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SalaryJob Description
The Forester position works under the direct supervision of the Unit Manager. The position is an integral part of the land management program and the resource protection program. The position is assigned responsibility for managing the land base for obtaining maximum desired benefits. This entails assessing, coordinating, and integrating varied uses, including recreation, timber production, Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) work, wildlife habitat, land exchanges, acquisitions, and disposals, mineral, oil and gas leases, and other activities related to the proper use of state land. The position interacts with private landowners when preparing timber sales bordering private lands, securing access through private lands, land use permits, and during land exchanges or easements. The position works extensively with the public in a variety of activities including administering timber contracts with companies, answering public inquiries and complaints and making presentations to groups. Independent judgment and human resource skills are needed to work with co-workers and the public. Technical skills required include knowledge of silviculture, forest regeneration, contract administration, data management, and Geographic Information and Global Positioning Systems (GIS/GPS). Computerized mapping, data management, and longer-range planning and analysis are frequently required of the position.
Required Education and Experience
Education
Possession of a bachelor's degree in forestry.
Experience
Forester 9
No specific type or amount is required.
Forester 10
One year of professional experience in the protection, development and maintenance of forestlands equivalent to a Forester 9.
Forester P11
Two years of professional experience in the protection, development and maintenance of forestlands, including one year equivalent to a Forester 10.
Alternate Education and Experience
A bachelor's degree in a field of natural resources with not less than 24 semester (36 term) credits in forestry related courses.
Additional Requirements and Information
Please complete the following written exercise and attach to your application:
Please attach a cover letter, resume, and official college transcripts (if applicable) to your application.
Information provided in your application, resume, cover letter, transcripts, and any other documentation provided will be used to verify responses to the supplemental questions. Unsupported responses may not be considered further.
If applicable, you must attach an electronic and/or scanned copy of your official college/university transcripts. For our purposes, "Official Transcripts" must contain the college/university name and address, the degree conferred and date granted, coursework completed (especially if no degree granted), and the Registrar's signature and/or seal.
Your application for any position does not guarantee that you will be contacted by the Department/Agency for further consideration. Only those applicants interviewed will be notified of the results.
Click the link below for a map overview of FRD's district lines.
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State employment also offers rewarding careers where you can help Michiganders enjoy better lives. Many State of Michigan jobs offer alternate work schedules and remote-work options that can help give the flexibility you need. The State of Michigan has been recognized as a leading U.S. employer by new graduates from 2021-2023 and a best large U.S. and state employer. Recognized on the international stage for fostering positive employee engagement, the State of Michigan is a past recipient of a North America Government Agency Employees Engagement Award.
More details on benefits for our new hires are below:
Rewarding Work: State of Michigan jobs allow you to serve Michiganders in many different ways depending on your interests and skills. Help preserve and protect our environment and the public health; enforce state laws and regulations; advocate for children, families, and victims of discrimination; support our state’s military and veterans; rebuild our state’s infrastructure; or support other state agencies through our fiscal, IT, and HR systems.
Insurance Benefits: The State of Michigan offers health, mental health, dental, and vision insurance to eligible career employees, their spouses, and their children. The state also covers a life-insurance benefit of two times employees’ annual salary (up to $200,000). The state also offers long-term-disability insurance that can provide continuing benefits if an injury or illness prevents employees from working. More information is available at www.mi.gov/employeebenefits.
Retirement Programs: The State of Michigan offers 401(k) and 457 plans for new hires to save for retirement. The state will automatically contribute an amount equal to 4% of your pay to a 401(k) account. The state will also match up to 5% of your pay if you contribute to your 401(k) account. Your contributions vest immediately, and the state’s contributions fully vest after just 4 years. More information is available at http://www.mi.gov/orsstatedc.
Vacation and Sick Leave: Eligible full-time employees receive between 15 and 35 personal days and 13 sick days per year that may be rolled over to the following year if not used. Eligible employees also receive an additional day each year for community service or school functions.
Paid Parental Leave: Eligible employees can take 12 weeks of paid leave immediately after a birth or adoption to allow needed time together at home with a new child.
Paid Holidays: Eligible employees receive 13 or 14 paid holidays each year including New Year’s Eve and Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Election Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Friday, Christmas Eve and Day.
Bonus Programs: Eligible employees with five years of service also receive annual longevity bonuses that grow as seniority increases. Some positions also may qualify for recruitment, retention, and performance bonuses or other special pay premiums.
Military Pay Differential: Employees in the guard or reserves may also qualify for supplemental pay benefits if miliary pay during qualifying duty is less than normal state pay. Prior military service may also allow seniority credits to accelerate eligibility for longevity bonuses and additional personal leave accrual.
Tax-Advantaged Programs: In addition to 401(k) and 457 retirement accounts, the state also offers flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), and qualified transportation fringe benefit (QTFB) programs that can help you save money by reducing your taxable income.
Student Loan Forgiveness: Working for the State of Michigan may allow you to participate in programs that forgive the balance of qualifying student loans. Information to help determine if you could qualify is available from the U.S. Department of Education.
Tuition Reduction: Some colleges and universities offer savings to eligible employees and family members to further their education while working for the State of Michigan.
Professional Development: To help develop your career, programs are available to apply for reimbursement of up to $2,000 a year for education and training for college course credits and non-degree programs.
Alternative and Remote Work Schedules: Depending on the nature of their duties, many state jobs offer flexible work schedules and remote or hybrid telecommuting options that can help obtain the work-life balance that you seek.
Great Lakes and Great Times: Michigan boasts four Great Lakes, 11,000 inland lakes, 36,000 miles of rivers and streams, 20 million acres of forests, 100 state and national parks and recreation areas, 1,300 miles of bike trails, 6,500 miles of snowmobile trails, the second-most ski areas in the nation, 650 public golf courses, 600 campgrounds, and an international dark-sky park—just for starters. Our cities offer concerts and cultural events, storied sports teams, education hubs, vibrant downtowns, one-of-a-kind craft beverages, and renowned restaurants for every appetite. From urban centers to beach towns to the great outdoors, the opportunities are endless. With your state salary and benefits and Michigan’s affordable cost of living, you can explore all that Michigan has to offer.
Updated: 2/28/24
