Forester Specialist
Date Posted: Sep 2, 2025
Requisition ID: 465098
Location:
Martinsville, IN, US, 46151
Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About the DNR Forestry Division:
The Division of Forestry promotes and practices good stewardship of natural, recreational, and cultural resources on Indiana's public and private forest lands. This stewardship produces continuing benefits, both tangible and intangible, for present and future generations. Some key initiatives of the forestry program include:
Urban Forestry that promotes the plant, health, and ordinances of trees in urban areas
Fire Management that seeks to combat and eliminate wildland fires
Forest Health that monitors forest health and protects them from harmful insects and diseases
Forest Legacy that provides long-term protection to important forest lands
Forestry Education that prepares citizens to make responsible decisions about natural resource management
Role Overview:
Must be red card certified
Must assist with prescribed fire
Must deploy on wildfire assignment with called upon
Salary Statement:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $47,320.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.
A Day in the Life:
?The essential functions of this role are as follows:
You will collect technical forest resource data on state managed lands, private property, and/or urban areas.
You will analyze resource data an develops plans including inventory summaries, resource management guides, and practice plans for invasive control, timber stand improvement, tree planting, and prescribed burns.
You will Administer and implement forestry practices and programs which may involve federal, state, and local agencies and private individuals/ businesses.
You will establish and maintain public relations with landowners, communities, organizations, wood-using industries and the public.
You will conduct educational programs and develop educational materials for public and staff.
You will provide specialized guidance and coordination in area of expertise, making recommendations to division heads for program objectives.
You may supervise intermittent employees and/or volunteers when needed.
Some essential functions of this position may be performed onsite at the agency's worksite or other assigned worksites while some essential functions of this position may be eligible for work from home authorization in accordance with policy. Remote work authorization is not automatic and is dependent upon operational needs and agency approval.
The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.
What You'll Need for Success:
You must meet the following requirement to be considered for employment:
Thorough knowledge of the principles, theories, and practices of forest resources management, tree species and forest @types native to Indiana.
Specialized knowledge of tree and herbaceous plant identification, fire behavior and suppression, and/or educational programming development.
Thorough knowledge of program area and program administration, including rules and regulations.
Specialized knowledge of computer operations including Microsoft Office and GIS software.
Extensive knowledge of forestry programs and ability to incorporate this knowledge in program planning.
Basic knowledge of land surveying.
Ability to supervise and direct work of others.
Ability to maintain cooperative work relationships.
Ability to effectively communicate, both verbal and in written.
Ability to effectively organize and prioritize work to achieve desired program outcomes, and apply technical knowledge to a wide variety of land situations.
Ability to successfully complete basic wildfire courses (red card certification) and prescribed burning course within 2 years of employment.
You must satisfy the following requirements to continue employment:
Obtain and retain an Indiana driver's license.
Obtain a pesticide applicator license and appropriate category within the first year of employment and retain.
Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:
Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
Education Reimbursement Program
Group life insurance
Referral Bonus program
Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Free Parking for most positions
Free LinkedIn Learning access
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
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