Forester

Indiana Department of Correction•Monroe, LA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Work for Indiana 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 Morgan-Monroe State Forest encompasses more than 25,000 acres. It is forested with some of the state's finest hardwoods. The original settlers of the area cleared and attempted to farm the ridges but were frustrated by the rocky soil that was unsuitable for agriculture. The state purchased the eroded, abandoned land in 1929 to create Morgan-Monroe State Forest. Activities include camping, gold panning, hiking, hunting, and picnicking. Other features include the Draper Cabin, a 100-year-old cabin renovated to modern standards, and the Cherry Lake Lodge. Both are available for reservation. Role Overview: This position assists with the logging crew operation at state properties, from marking timber to operating equipment. The role will also be responsible for forest resource management. The candidate must be, or be willing to become Red Card certified, and a Forester degree is required. Salary: The salary for this position traditionally starts at $42,900.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package. A Day in the Life: 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 analyzes resource data an develop plans and reports including inventory summaries, resource management guides, and practice plans for invasive control, timber stand improvement, tree planting, and prescribed burns. You will 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 develops educational materials for public. 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.

Requirements

Must be, or be willing to become Red Card certified.
Working knowledge of forestry tools and equipment (data recorder, laser, increment borer, compass, clinometer, etc.).
Working knowledge of the principles, theories, and practices of forest resources management.
Working knowledge of tree and herbaceous plant identification, fire behavior and suppression.
Ability to inspect and develop management recommendations for rural and urban forests.
Basic knowledge of surveying.
Basic knowledge of equipment operation and maintenance.
Basic knowledge of computer operation, Microsoft Office Suite, and ArcGIS.
Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Obtain and retain pesticide applicator's license within the first year of employment and maintain.
Obtain and retain a valid Indiana driver's license.
Successfully complete chainsaw training course within the first year of employment.
Successfully complete basic wildland fire courses (red card certified) and prescribed burning course within the first two years of employment.

Nice To Haves

A Forester degree is required.

Responsibilities

Collect technical forest resource data on state managed lands, private property, and/or urban areas.
Analyze resource data and develop plans and reports including inventory summaries, resource management guides, and practice plans for invasive control, timber stand improvement, tree planting, and prescribed burns.
Implement forestry practices and programs which may involve federal, state, and local agencies and private individuals/businesses.
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.
Assist with the logging crew operation at state properties, from marking timber to operating equipment.
Responsible for forest resource management.

Benefits

Competitive compensation
Robust benefits package
Commitment to work-life balance
Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to: 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
Education Reimbursement Program
Group life insurance
Referral Bonus program
Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Free Parking for most positions
Free LinkedIn Learning access