Working Title: Forest Ecology & Policy Program Consultant
Job Class: Natural Resources Program Consultant
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 80634
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/2/2024
• Closing Date: 10/22/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Ecological & Water Resources
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $35.43 - $52.53 / hourly; $73,977 - $109,682 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees / 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 Forest Ecology and Policy Consultant is a key agency leader in the promotion of biodiversity conservation in forested ecosystems across the state through: coordination and communication within the Division of Ecological and Water Resources and across divisions within the Department; development, review, and implementation of planning and policy initiatives; and application of current scientific understanding of ecology and conservation biology. Additionally, this position leads the Department's old growth business data stewardship and monitoring efforts and participates in forest certification efforts as assigned. This position also provides recommendations and information on forest issues to leadership within EWR and throughout the department. Primary responsibilities include:

Leading and coordinating the division's efforts related to interdisciplinary forest management policy and planning to further the conservation and sustainable management of biodiversity in Minnesota's forest ecosystems. Working in an interdisciplinary and collaborative manner with staff from across the agency to ensure resolution of statewide interdisciplinary forest resources management issues. This is done by interpreting existing policy, developing new policy, analyzing and framing decision options for decision makers, and developing recommendations to address primarily operational forest management issues on state lands. Representing the division on interdisciplinary teams that develop or recommend forest policy.
Coordinating the communication and review of forest issues and policies within the division to ensure effective and efficient participation of division staff and managers in interdisciplinary forest coordination work. Maintaining a communication structure that ensures all division staff involved in interdisciplinary forest coordination activities receive timely information and can effectively provide input and feedback.
Serving as a primary source of scientific expertise on the ecology and ecological functions of Minnesota's forest ecosystems to a wide range of professional and public clientele, to enhance sustainable forest management.
Coordinating and maintaining data governance practices according to DNR guidelines to ensure staff have access to reliable data and tools to use in interdisciplinary forest coordination activities.
This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete an annual telework agreement.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in ecology, environmental studies, forestry, natural resources management, natural resources policy, or related field.
• Four years of professional experience in forest ecology, forest policy/management, and/or forest biodiversity conservation. An advanced degree in a related field may substitute for 1 year of experience.
• Knowledge of forest ecology (forest population, community, ecosystem, and landscape ecology) and basic understanding of silviculture and forest management practices.
• Facilitation, conflict resolution, and collaborative decision-making skills involving diverse interests and complex projects/initiatives.
• Experience in serving as a liaison between technical staff teams, organization leadership, and partner organizations.
• Experience with project management (including project planning, scoping, and implementation) and project team coordination (including manage data and files and convening well-organized meetings).
• Excellent writing and communication skills sufficient to prepare and present information in a coherent, objective, and technically sound manner for a variety of audiences and stakeholder groups.
• Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheets, databases, data analysis (such as R, MATLAB, Excel, SAS, etc.), and mapping software (specifically ArcGIS or ArcPro).

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in ecology, environmental studies, forestry, natural resources management, natural resources policy, or related field.
• Five or more years of professional experience in forest ecology, forest policy/management, and/or forest biodiversity conservation.
• Experience in conflict resolution and collaborative decision-making in a natural resource related field.
• Basic understanding of sustainable forest certification processes and standards.
• Advanced statistical analysis skills related to forest ecology.
• Experience with linear programming or other mathematical modeling techniques.

Additional Requirements

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver's license with a clear driving record.

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.

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 Verification
• Employment Reference / Records Check
• License / Certification Verification

Application Details
How to Apply
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 careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Lacy Levine at lacy.levine@state.mn.us or 651-259-5106.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA.DNR@state.mn.us.

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 Lucas Schulze at lucas.schulze@state.mn.us.

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
• 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 careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.