Forester

State of Indiana•Henryville, IN

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Forester works for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry at Clark State Forest, which covers more than 25,000 acres. The role supports the management of state forest resources by assessing conditions, carrying out silvicultural practices, and monitoring activities to promote healthy forests. Property management work includes invasive species control, prescribed fire, forest inventories, timber marking, boundary-line management, timber stand improvement, preparing management guides, and maintaining trails and fire lanes. The position directly assists with timber management activities associated with approximately $600,000–$700,000 in annual revenue and may serve as the property point of contact when a manager is absent. The Forester contributes to daily operations, customer service, and property and division revenue. The position collects and analyzes forest resource data on state-managed lands, private property, and/or urban areas, and develops plans and reports such as inventory summaries, resource management guides, and practice plans. It implements forestry practices and programs in coordination with public agencies, private individuals, and businesses, and supports public relations and education through engagement with landowners, communities, organizations, wood-using industries, and the public. The position is exempt from overtime compensation. Additional hours may be required to complete essential or assigned work; exempt employees may work more than 75 hours per pay period without additional compensation and must report at least 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave to receive their base biweekly salary. A degree is not required. Continued employment requires obtaining and maintaining a pesticide applicator’s license within the first year, holding a valid Indiana driver’s license, completing a chainsaw training course within the first year, and completing basic wildland fire courses (red card certification) and a prescribed burning course within the first two years. The role may be used in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Requirements

Working knowledge of forestry tools and equipment, including data recorders, lasers, increment borers, compasses, and clinometers.
Working knowledge of the principles, theories, and practices of forest resource management.
Working knowledge of tree and herbaceous plant identification, fire behavior, and fire suppression.
Basic knowledge of surveying.
Basic knowledge of equipment operation and maintenance.
Basic knowledge of computer operation, Microsoft Office Suite, and ArcGIS.
Ability to inspect rural and urban forests and develop management recommendations.
Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Obtain and retain a pesticide applicator’s license within the first year of employment and maintain it.
Obtain and retain a valid Indiana driver’s license.
Successfully complete a chainsaw training course within the first year of employment.
Successfully complete basic wildland fire courses and earn red card certification, and complete a prescribed burning course within the first two years of employment.

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 that may involve federal, state, and local agencies, private individuals, and 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.
Perform property forest resource management activities, including invasive species control, prescribed fire, forest inventories, timber marking, boundary-line management, timber stand improvement, management guide development, and trail and fire-lane maintenance.
Assist with timber management activities associated with approximately $600,000–$700,000 in annual revenue.
Serve as the property point of contact when a manager is absent, as needed.

Benefits

Three medical plan options, including prescription coverage, plus vision and dental plans.
Wellness Rewards Program with gift card rewards for completed wellness activities.
Health savings account with a bi-weekly state contribution.
Deferred compensation 457(b) account with employer match.
Two fully funded pension plan options.
Leave policies including 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, or 14 in election years.
Education Reimbursement Program.
Group life insurance.
Referral Bonus program.
Employee assistance program with covered behavioral health visits.
Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Free parking for most positions.
Free LinkedIn Learning access.