Forester Specialist

State of Indiana; Edinburgh (IN); On-site; USD 43,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Wellness rewards program

Health savings account

Pension plan options

Paid holidays

Job summary

The State of Indiana seeks a Forester for the Indiana Army National Guard to implement the INRMP at CAJMTC and Muscatatuck. You will gather forest data, manage programs, and engage with landowners and the public while supervising intermittent staff.

A Degree is not required; possess Indiana driver’s license and pesticide applicator license within the first year. The role emphasizes work-life balance and competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of forest management principles and Indiana tree species.
• Knowledge of fire behavior, suppression, and educational program development.
• Knowledge of program administration and regulatory requirements.
• Proficiency in computer operations including Microsoft Office and GIS.
• Ability to supervise and direct work of others.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to complete basic wildfire courses within 2 years of employment.

Responsibilities

• Data Collection & Analysis: Collects forest resource data and analyzes data to develop inventory summaries and management guides.
• Program Management: Administers forestry practices and coordinates with agencies and private entities; provides guidance to divisions.
• Community Engagement & Education: Builds relations with landowners and communities; develops educational materials.
• Supervision: Oversees intermittent employees and volunteers as needed.

Skills

Forest management

Tree species knowledge

GIS software

Program administration

Public relations

Written communication

Supervisory ability

Wildfire training (red card)

Tools

Microsoft Office

GIS software

Job description

Work for Indiana

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 Adjutant General's Office

The Adjutant General’s Office (AGO) provides a dynamic workplace while serving the Indiana National Guard at its various facilities throughout the state. AGO’s programs and projects offer exciting opportunities for professionals in many fields - from maintenance repair to cadre to civil engineers - looking to begin or advance their careers. AGO offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, as well as an outstanding work/life balance. AGO offers agency specific benefits, such as an opportunity to work an alternative work schedule, a spot bonus program to reward hardworking employees, and a chance to work with military and federal partners.

Role Overview

You will serve the Indiana Army National Guard (INARNG) as a Forester; providing specialized, technical knowledge to the INARNG. You will implement the forestry components of the INARNG’s Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP). Generally, day to day efforts will focus on forest resources within the ~34,250 acre Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center (CAJMTC) and the ~1,000 acre Muscatatuck Urban Training Center.

Salary

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $47,320.00 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 and develops plans including inventory summaries, resource management guides, and practice plans for invasive control, timber stand improvement, tree planting, and prescribed burns.

Program Management

• Administers and implements forestry practices and programs which may involve federal, state, and local agencies and private individuals/businesses.
• Provides specialized guidance and coordination in area of expertise, making recommendations to division heads for program objectives.

Community Engagement & Education

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

Supervision

• Supervises intermittent employees and volunteers when needed.

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

• Thorough knowledge of the principles, theories, and practices of forest management, tree species and forest types native to Indiana.
• Specialized knowledge of tree and herbaceous plant identification, fire behavior and suppression, and/or educational programming development.
• Thorough knowledge of program area and program administration, including rules and regulations.
• Specialized knowledge of computer operations including Microsoft Office and GIS software.
• Extensive knowledge of forestry programs and ability to incorporate this knowledge in program planning.
• Basic knowledge of land surveying.
• Ability to supervise and direct work of others.
• Ability to maintain cooperative work relationships.
• Ability to effectively communicate, both verbal and in written.
• Ability to effectively organize and prioritize work to achieve desired program outcomes and apply technical knowledge to a wide variety of land situations.
• Ability to successfully complete basic wildfire courses (red card certification) and prescribed burning course within 2 years of employment.

A Degree Is Not Required.

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

You Must Satisfy The Following Requirements To Continue Employment

• Obtain and retain an Indiana driver’s license.
• Obtain a pesticide applicator license and appropriate category within the first year of employment and retain.

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

• 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 to 401(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
• Referral Bonus program
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity

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] .