NR Forestry Specialist Senior

SER; Cloquet (MN); On-site; USD 63,000 - 91,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

12 paid holidays

Pension plan

Health insurance

Training opportunities

Job summary

MN Department of Natural Resources in Cloquet, MN, seeks a NR Forestry Specialist Senior - Silviculture to lead forestry programs, plan field operations, and coordinate tree-planting and site preparation with contractors.

Responsibilities include writing stand prescriptions, collaborating with partners, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with Forest Management Guidelines. Requires SAF-certified or degree, plus 2+ years of leadership in forest management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Forest Science/Management or SAF certification.
• Two years journey-level forest management with leadership experience OR three years entry-level with timber sales/inventory experience.
• Understanding of forest management theory to plan and manage field programs.
• Knowledge of state contract administration and procurement processes.

Responsibilities

• Manage Forestry programs at Area level, ensuring policy compliance and achievement of targets.
• Coordinate annual tree planting, seeding, and site prep with contract crews.
• Write silvicultural stand prescriptions meeting management objectives and plan direction.
• Collaborate with DNR divisions, tribal and county partners on goals and stand exams.
• Plan and administer release and timber stand treatments; conduct regeneration surveys.
• Coordinate seed and cone collection with the State Forest Nursery; track silviculture work.
• Develop and manage budgets for assigned programs to optimize cost effectiveness.
• Develop and coordinate management policies and plan.
• Keep colleagues informed of silviculture developments and ensure proficiency.
• Implement law enforcement activities to enforce forestry rules fairly.

Skills

Forestry leadership

Silviculture knowledge

Project coordination

Communication skills

Team supervision

Education

Bachelor of Science in Forest Science/Management

Tools

ESRI software

Job description

Working Title: NR Forestry Specialist Senior - Silviculture

Job Class: Natural Resources Forestry Specialist Senior

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 96784
• Location: Cloquet
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/03/2026
• Closing Date: 09/23/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Forestry
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $29.76 - $43.69 / hourly; $62,138 - $91,224 / 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 division of Forestry is seeking to hire one (1) NR Forestry Specialist Senior - Silviculture located in Cloquet, MN. This position will function as a Program Team Leader in the management, planning, and implementation of one, or more, major forestry program (as defined by the "Minnesota Forest Resources Plan - Program Direction") OR a significant portion of a program that, on average, takes 40% or more of an Area's total FTEs to implement, at the Area administrative level. This position serves as program manager at the Area Administrative level and will also function as an area team member to implement field assignments.

Responsibilities include:

• Manage and administer Forestry programs at the Area administrative level so they are effectively implemented, follow policies, and meet targets and goals.
• Coordinate annual tree planting, seeding, and site preparation projects with contract crews, including developing project specifications, ordering nursery stock, and inspecting completed work.
• Write silvicultural stand prescriptions that meet stand-level management objectives, Section Forest Resource Management Plan direction, and Forest Management Guidelines.
• Work with other DNR divisions, tribal, county, and other partners in determining management goals and coordinating review of the annual stand exam list.
• Plan and administer release and timber stand improvement treatments, and conduct regeneration surveys to evaluate treatment success and guide future management.
• Coordinate seed and cone collection with the State Forest Nursery and track silviculture accomplishments and expenditures toward Area work plan targets.
• Develop and administer budget in assigned program(s) so it is cost effective.
• Develop and coordinate management of policies and plan.
• Keep colleagues informed of new developments in methods and procedures and ensure that they maintain proficiency in Silviculture program.
• Implement Law Enforcement activities at the Area so that fire, timber, lands and state forest rules and statutes are enforced fairly and thoroughly.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Forest Science/Management (or a closely related field of academic study) from a university program accredited by the Society of American Foresters, or comparable accrediting institution, or current Society of American Foresters Certified Forester status.
• Two years journey level professional forest management with experience providing leadership in supporting program such as forest inventory, terrestrial invasive species, forest road administration, etc (e.g. NR Forestry Specialist Intermediate class) OR three years of entry-level professional forest management with experience in timber sale appraisal and administration, forest inventory management(e.g. NR Forestry Specialist class).
• Knowledge of Forest management theory and techniques sufficient to plan and organize the management activities of a field station, oversee program management practices within an area, and act as lead worker for professional employees and contractors.
• Knowledge of division policies and procedures governing program activities sufficient to follow them in fighting fires, developing forest tracts, conducting timber sales, building roads, and managing public and private forests.
• Knowledge of state policies and procedures for contract administration sufficient to write technical specifications and oversee contract work.
• Leadership skills sufficient to motivate people and obtain program commitment from area personnel.
• Human relations skills sufficient to assign and monitor the work of staff; resolve problems with loggers, clients, the public, and other employees; conduct training classes; and represent the division on committees and task forces.
• Ability to clearly communicate complex concepts and principles to other resource professionals and the public in verbal and written format.
• Organizational and interpersonal skills sufficient to work as a productive member of a team.
• Conflict resolution/human relation skills sufficient to negotiate, resolve issues, read situations, and settle disputes equitably by finding common ground and cooperation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of Department and Division policies, procedures and operating guidelines and State of Minnesota statutes pertaining to natural resources management.
• Qualified as Fire Fighter Type 1 (FFT1) / Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT 5)
• Certified Forest Officer.
• Leadership skills sufficient to motivate people and obtain program commitment from area personnel.
• Successful completion of the Division of Forestry Entry Level Professional Forester Development Program.
• Knowledge of water quality BMPs and Forest Management Guidelines sufficient to implement appropriate practices on a variety of forest management sites and situations.
• Experience in timber sale administration.
• Experience developing silvicultural stand prescriptions and planning, contracting, and inspecting reforestation projects such as site preparation, tree planting, seeding, and release treatments.
• Knowledge of the Ecological Classification System (ECS) and native plant community classes sufficient to apply them in stand-level silvicultural decision making.
• Experience conducting regeneration surveys, coordinating seed and cone collection, or working with the State Forest Nursery.
• Knowledge of wetland classification and/or delineation.
• Background or coursework in soil science, forest soils or hydrology.
• Broad range of experience with all programs administered by the Division of Forestry with an emphasis on the following major field operations programs: 1) State Land
• Management; 2) Resource Protection with an emphasis on fire suppression and management; 3) Forest Resource Information and Analysis with an emphasis on FIM; and 4)
• Cooperative Forest Management.
• Completion of a Leadership Development Program.
• Experience using ESRI products.

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 VerificationEmployment Reference / Records Check
• License / Certification Verification

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
• 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
• Tuition reimbursement
• 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 [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.