Working Title: NE Regional Fire & Enforcement Forestry Specialist
Job Class: Natural Resources Forestry Regional Specialist
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 97772
Location : Grand Rapids
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 10/31/2026
Closing Date : 11/20/2026
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, occasionally
Salary Range: $30.76 - $45.26 / hourly; $64,226 - $94,502 / 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 Division of Forestry is seeking to hire one (1) Forestry Regional Specialist located in Grand Rapids, MN.
This position exists to develop and support the Fire and Enforcement Programs within MN DNR Forestry's Northeast Region. Work hours are subject to change based on work needs; hours of work and days off may vary and include weekends, evenings and holidays.
Responsibilities include:
Development of the Fire and Enforcement programs by: developing goals, reports, and educational programs; budget administration; training staff; and collecting and analyzing resource data and trends.
Supporting the Fire and Enforcement programs by: monitoring the work of forestry area staff; developing and delivering educational programs and materials; and training natural resource staff in the administration and implementation of forestry programs.
Completing formal Division of Forestry classroom and field training sessions as assigned.
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 a telework agreement. Work hours are subject to change based on work needs. Hours of work and days off may vary and include weekends, evenings, and holidays.
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 advanced level professional experience equivalent to the NR Forestry Specialist Senior class - plan, direct staff, administer budget, administer, and implement programs, consult, interact with other resource disciplines and train and educate; OR three years intermediate level professional experience equivalent to the NR Forestry Specialist, Intermediate class.
Ability to develop schedules, studies, research projects and work assignments sufficient to efficiently and effectively accomplish Forestry program objectives and implement forestry science.
Ability to administer program sufficient to manage, properly allocate limited resources and to direct activities.
Ability to train and teach sufficient to convey information in classrooms, field demonstrations, seminars, workshops and to DNR staff.
Human relations sufficient to direct, administer and train foresters and to lead personnel working in programs.
Communication skills sufficient to communicate complex concepts and principals to other resource professions and the public and make effective presentations to a wide variety of audiences by identifying their level of understanding and evoking a positive response.
Ability to prepare and edit high quality technical reports and management plans and research and interpretation scientific literature sufficient to solve problems, educate others and increase expertise in a specialty area.
Ability to integrate information from scientific literature, historical data and past experiences sufficient to devise risk-rating systems and management guidelines.
Leadership skills sufficient to motivate people and obtain program commitment from division personnel and other Forest managers.
Ability to negotiate budget, staffing needs and equipment allocation sufficient to administer programs and train personnel.
Certified as a Forest Officer or equivalent.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of Department and Division policy, procedure and operating guidelines; State of Minnesota statutes pertaining to natural resources management; statistically sound survey techniques.
Successful completion of a professional forester development program; and a leadership development program.
Broad range of experiences with all programs administered by the Division of Forestry statewide with an emphasis on the major field operations programs: 1) State Land 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) Cooperative Forest Management.
Wildfire Investigator, or ability to obtain Wildfire Investigator status.
Single resource boss qualified AND ICT4 trainee, OR unit leader qualified, OR Forest Officer Investigator qualified.
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.
