Working Title: Cooperative Forest Management Forester
Job Class: Natural Resources Forestry Specialist Senior
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID: 91381
Location: Faribault
Telework Eligible : No
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted: 01/17/2026
Closing Date: 02/09/2026
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 - occasional overnight
Salary Range: $29.25 - $42.94 / hourly; $61,074 - $89,659 / 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 currently seeking a full-time NR Forestry Specialist Senior in Faribault. The position exists to administer all Cooperative Forest Management (CFM) programs (Private Forest Management, Forestry Incentives, Urban and Community Forestry, and Forest Legacy,) within an administrative area consisting of several counties.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Direct all Private Forest Management programs in the designated Division of Forestry area by acting as a lead to formulate, advise, and assist with resource management activities on private lands, and with other public agencies and private organizations.
Participate in the Forestry Incentives program through tasks related to incentives provided to private forest landowners. In particular: state, federal and county cost share programs, the Sustainable Forest Incentives Act (SFIA) and the 2c Managed Forest Tax law.
Direct all Urban and Community Forest Management programs in the designated Division of Forestry area.
Serve as the primary local contact for designated area when assistance is needed relating to the State's Forest Legacy program (FLP), including promoting forest legacy easements on private lands of high conservation significance, and to assist the FLP coordinator.
Carry out work activities related to Resource Protection ; this includes wildfire prevention, pre-suppression, and suppression on all ownerships within the designated area. The position also has statewide duties in resource protection associated with, as assigned, off unit fire suppression.
Carry out activities relating to Division of Forestry outreach programs activities to improve public understanding and stewardship of natural resources.
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 years intermediate professional forest management with experience providing leadership in supporting program such as forest inventory, terrestrial invasive species, forest road administration, silviculture OR three years of entry-level professional forest management with experience in timber sale appraisal and administration, forest inventory management.
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.
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
Knowledge of Department and Division policies, procedures and operating guidelines and State of Minnesota statutes pertaining to natural resources management.
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.
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.
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.
