Working Title: Intermediate Forester
Job Class: Natural Resources Forestry Specialist Intermediate
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
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Job ID: 96422
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Location: Blackduck
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Telework Eligible: No
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Full/Part Time: Full-Time
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Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
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Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
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Date Posted: 08/20/2026
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Closing Date: 09/09/2026
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Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
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Division/Unit: Forestry
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Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
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Days of Work: Monday-Friday
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Travel Required: Yes – fire suppression and training
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Salary Range: $26.89 - $ 39.22/ hourly; $56,146- $81,891 / annually
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Classified Status: Classified
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Bargaining Unit: 214 - MAPE (MN Association of Professional Employees)
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FLSA Status: Exempt-Professional
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Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
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.
The DNR is looking for one (1) Natural Resources Forestry Specialist Intermediate, located in Blackduck, MN.
The Forestry Specialist Intermediate position exists to perform forest resource management work by administering one or two forestry sub-programs at the Area administrative level under limited supervision. The Forestry Specialist Intermediate also performs field assignments across all Division programs so that forest resources are protected, managed, and utilized in accordance with department policy and procedure. This position occasionally functions as a lead worker to Forestry Specialists, Forestry Technicians, interns, emergency firefighters, temporary crews, and volunteers.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
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Administer the Fire Prevention Sub-program tasks within the assigned area.
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Direct the Invasive Species Sub-program tasks within the assigned area.
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Interact and collaborate with other sub-program and program staff at the Area, Region, and Statewide levels.
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Use GIS and 4Trees systems to input forest data, perform analysis, manage databases, and create maps.
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Engage in wildfire prevention and suppression activities to minimize threats to life, property, and resources.
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Receive and review burn permit requests from landowners and prescribed burn practitioners. Approve or deny requests based on knowledge of fire weather and fire science principles.
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Provide fire training to other foresters, emergency firefighters, and fire departments.
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Participate in outreach events to promote sustainable forestry and wildfire prevention to community or school groups.
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Operate various vehicles, equipment, and tools (pickup, trailer, ATV, snowmobile, fire engine, long-handled tools, etc.).
Occasional overnight travel required. Normal working hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Division employees must be able to work weekends, evenings, holidays, and occasionally on multi-day assignments away from home during times of elevated fire danger to protect life, property, and natural resources from wildfires or to respond to other natural disasters in Minnesota.
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3 years (36 months) of forestry experience conducting fieldwork in at least three (3) of the following concentrations: use of GIS to collect and enter forest inventory, regeneration, or native plant community data; designing, appraising, administering, and scaling timber sales; applying silviculture techniques in reforestation, release and stand improvement; use of aerial photography for mapping, surveys, and data collection; application of methods to prevent or suppress wildfires.
OR
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2 years (24 months) of any three of the above experience conducting forestry fieldwork and 1 year (12 months) of forestry experience performing program-level or lead worker duties such as administering forestry programs, preparing reports/proposals, monitoring outcomes, or assigning work.
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An associate’s degree in forestry or a related natural resources field may substitute 6 months of fieldwork experience.
- A bachelor’s degree in forestry or a related natural resources field may substitute 1 year (or 12 months) of fieldwork experience.
In addition, applicants must also have:
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Ability to earn National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) basic firefighter (FFT2)qualification within 6 months of hire.
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Planning skills sufficient to manage a forestry sub-program; make schedules, assign job tasks, lead Area teams, track and report progress, make programmatic decisions, and exercise discretion under limited supervision.
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Human relations skills sufficient to assign and monitor work progress of others, resolve task conflicts with loggers, contractors, the public, and other employees, and represent the division on committees or work groups.
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Ability to communicate orally and in written form sufficient to clearly teacher or train others and convey complex forest management practices or policy to coworkers, contractors, special interest groups, or the public.
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Knowledge of multi-use forestry concepts sufficient to plan, conduct, and evaluate management activities that benefit wildlife species, ecosystem health, recreational opportunities, and wood marketing and utilization.
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Computer skills sufficient to keep records, analyze data, manage databases, write reports, and communicate and collaborate with partners and colleagues using various applications (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, SharePoint, Adobe, ArcGIS).
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Bachelor’s degree, or higher, in a forestry program accredited by the Society of American Foresters.
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Leadership skills or training (such asL-280, “Followership to Leadership”) sufficient to collaborate, make decisions, give direction, motivate, and influence others.
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Experience completing tasks in programs administered by the Division of Forestry including Wildfire Prevention and Suppression, Cooperative Forest Management, Ecological Classification System, Timber Sales, Silviculture, Forest Inventory, Forest Health, Terrestrial Invasive Species, State Forest Roads, and State Lands & Leases.
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Qualified as a National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Fire Fighter Type 1 (FFT1), Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5), Helicopter Crewmember (HECM), Tracked Vehicle Operator (TVOP), or Intermediate Faller (FAL2).
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Current licensures or certificates related to the position, which may include pesticide applicator, forest officer, fire investigator, or certified blaster.
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Knowledge of forestry policies and procedures sufficient to implement assigned tasks safely and within legal and ethical guidelines.
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:
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Conflict of Interest Review
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Criminal History Check
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Education Verification
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Employment Reference / Records Check
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License / Certification Verification
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
If you have questions about the position, contact Mike Bates at [email protected] or 218-888-7731.
If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at [email protected]. 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 Layla Daleiden at [email protected].
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
- A sense of purpose in their work
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Connection with their coworkers and communities
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Opportunities for personal and professional growth
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.
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- 12 paid holidays each year
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
- Fertility care, including IVF
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Diabetes care
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Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
- 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
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Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
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Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
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Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
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Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
- Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
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Training, classes, and professional development
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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)
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A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
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Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
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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 [email protected] and let us know the support you need.
