Forester

State of Indiana; Henryville (IN); On-site; USD 39,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan options

Paid time off

Job summary

State of Indiana, through the Department of Natural Resources, seeks Foresters to manage Clark State Forests with a focus on data collection, analysis, and resource planning. The role contributes to timber management and public stewardship while coordinating with agencies and communities.

The position emphasizes fieldwork, forest inventories, prescribed practices, and collaboration with a diverse team to sustain healthy forests and a reliable revenue stream for the state.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of forestry tools and equipment.
• Working knowledge of forest resources management.
• Ability to articulate plant identification and fire behavior concepts.
• Basic knowledge of surveying.

Responsibilities

• Collects technical forest resource data on state lands and forests.
• Analyzes data and develops inventories, guides, and plans.
• Supports program implementation and community engagement efforts.

Skills

Forestry tools & equipment

Forest resources management

Tree & plant identification

Fire behavior

Surveying basics

ArcGIS

Data collection & analysis

Tools

ArcGIS

Microsoft Office

Data recorder

Increment borer

Compass

Job description

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Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you’ll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you’ll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR):

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources protects, enhances, preserves, and wisely uses natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indiana’s citizens through professional leadership, management, and education. The Division of Forestry promotes and practices good stewardship of natural, recreational, and cultural resources on Indiana’s public and private forest lands. This stewardship produces continuing benefits, both tangible and intangible, for present and future generations. Some key initiatives of the forestry program include: Urban Forestry, Fire Management, Forest Health, Forest Legacy, and Forestry Education.

Clark State Forest is the oldest state forest in Indiana and encompasses over 25,000 acres and 100 miles of recreational trails. Clark State Forest was used as an experimental forest for many years. More than 150 experimental tree plantings, established from 1905 through 1935, can still be observed in many areas throughout the forest. Activities include biking, camping, fishing, gun range, hiking, horse riding, and more.

Role Overview:

Foresters are an essential part of managing our state forests. They evaluate conditions, execute silvicultural processes, and monitor activities to ensure our forests remain healthy for future generations. Property foresters are responsible for a variety of forest resource management activities to include but not limited to invasive species control, prescribed fire, forest inventories, marking timber, boundary line management, timber stand improvement, development of management guides, trail/fire land maintenance and more. Clark SF covered over 25,000-acre and the position is responsible for directly assisting with annual revenue between $600,000-700,000 in timber management activities. Position also may serve as the point of contact when the property is in the absence of a manager. A property foresters is essential to the daily operations, customer service, and contribution to the overall property/division revenue stream.

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $42,900.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

Data Collection & Analysis

• Collects technical forest resource data on state managed lands, private property, and/or urban areas.
• Analyzes resource data an develops plans and reports including inventory summaries, resource management guides, and practice plans for invasive control, timber stand improvement, tree planting, and prescribed burns.

Program Implementation Support

• Implements forestry practices and programs which may involve federal, state, and local agencies and private individuals/ businesses.

Community Engagement & Education

• Establishes and maintains public relations with landowners, communities, organizations, wood using industries and the public.
• Conducts educational programs and develops educational materials for public.

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You’ll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Working knowledge of forestry tools and equipment (data recorder, laser, increment borer, compass, clinometer, etc.
• Working knowledge of the principles, theories, and practices of forest resources management.
• Working knowledge of tree and herbaceous plant identification, fire behavior and suppression.
• Basic knowledge of surveying.
• Basic knowledge of equipment operation and maintenance.
• Basic knowledge of computer operation, Microsoft Office Suite, and ArcGIS.
• Ability to inspect and develop management recommendations for rural and urban forests.

A degree is not required.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

You must satisfy the following requirement to continue employment:

• Obtain and retain pesticide applicator’s license within the first year of employment and maintain.
• Obtain and retain a valid Indiana driver’s license
• Successfully complete chainsaw training course within the first year of employment.
• Successfully complete basic wildland fire courses (red card certified) and prescribed burning course within the first two years of employment.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b)account (similar to401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
  • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
  • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parkingfor most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learningaccess

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at [e-mail] .