NR Forestry Specialist
Role Overview
The DNR is seeking to fill multiple Forestry Specialist positions across the state. This posting will be used to fill vacancies in the following work locations: Backus, Bagley, Big Falls, Mora, and Nimrod, Minnesota. During the application process, applicants will choose their preferred location(s).
Depending on internal movement, this posting may be used to fill vacancies in these locations if they become available: Aitkin, Backus, Bagley, Baudette, Bemidji, Big Falls, Blackduck, Effie, Finland, Grygla, Lewiston, Littlefork, McGregor, Northome, Onamia, Orr, Outing, Park Rapids, Preston, Sandstone, Warroad and Williams.
The Forestry Specialist position exists to implement program support tasks across all Division of Forestry programs so that forest resources are protected, managed, and utilized in accordance with department policy and procedure. During periods of elevated wildfire danger, the Forestry Specialist will be assigned to work weekends, evening, and holidays. Also, to support ongoing incidents, the Forestry Specialist will be assigned to travel throughout Minnesota on multiple-day assignments.
The Forestry Specialist commonly performs the following tasks:
Evaluate the condition of forest stands and apply native plant community guidelines, develop silvicultural prescriptions, and determine harvest systems to meet multiple resource goals.
Appraise timber for sale, implement forest management guidelines, market permits to timber purchasers, administer state timber permits, and scale cut products.
Visit forest stands impacted by insects, disease, or fire and create plans to respond to those effects.
Create maps in GIS programs, analyze and interpret air photos, and use GPS and/or compass to navigate to forest stands to establish management boundaries.
Engage in wildfire prevention and suppression activities to minimize threats to life, property, and resources
Collect forest inventory data using common forestry tools and mobile data recorders.
Analyze forest inventory data, input into GIS databases, and adjust stand boundaries.
Identify tree, shrub, and plant species common to Minnesota.
Use the Ecological Classification System to determine native plant communities and update maps.
Apply statistical methods to develop timber cruises and accurately estimate standing volume.
Propose tree planting, site preparation, or timber stand improvement projects to meet management plan objectives.
Locate, identify, and map instances of terrestrial invasive plants and propose treatments to control infestations.
Operate various vehicles, equipment, and tools (pickup, trailer, ATV, snowmobile, fire engine, long-handled tools, etc.)
Meet with private landowners and provide advice to manage private woodlands.
Participate in presentations and outreach to the public and to internal and external agency partners.
Lead seasonal or intermittent employees, student interns, and emergency hire firefighters to meet assigned objectives.
Review and approve, or deny, burn permit requests.
This position requires the ability to complete physically demanding tasks with or without accommodation and the ability to work independently in remote locations sufficient to accomplish work without immediate supervision.
Key Skills for This Role
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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.
Job Details
Working Title: Forestry Specialist Job Class: Natural Resources Forestry Specialist Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID: 97381
Location: Backus, Bagley, Big Falls, Mora, Nimrod.
Telework Eligible : No
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted: 10/03/2026
Closing Date: 11/09/2026
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: $25.22 – $36.59 hourly / $52,659 - $76,400 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 : 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.
Job Summary
The DNR is seeking to fill multiple Forestry Specialist positions across the state. This posting will be used to fill vacancies in the following work locations: Backus, Bagley, Big Falls, Mora, and Nimrod, Minnesota. During the application process, applicants will choose their preferred location(s).
Depending on internal movement, this posting may be used to fill vacancies in these locations if they become available: Aitkin, Backus, Bagley, Baudette, Bemidji, Big Falls, Blackduck, Effie, Finland, Grygla, Lewiston, Littlefork, McGregor, Northome, Onamia, Orr, Outing, Park Rapids, Preston, Sandstone, Warroad and Williams.
The Forestry Specialist position exists to implement program support tasks across all Division of Forestry programs so that forest resources are protected, managed, and utilized in accordance with department policy and procedure. During periods of elevated wildfire danger, the Forestry Specialist will be assigned to work weekends, evening, and holidays. Also, to support ongoing incidents, the Forestry Specialist will be assigned to travel throughout Minnesota on multiple-day assignments.
The Forestry Specialist commonly performs the following tasks:
Evaluate the condition of forest stands and apply native plant community guidelines, develop silvicultural prescriptions, and determine harvest systems to meet multiple resource goals.
