Forester Specialist

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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 Department of Natural Resources (DNR):

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources protects, enhances, preserves, and wisely uses natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indiana's citizens through professional leadership, management, and education. The Division of Forestry promotes and practices good stewardship of natural, recreational, and cultural resources on Indiana's public and private forest lands. This stewardship produces continuing benefits, both tangible and intangible, for present and future generations.

Some key initiatives of the forestry program include:
Urban Forestry, Fire Management, Forest Health, Forest Legacy, and Forestry Education.

The Indiana Division of Forestry's Community Urban Forestry Program provides guidance and grants to communities for the development and caretaking of urban forests. An urban tree canopy is part of a community’s infrastructure and creates valuable environmental, economic, and social benefits. Well‑managed urban forests pay back nearly three times the cost to plant and maintain them.

Role Overview
:

85% of forestland in Indiana is in private ownership. District Foresters work one-on-one with private forest owners to help them understand the importance of the resource they own and how to manage it for future generations and for the environmental benefits forests provide for all Hoosiers. District foresters administer the Classified Forest & Wildlands Program in a multiple‑county area. They develop management plans and practice plans (including tree planting, timber stand improvement, and invasive species control) for landowners.

District Foresters provide the technical assistance for federal programs through the Farm Service Agency & Natural Resources Conservation Service.

This position, by law requires a minimum of a BS in Forestry.

Salary Statement
:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $47,320.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• You will collect technical forest resource data on state managed lands, private property, and/or urban areas.
• You will analyze resource data and develop plans including inventory summaries, resource management guides, and practice plans for invasive control, timber stand improvement, tree planting, and prescribed burns.
• You will administer and implement forestry practices and programs which may involve federal, state, and local agencies and private individuals/ businesses.
• You will establish and maintain public relations with landowners, communities, organizations, wood‑using industries and the public.
• You will conduct educational programs and develop educational materials for public and staff.
• You will provide specialized guidance and coordination in area of expertise, making recommendations to division heads for program objectives.
• You may supervise intermittent employees and/or volunteers when needed.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

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.

You must meet the following requirement to be considered for employment:

• Thorough knowledge…