Job Description
The MN DNR is looking for one (1) Natural Resources Forestry Specialist Senior in Backus, MN. This position will function as a Program Team Leader in the management, planning, and implementation of the State Land Management – Timber Program for the Backus Forestry Area. This position serves as an Area Team member to implement field assignments, a program manager, and in the absence of the Area Forest Supervisor may assume leadership of all programs.
- Job ID: 83313
- Location: Backus
- Closing Date: 03/27/2025
- Salary Range: $28.82 - $42.31 / hourly; $60,176 - $88,343 / annually
Responsibilities include:
- Manage and Administer the State Land Management – Timber Program at the Area administrative level so the program is effectively implemented, follows law and policies, and meet targets and goals.
- Develop and administer budget in assigned program(s) so it is cost effective, does not exceed allotments and meets priorities. Spending budgets in the Timber program are primarily limited to area supply and expense.
- Develop and coordinate management of policies and plans relating to the timber sales program in the Area so that goals are attained on an annual and long-term basis.
- Coordinate information and education in assigned program(s) so that the public will be well informed of the Division's programs as well as keeping colleagues informed of new developments in methods and procedures.
- Implement field assignments under the lead of area program foresters.
- Complete special assignments on committees, boards, fire teams, task forces and training teams to provide field input for policy development so that programs are expanded, goals set, and large incidents are properly administered.
- Implement Law Enforcement activities at the Area so that fire, timber, lands and state forest rules and statutes are enforced fairly and thoroughly.
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 professional forestry experience (e.g. NR Forestry Specialist Intermediate class) OR three (3) years entry level professional forestry experience (e.g NR Forestry Specialist class).
- Knowledge of Forest management theory and techniques sufficient to plan and organize the management activities of a field station, oversee program management practices within an area, and act as lead worker for professional employees and contractors.
- Knowledge of division policies and procedures governing program activities sufficient to follow them in fighting fires, developing forest tracts, conducting timber sales, building roads, and managing public and private forests.
- Knowledge of state policies and procedures for contract administration sufficient to write technical specifications and oversee contract work.
- Leadership skills sufficient to motivate people and obtain program commitment from area personnel.
- 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 earn and maintain National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) basic wildland firefighter (FFT2) qualification.
- Ability to work weekends, evenings, holidays, and occasionally on multi-day assignments away from home during times of elevated fire danger to protect life, property, and natural resources from wildfire and other natural disasters in Minnesota.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in timber sale administration.
- Qualified as Fire Fighter Type 1 (FFT1) / Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT 5)
- Certified Forest Officer.
- 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) Cooperative Forest 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) State Land Management.
- Completion of a Leadership Development Program.
- Experience using ESRI products.
- Experience using the Private Forest Management Module (PFMM)
- Leadership skills sufficient to motivate people and obtain program commitment from area personnel.
- Successful completion of the Division of Forestry Entry Level Professional Forester Development Program.
- Knowledge of water quality BMPs and Forest Management Guidelines sufficient to implement appropriate practices on a variety of forest management sites and situations.
- Knowledge of wetland classification and/or delineation.
- Knowledge of Department and Division policies, procedures and operating guidelines and State of Minnesota statutes pertaining to natural resources management.
Application Details
For a full job posting and to apply, click here MN DNR Forestry Specialist Senior - Backus 83313or go to and search job ID 83313. Applications are due March 27th, so apply today!
If you have questions about this position, please contact Austin Dane at 612-401-1433 or [email protected]
Salary/Compensation: $28.82 - $42.31 per hour
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MN DNR - Forestry
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Holiday work, Contract work, For contractors, Weekend work, Afternoon shift,