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: NR Forestry Regional Spec - Firewise Communities Specialist
Job Class: Natural Resources Forestry Regional Specialist
Agency: Department of Natural Resources

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 11/29/2022
• Closing Date: 12/19/2022
• 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
• Salary Range: $27.01 - $39.74 / hourly; $56,396 - $82,977 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Employment Condition: Full Time Unlimited
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• Work Location: Grand Rapids is the preferred location but other locations in the NE Region may be considered.
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
• Telework Eligible: No
• 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.

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.

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.

Minimum Qualifications

Work hours are subject to change based on work needs; hours of work and days off may vary and includes weekends, evenings and holidays.

Bachelor’s Degree in forestry, fire management/ecology, emergency management or other closely related field and demonstrated wildland or prescribed fire experience.

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 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 contacts 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.

Requires an unrestricted Class D Driver's License: a single unit vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of less than 26,000 pounds. This is a basic driver's license. Operators may also tow vehicles/trailers as long as the gross combination weight does not exceed 26,000 pounds.

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.

Physical Requirements

Requires occasionally lifting such articles as file boxes and heavy hand tools or heavier materials with help from others and/or lifting and carrying light objects frequently. Even though the weights being lifted may only be a negligible amount, a job is in this category may require walking or standing to a significant degree or may involve sitting most of the time with a degree of pushing and pulling of arm and/or leg controls.

Additional Requirements

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

It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. All job offers are contingent upon passing the following components:

• Employment Reference Check
• SEMA4 Records Check
• Criminal History Check
• Conflict of Interest Review
• Education/license verification

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page and submit an application/resume that clearly describes how you meet the qualifications listed above. 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 Allissa Reynolds at allissa.reynolds@state.mn.us or 651-259-5288.

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 Bobbie Donat at bobbie.donat@state.mn.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.