Forestry Technician

Technician – Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Protect, manage, and utilize forest resources across the state. Positions are open in Grand Marais, Side Lake, and Sandy Lake.

• Job : 90945
• Location: Grand Marais;
  Side Lake;
  Sandy Lake
• Schedule: Full‑Time, Day Shift, Monday‑Friday (travel required and occasional weekend/evening work during high fire danger)
• Pay: $24.41 - $34.24 / hour; $50,968 - $71,493 / year
• Agency: Department of Natural Resources
• Union: 207 – Technical/AFSCME
• Compensation Type: Classified, Nonexempt
• Closing Date: 01/20/2026

• Evaluate forest stands and recommend silvicultural prescriptions and harvest methods.
• Estimate standing volume, appraise timber for sale, and administer state timber permits.
• Engage in wildfire prevention and suppression activities to minimize threats to life, property, and resources.
• Collect forest inventory data with GPS, clinometers, tapes, and mobile data recorders.
• Propose and implement planting projects, stand improvement projects, and tending activities.
• Identify tree, shrub, and plant species common to Minnesota.
• Use maps, aerial photos, GPS, or compass to navigate and establish management boundaries.
• Operate and maintain vehicles and equipment such as pickup trucks, trailers, fire engines, bulldozers, snowmobiles, ATVs, and lawn mowers.
• Provide outreach to the public and external agencies.
• Lead seasonal employees and emergency‑hire firefighters during assignments.
• Review and approve or deny burn permit requests.

• One year of forestry experience demonstrating knowledge of stand evaluation, silviculture, and forestry tools, or an associate degree or higher in forestry or a closely related field.
• Ability to earn and maintain National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) basic wildland firefighter (FFT2) qualification within six months of hire.
• Knowledge of safety hazards in forestry and wildfire operations and ability to enforce safe practices.
• Proficiency with a variety of tools and machinery for forest development and wildfire suppression.
• Computer skills for record keeping, report writing, and collaboration (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, SharePoint, Adobe, ArcGIS).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for working with the public, supervising seasonal staff, and collaborating with team members.

• Associate degree or higher accredited by the Society of American Foresters or two+ years of forestry experience.
• Knowledge of Division of Forestry policies and procedures.
• Advanced NWCG qualifications (e.g., FFT1, ICT5, FAL3, TVOP, ENOP, HECM, IADP).
• Experience leading small groups.

• Grand Marais location: unrestricted Class D driver’s license with a clean driving record; must be 18+ with a valid license.
• Other locations: current valid Class A license or ability to obtain one in the first six months.
• Pre‑employment drug screen and ongoing random drug and alcohol testing.
• Physical fitness and ability to work in environmental conditions, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Background checks (conflict of interest, criminal history, education, employment, license verification).

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of the page. For questions, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651‑259‑3637 or email careers.us.

• Paid vacation and sick leave; 12 paid holidays.
• Low‑cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans (including fertility, diabetes, and orthodontic care).
• 6 weeks paid leave for new parents.
• Retirement pension plan.
• Life insurance, short‑term and long‑term disability insurance.
• Tax‑free expense accounts for health and dependent care.
• Professional development, training, and the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (when applicable).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for life‑lifestyle support.

Minnesota state agencies are equal‑opportunity, affirmative action, veteran‑friendly, and committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state’s population. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic.

Request reasonable accommodations for job application or work by contacting Careers Help Desk or the ADA Coordinator .us.