Working Title: 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 (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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.
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.
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
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