Appraise timber for sale, implement forest management guidelines, market permits to timber purchasers, administer state timber permits, and scale cut products.
Visit forest stands impacted by insects, disease, or fire and create plans to respond to those effects.
Create maps in GIS programs, analyze and interpret air photos, and use GPS and/or compass to navigate to forest stands to establish management boundaries.
Engage in wildfire prevention and suppression activities to minimize threats to life, property, and resources
Collect forest inventory data using common forestry tools and mobile data recorders.
Analyze forest inventory data, input into GIS databases, and adjust stand boundaries.
Identify tree, shrub, and plant species common to Minnesota.
Use the Ecological Classification System to determine native plant communities and update maps.
Apply statistical methods to develop timber cruises and accurately estimate standing volume.
Propose tree planting, site preparation, or timber stand improvement projects to meet management plan objectives.
Locate, identify, and map instances of terrestrial invasive plants and propose treatments to control infestations.
Operate various vehicles, equipment, and tools (pickup, trailer, ATV, snowmobile, fire engine, long-handled tools, etc.)
Meet with private landowners and provide advice to manage private woodlands.
Participate in presentations and outreach to the public and to internal and external agency partners.
Lead seasonal or intermittent employees, student interns, and emergency hire firefighters to meet assigned objectives.
Review and approve, or deny, burn permit requests.
This position requires the ability to complete physically demanding tasks with or without accommodation and the ability to work independently in remote locations sufficient to accomplish work without immediate supervision.
Minimum Qualifications
- **To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience/education in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held. Any degrees must be earned by January 1st, 2027 to receive credit.**
- To be considered for this job, applicants must have either:
- Two (2) years of work experience in forestry.
- OR:
- A bachelor's degree or higher in forestry or closely related field.
- Eighteen (18) months of work experience in forestry AND an associate degree or higher in forestry or closely related field.
- In addition to the above experience and/or education, applicants must also demonstrate:
- Knowledge of dendrology, plant ID, and forest measurements sufficient to collect forest inventory, regeneration data and native plant community data.
- Knowledge of forest economics, mensuration, and harvest systems sufficient to design, appraise, administer, and scale timber sales.
- Knowledge of forest ecology and silviculture techniques sufficient to prescribe reforestation, tree release, and stand improvement activities.
- Knowledge of multi-use forestry concepts sufficient to conduct and evaluate management activities that benefit wildlife species, ecosystem health, recreational opportunities, and wood marketing and utilization.
- Planning skills sufficient to organize short projects, prioritize tasks, make recommendations on the direction of a project, provide leadership on small teams, and exercise limited discretion.
- Computer skills sufficient to keep records, analyze data, write reports, and communicate and collaborate with partners and colleagues using various applications (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, SharePoint, Adobe, ArcPro).
- Human relation skills sufficient to deal appropriately with supervisors, coworkers, special interest groups, loggers, and the general public in a variety of situations.
- Ability to use GIS, aerial photography, and surveys, for mapping and data collection.
- Ability to earn and maintain National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) basic wildland firefighter (FFT2) qualification within six months of hire.
- Ability to communicate orally and in written form sufficient to clearly convey information on forest management practices and policy to the general public, special interest groups, and other department employees.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or higher, accredited by the Society of American Foresters. OR Three (3) or more years of work experience in forestry.
- Knowledge of Division of Forestry policies and procedures sufficient to implement assigned tasks safely and within legal and ethical guidelines.
- NWCG qualified as a Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1), Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5), Faller Type 2 (FAL2), Tracked Vehicle Operator (TVOP), or Engine Operator (ENOP).
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
How to Apply
- Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected] . For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers .
Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Austin Dane at [email protected] or 612-401-1433 .
If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at [email protected] . 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 Layla Daleiden at [email protected] .
Working together to improve the state we love.
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
A sense of purpose in their work
Connection with their coworkers and communities
Opportunities for personal and professional growth
Benefits
- As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
Your benefits may include:
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- 12 paid holidays each year
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans Fertility care, including IVF Diabetes care Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
- Fertility care, including IVF
- Diabetes care
- Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
- 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
- Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
- Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
- Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
- Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
Support to help you reach your career goals:
Training, classes, and professional development
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov )
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:
A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
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.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES
Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected] and let us know the support you need.
About Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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State of Minnesota
Minnesota's state government provides statewide public services through executive, legislative, and judicial institutions.
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