Forester Specialist
Date Posted: Jun 10, 2026
Requisition ID: 477883
Location:
Lagro, IN, US, 46941
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 Department of Natural Resources (DNR):
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources protects, enhances, preserves, and wisely uses natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indiana's citizens through professional leadership, management, and education. 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, Fire Management, Forest Health, Forest Legacy, and Forestry Education.
The Indiana Division of Forestry's Community Urban Forestry Program provides guidance and grants to communities for the development and caretaking of urban forests. An urban tree canopy is part of a community's infrastructure and creates valuable environmental, economic, and social benefits. Well-managed urban forests pay back nearly three times the cost to plant and maintain them.
Role Overview:
85% of forestland in Indiana is privately owned. District Foresters (Forest Specialists 2) work one-on-one with private forest owners to help them understand the importance of the resource they own and how to manage it for future generations and for the environmental benefits forests provide for all Hoosiers. District foresters administer the Classified Forest & Wildlands Program (https://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/programs/classified-forest-and-wildlands/) in a multiple county area. They write management plans and practice plans (tree planting, timber stand improvement, invasive species) for landowners. District Foresters provide technical assistance for federal incentive programs through Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service.
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.
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:
Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:
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.
A degree is not required.
Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
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.
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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