Forest Ecologist - NR Prog Consultant

At the DNR, we are committed to the conservation and management of the state's natural resources for outdoor recreation, economic development, and a sustainable quality of life. Apply with us and find your path.

Working Title: Forest Ecologist
Job Class: Natural Resources Program Consultant
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 03/16/2024
• Closing Date: 04/05/2024
• 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: $33.90 - $50.27 / hourly; $70,783 - $104,963 / annually
• Job Class Option: Forestry/Forester
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

This position exists to advance the scientific understanding of forest ecology through the Ecological Land Classification System (ECS) program statewide to sustain forest productivity, health, biodiversity, habitat, and ecological function to meet department sustainable forest resource management goals. The incumbent is a key leader who administers ECS data collection protocols; develops native plant community derived field products for management and conservation of forest resources; provides advanced level training in the application of ECS in forest management; administers the department case study silvicultural field trial network; and communicates technical information to field personnel, supervisors, and division managers so that ecological principles and field products are integrated within Division programs and plans.

Responsibilities include:

• Serve as a main source of scientific expertise on the ecology and ecological functions of Minnesota’s forest ecosystems to division and department personnel and public stakeholders to advance sustainable forest resource management.
• Represent the division and department on interdisciplinary teams, committees, and projects for land designation activities that exist in the Department Strategic Land Asset (SLAM) Management plan.
• Oversee the collection and dissemination of ECS data including the stewardship and analysis of native plant community polygons, points, and case study data in division and department databases.
• Direct the development of ECS applications so that ecologically based forest management information is available to field personnel for stand treatment assessment and prescription development.
• Maintain a department network of case-study sites and field trials that demonstrate the application of ECS information and principles to forest management situations and problems.
• Teach division personnel how to use and apply ECS in forest management. Deliver training in collaboration with the Silviculture and Terrestrial Invasive Species Programs so that all field personnel have the tools, resources, and support to sustainably manage forest vegetation in accordance with Department goals.

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.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Forest Science/Management, Forest Ecology or Forest Soil Science (or a closely related field of academic study) from a university program.
• Two years professional experience administering a regional, state or organization-wide forest management program that includes responsibility for coordination of planning, implementation and evaluation of program and staff activities.
• Two years working with vegetation classification, applied forest ecology, silviculture, or forest management planning to solve unusual or difficult problems, advise field staff, determine future program directions, and evaluate program work.
• Ability to interpret land imagery, understand map interpretation and land features sufficient to review and certify native plant community mapping work.
• Experience with ArcMap or ArcGIS Pro and database management software sufficient to perform queries, model data spatially, provide analysis of spatial/tabular data, and create accomplishment reports.
• Experience administering a program sufficient to properly manage staff, budget, and equipment resources; and to direct activities.
• Training/teaching skills sufficient to convey information in virtual and classroom settings and provide field demonstrations, seminars, and workshops to department staff, partnering resource managers, and the public.
• Human relation, coaching, collaborative, persuasion, and team building skills sufficient to effectively work with diverse interests; gain cooperation for new approaches/ideas; and explain/resolve complex program problems with internal/external partners to accomplish common forest management objectives.
• Communication skills sufficient to communicate complex concepts and principals to forest resource professions; speak or write to large or small groups, legislative committees, officials of other agencies, private groups, or the public; write convincing and well-documented reports on resource issues; and to conduct training sessions with division personnel or outside groups.
• Demonstrated leadership ability to motivate and guide self and other staff to work effectively with stakeholders through the application of a wide range of organizational, procedural, technical, analytical, and interpersonal skills, and ability to operate independently as well as in a team environment to prioritize work and achieve agreed upon milestones and deliverables.
• Computer skills sufficient to create/prepare reports, manage databases and track projects.
• Experience in meeting facilitation, project management, group processes, conflict resolution, effective listening; negotiation sufficient to work with diverse groups and stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree in Forest Ecology or Silviculture (or a closely related master’s degree in a natural sciences field of study).
• Experience collaborating with forest managers at a multi-state or national scale.
• Knowledge and applied use of the MN DNR Native Plant Community Classification System (or a closely related vegetation classification system at the state or national level).
• Two years advanced level professional experience equivalent to the NR Forestry Program Coordinator.
• Knowledge of department and division programs, policies, and procedures sufficient to make program decisions that are compatible and integrated with other policies and programs in the division and department.

Additional Requirements

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record. 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.

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

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

If you have questions about the position, contact Paul Dubuque at paul.dubuque@state.mn.us or 651-259-5294.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Hannah Ziemann at hannah.ziemann@state.mn.us.

Why Work for Us

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Public pension plan
• Training and professional development
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations 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 and indicate what assistance is needed.