritize, coordinate, and manage multiple tasks and projects.

·        Demonstrated experience in project management including project planning, organization, and implementation.

·        GIS skills including cartographic output (map generation) sufficient to integrate various types of data and produce professional analysis and presentation materials.

  • Cultural competency sufficient to work with and serve diverse communities.

·        Ability to train and teach sufficient to convey information in classrooms, field demonstrations, seminars, workshops and to DNR staff as well as partnering resource managers.

·        Human relations skills sufficient to direct staff and lead personnel working in programs, build and lead successful teams, and negotiate successful resolution to complex issues.

·        Communication skills sufficient to communicate complex concepts and principals to other resource professionals 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 interpret scientific literature sufficient to solve problems, educate others and increase expertise in a specialty area.

·        Leadership skills sufficient to build and manage teams, motivate people and obtain program commitment from division personnel and other forest managers.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor or Master of Science in Urban and Community Forestry, Arboriculture, or related field.
  • International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist, Tree Risk Assessment Qualification, or equivalent certifications.
  • Completion of a Leadership Development Program.
  • Experience managing grant efforts that include payments/expenditures, optimizing grant efforts, overseeing grant applications, progress reports, compliance/regulations, reviewing grant proposals, managing grant databases, and engaging/educating grantees and partner organizations.
  • Demonstrated experience in project management including project planning, organizations, and implementation.
  • Knowledge of Department and Division policies, procedures and operating guidelines and State of Minnesota statutes pertaining to natural resources management.
  • Knowledge of the state’s accounting/grant processing.
  • 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) Forest Resource Information and Analysis with an emphasis on FIM; and 4) Cooperative Forest Management.

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. 

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 Valerie McClannahan at valerie.mcclannahan@state.mn.us or 651-259-5283. 

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.