Working Title: Forest Economist
Job Class: Natural Resources Program Consultant
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 92426
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes, up to 50%
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 02/26/2026
Closing Date : 03/18/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : Forestry
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $35.96 - $53.32 / hourly; $75,084 - $111,332 / annually
Job Class Option : Forestry/Forester
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 Division of Forestry is hiring one (1) Forest Economist, NR Program Consultant, in St. Paul, MN.
The position exists to provide strategic advisement to the Division of Forestry by studying and addressing forest economic issues in Minnesota and providing economic expertise. This position will monitor, evaluate and advise on issues concerning: forest products markets and trends; forest resource based investment strategies; long-term and short-term investment strategies for silvicultural practices; and impacts of proposed legislation and regulations impacting the forest products industry and the Division of Forestry.
Responsibilities include, but not limited to:
AdviseDivision managersonhowtobestinvestpublicresourcestomaximizebenefits tothestate.
MonitorandadviseDivision managerson current forest products market conditions and prices and likely near- and long-term market trends.
Evaluateanddevelopstrategiesforenhancingtheeconomiccontributionofforest-basedcommodities, amenities, and related employment to the State of Minnesota economy.
Evaluate and provide guidance to Division managers on the long- and short-term financial implications of currentandalternativesilviculturalpractices
Evaluatetheeconomicimplicationsofproposedandnewlegislationandregulationsthatimpactdivision programs and forest resources.
This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete an annual telework agreement.
Minimum Qualifications
Three (3) years related professional forestry economics experience, including experience researching forest products markets, conducting price forecasting and analyses, and modeling economic impact of natural resource management scenarios. *Bachelors degree in Forestry or Economics may substitute for one year of experience. Master's degree in Forestry or Economics may substitute for two years of experience.
Knowledge of conducting complex forest economic analyses and modeling (input-output models, cost-benefit analyses, etc)
Proficiency in appropriate analytical software to complete economic analyses, such as R-Studio, Stata, SAAS, IMPLAN, etc
Ability to conduct valuation analyses to evaluate short-term and long-term impacts of forest management scenarios
Knowledge of forest management and timber production practices
Knowledge of the forest products industry and ability to assess related economic conditions for potential market impacts
Oral communication skills sufficient to explain complex information to internal and external stakeholders with vary degrees of subject matter expertise
Written communication skills sufficient to create reports, articles, and content for internal and public audiences
Interpersonal relation skills sufficient to productively collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders with a diverse range of viewpoints and experience
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree in Forest Economics
Society for American Foresters accredited degree or equivalent coursework in forest management
Knowledge and experience in forest management on public lands
Additional Requirements
No driving duties are required.
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.
