Specialist - Forestry Regional

Working Title: Firewise Communities Specialist - NR Forestry Regional Spec Job Class: Natural Resources Forestry Regional Specialist Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers Date Posted: 05/10/2024 Closing Date: 05/30/2024 Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Natural Resources Division/Unit: Forestry Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift Days of Work: Monday - Friday Travel Required: Yes Salary Range: $28.50 - $41.93 / hourly; $59,508 - $87,549 / annually 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 was previously announced on 1/04/2024 through 1/24/2024. If you have already applied for this job, you do not need to reapply. Natural Resources Forestry Regional Specialists develop forestry programs at the Region administrative level. Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry Programs include State Land Management, Resource Protection, Cooperative Forest Management, Forest Resource Information and Planning, Nursery and Tree Improvement, and Administrative and Technical Support.
This position develops and implements regional Firewise and Wildfire Prevention programs and collaborates in the development of state programs. This program engages with and empowers local communities to mitigate wildland fire risk and prevent avoidable property loss by providing local decision-makers, fire departments and others with education, information, tools and start-up assistance to implement the program. This position is split between three different programs as follows: 50% Firewise, 25% Fire Prevention at the state and regional levels and 25% fire suppression.
Work hours are subject to change based on work needs; hours of work and days off may vary and includes weekends, evenings and holidays. The preferred location for this position is at the regional headquarters in Bemidji, MN. Additional possible locations include: Blackduck, Park Rapids, Detroit Lakes, or Brainerd, MN. The specific location will be agreed upon at the time of selection.
Responsibilities include: Develop, implement, monitor and coordinate Firewise and fire prevention programs at the Region level, providing administrative and technical oversight of the program. Collaborate with the Fire Prevention Team and Forestry Areas to develop and implement a comprehensive Minnesota Fire Prevention Program that offers training, materials, assistance and a consistent fire prevention message to Minnesota communities and audiences. Assist communities in developing plans, policies and procedures that integrate practices designed to reduce wildfire risk in their communities. Lead, provide assistance or coordinate Firewise and Wildfire Prevention training and outreach efforts within the communities and the Region. Coordinate development of wildfire hazard/risk assessments and tools for use in community wildfire mitigation efforts. Perform wildfire suppression and/or investigation duties in support of Division of Forestry needs and priorities. Set goals, administer grant contracts and budgets, develop reports, develop and deliver educational programs, train staff, and collect, analyze and report resource data and trends. Complete 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. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's Degree in forestry, fire management/ecology, emergency management or other closely related field Two (2) 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 (3) years intermediate level professional experience equivalent to the NR Forestry Specialist, Intermediate class. OR Associate degree in fire management/ecology, emergency management, natural resource management with an emphasis in Forestry or other related field. Five (5) years of experience in a wildland fire organization with involvement in implementing programs; consulting and interacting with other resource disciplines; training and educating; developing, implementing, evaluating, and providing oversight of wildland fire programs or teams. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Experience and qualifications in fire suppression sufficient to support Area wildland suppression efforts. Prescribed burn qualifications apply as fire experience. Ability to administer regional program sufficient to manage and properly allocate limited resources, coordinate activities, and monitor, document and evaluate results. Human relations skills sufficient to teach information in classrooms, field demonstrations, seminars, workshops and to direct, administer, and lead personnel and volunteers. Oral and written 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. Integrate information from scientific literature, historical data and past experiences and to prepare and edit high quality technical reports and presentations sufficient to solve problems, educate others and increase expertise in a specialty area. Leadership skills sufficient to motivate people and obtain program commitment. Ability to develop successful grant proposals, evaluate grant applicants, execute contracts and track and report deliverables accurately and timely in accordance with State and Federal policy. Experience with computer software including but not limited to Microsoft Office suite, ESRI Geospatial products (ArcGIS) or similar programs. Preferred Qualifications Advanced degree in forestry, fire management/ecology, emergency management or other closely related field. Demonstrated experience developing and/or delivering Firewise/Fire Prevention projects and programs. Advanced GIS skills sufficient to analyze spatial datasets, such as lidar derived products. Broad range of experiences working cooperatively with interagency (federal, state, and local governments), NGOs, contractors, and community partners. 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 or email . For additional information about the application process, go to
If you have questions about the position, contact Alex Gehrig at or .
If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at . 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 . 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 or email and indicate what assistance is needed.