Forester Specialist

State of Indiana • Lagro, IN

4d

About The Position

The Forester Specialist works as a District Forester in the Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry, supporting private forest owners across a multiple-county area. The role helps landowners understand the value of their forests and manage them for future generations and the environmental benefits they provide. It administers the Classified Forest & Wildlands Program and provides technical assistance for federal incentive programs through the Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service.

The position collects and analyzes forest resource data on state-managed lands, private property, and/or urban areas, and develops inventory summaries, resource management guides, and practice plans. Plans and practices may address invasive species control, timber stand improvement, tree planting, and prescribed burns. The position also implements forestry programs, builds public relationships, provides education, and may supervise intermittent employees or volunteers. Work may require hours beyond a standard pay period without additional overtime compensation.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in Forestry is required.
• Thorough knowledge of forest resource management principles, theories, and practices, and of tree species and forest types native to Indiana.
• Specialized knowledge of tree and herbaceous plant identification, fire behavior and suppression, and/or educational programming development.
• Thorough knowledge of the program area and program administration, including rules and regulations.
• Specialized knowledge of computer operations, including Microsoft Office and GIS software.
• Extensive knowledge of forestry programs and the ability to apply that knowledge in program planning.
• Basic knowledge of land surveying.
• Ability to supervise and direct the work of others.
• Ability to maintain cooperative work relationships and communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work to achieve program outcomes and apply technical knowledge to a wide variety of land situations.
• Ability to successfully complete basic wildfire courses (red card certification) and a prescribed burning course within two years of employment.
• Obtain and retain an Indiana driver's license.
• Obtain a pesticide applicator license and appropriate category within the first year of employment and retain it.
• Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Responsibilities

• Collect technical forest resource data on state-managed lands, private property, and/or urban areas.
• Analyze resource data and develop inventory summaries, resource management guides, and practice plans for invasive control, timber stand improvement, tree planting, and prescribed burns.
• Administer and implement forestry practices and programs involving federal, state, and local agencies and private individuals or businesses.
• Administer the Classified Forest & Wildlands Program in a multiple-county area.
• Provide technical assistance for federal incentive programs through the Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service.
• Establish and maintain public relations with landowners, communities, organizations, wood-using industries, and the public.
• Conduct educational programs and develop educational materials for the public and staff.
• Provide specialized guidance and coordination in an area of expertise and make recommendations to division heads regarding program objectives.
• Supervise intermittent employees and/or volunteers when needed.

Benefits

• Three medical plan options, including prescription coverage, plus vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program with gift card rewards for completing wellness activities
• Health savings account with bi-weekly state contributions
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account with employer match
• Two fully funded pension plan options
• Paid New Parent Leave and paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
• Paid community service leave
• Combined paid vacation, personal, and sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Referral Bonus program
• Employee assistance program with covered behavioral health visits
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility
• Free parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level