Timber Sales Forester – Intermediate | GIS & Field Lead

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - Division of Forestry; Minnesota; On-site; USD 56,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources seeks an Intermediate Forester to support the Cloquet Area Timber Sales program. You will help plan and administer timber sales, inspect operations, and enforce timber and fire policies while collaborating with landowners and agencies.

You will use GIS, 4Trees, and field data to guide silviculture prescriptions and ensure compliance with department policy. This role requires flexibility and travel as needed.

Qualifications

• 3 years forestry work experience.
• Knowledge of forest inventory, regeneration data and native plant communities.
• Knowledge of silviculture techniques and forest ecology.
• Ability to use GIS, aerial photography and surveys for mapping and data collection.
• Ability to earn NWCG FFT2 within 6 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Plan and analyze Forestry Sub-program tasks within the Area with primary focus on timber sales.
• Assist with planning, cruising, appraisal and establishment of timber sales.
• Prepare timber sale documents, maps, and records; participate in pre-sale meetings.
• Administer active timber sales, conduct inspections, and supervise loggers.
• Monitor timber sale compliance with permit conditions and BMPs.
• Track timber sale status and assist with reporting and targets.
• Visit stands, collect data, and develop silviculture prescriptions.
• Use GIS and 4Trees to input data and create maps.
• Engage in wildfire prevention and suppression activities.
• Perform actions as a Forest Officer to enforce fire and timber statutes.
• Review burn permit requests and approve/deny based on fire weather.
• Meet with private landowners and approve cost-share requests.
• Participate in outreach events promoting sustainable forestry.
• Operate vehicles and equipment; occasional overnight travel.

Skills

Forestry experience

Dendrology knowledge

Forest measurements

GIS

NWCG FFT2 readiness

Communication skills

Team leadership

Data interpretation

Education

B.S. in Forestry (SAF accredited)

Tools

ArcGIS

4Trees

Excel

Outlook/Teams/Word/SharePoint

Job description

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources seeks an Intermediate Forester to support the Cloquet Area Timber Sales program. You will help plan and administer timber sales, inspect operations, and enforce timber and fire policies while collaborating with landowners and agencies.

You will use GIS, 4Trees, and field data to guide silviculture prescriptions and ensure compliance with department policy. This role requires flexibility and travel as needed.