NR Prog Consultant-Guideline Monitoring

Working Title: NR Program Consultant - Guideline MonitoringJob Class: Natural Resources Program ConsultantAgency: MN Department of Natural Resources

Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

Date Posted : 02/11/2023

Closing Date : 04/3/2023

Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources

Division/Unit : Forestry

Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift

Days of Work : Monday - Friday

Travel Required : Yes

Salary Range: $32.13 - $47.65 / hourly; $67,087 - $99,493 / annually

Classified Status : Classified

Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE

Work Location: St Paul, Duluth or Grand Rapids

FLSA Status : Exempt - Profession

Telework Eligible : No

Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.This position develops annual and long-range work plans and targets; formulates program goals, objectives, and strategies; oversees collection and dissemination of data; develops regulations, legislative proposals and provides legislative testimony; prepares annual spending plans provide consultation and coordination to Department of Natural Resource professionals and researchers; serves as a department liaison with other agencies and groups; and performs related work with significant statewide impact.The Guideline Monitoring Program of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources measures and assesses the implementation of site level forest management guidelines, best management practices designed to mitigate impacts of timber harvesting and forest management activities on the state’s forest and water resources.The position provides:

leadership for other division of forestry priority initiatives and projects such as forest cover mapping and forest cover change detection, watershed health assessment, restoration and protection plans, legislative efforts, division or department policy and/or procedural changes, and land manager and stakeholder engagement;

works closely with the Minnesota Forest Resource Council to achieve program directives while incorporating guidance on monitoring design, measurement protocols and data analysis and reporting;

is responsible for developing and delivering training, directing forestry staff on issues related to the Wetland Conservation Act, erosion control methodology, and other statutory questions with regard to site level forest management guidelines.

Minimum QualificationsNormal working hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. but are subject to change based on work needs; hours of work may include weekends, evenings and holidays.Bachelor of Science Degree in Forest Science/Management (or a closely related field of academic study) from a university program accredited by the Society of American Foresters, or comparable accrediting institution, or current Society of American Foresters Certified Forester status.Two years advanced level professional experience (e.g., NR Forestry Regional Specialist, NR Forestry Program Coordinator or equivalent) administering a regional, state or organization-wide forest management program that includes responsibility for coordination of planning, implementation and evaluation of program and staff activities.Knowledge of silviculture principles, timber harvest/forest management techniques, site-level forest management guidelines, soil science, surficial geology, sustainable ecosystem-based forest management, and wetland classification sufficient to advise and monitor implementation of sustainable forest management practices.Knowledge and experience with the Wetland Conservation Act (WCA), Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategies (WRAPs), one Watershed One Plan, erosion control methodologies, and other statutory questions regarding site level forest management guidelines (FMG).Ability to Lead, consult, and coordinate discussions and education regarding the implementation of FMGs at the watershed scale to internal and external forest planning and policy efforts including WCA, WRAPS, MFRC landscape plans, and DNR forest policy, so that guideline implementation and watershed strategies to reduce the potential for water quality impacts within at-risk watersheds are included in plans and management activities.Knowledge and expertise with spatial data programs (e.g., ArcMap/ArcPro), database development/management, experimental design, sampling methods, statistical models and related programs sufficient to solve unusual or difficult problems, advise staff, determine future program direction and evaluate program work.Familiar with remote sensing and GIS analytical techniques sufficient to direct change detection and harvest monitoring site selection processes.Demonstrated proficiency in processing analysis and interpretation of common forest data types such as stand metrics and structural composition.Ability to create tabular and plain language reports from forestry and monitoring/sampling data.Knowledge of budget management sufficient to prepare budget requests, allocate program funds and monitor expenditures/payments.Knowledge of the legislative process sufficient to develop legislative proposals, monitor status of legislation and understand legislative committee processes.Ability to interpret aerial photos, understand map interpretation and write legal descriptions sufficient to understand/review project proposals, leases, contracts and land exchanges.Human relation, coaching, collaborative, persuasion, and team building skills sufficient to effectively work with diverse interests, gain cooperation for new approaches/ideas, explain/resolve complex program problems with internal/external partners to accomplish common conservation objectives.Written and oral communications sufficient to speak or write to large or small groups, legislative committees, officials of other agencies, private groups or the public; to write convincing and well-documented reports on resource issues; and to conduct training sessions with division staff or outside groups.Demonstrated leadership ability to motivate and guide self and other staff to work effectively with stakeholders through the application of a wide range of organizational, procedural, technical, analytical and interpersonal skills and ability to operate independently as well as in a team environment to prioritize work and achieve agreed upon milestones and deliverables.Computer skills sufficient to create/prepare reports, manage databases and track projects.Experience in meeting facilitation, group processes, conflict resolution, effective listening and negotiation sufficient to work with diverse groups, stakeholders, etc.Requires an unrestricted Class D Driver's License: a single unit vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of less than 26,000 pounds. This is a basic driver's license. Operators may also tow vehicles/trailers as long as the gross combination weight does not exceed 26,000 pounds.Preferred QualificationsMaster of Science degree in Forestry or related fieldKnowledge of department and division programs, policies and procedures sufficient to make program decisions that are compatible with other policies and programs in the division and department.Knowledge of wetland classification/delineation and environmental law sufficient to administer Wetland Conservation Act implementation for forestry and other projects.Experience collaborating with forest managers at a multi-state or national scale.Continuous improvement process skills, root cause analysis and project management.Experience interpreting and applying natural resource/forestry lawsExperience with Arc GIS Online or MN DNR Portal (Platform-based Enterprise (GIS)Experience/proficiency in data management programming such as Python R. or PosqreSQL.Physical RequirementsRequires occasionally lifting such articles as file boxes and heavy hand tools or heavier materials with help from others and/or lifting and carrying light objects frequently. Even though the weights being lifted may only be a negligible amount, a job in this category may require walking or standing to a significant degree or may involve sitting most of the time with a degree of pushing and pulling of arm and/or leg controls.Additional RequirementsThis position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s License with a clear driving record.It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. All job offers are contingent upon passing the following components:

Employment Reference Check

SEMA4 Records Check

Criminal History Check

Conflict of Interest Review

Education/license verification

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERMinnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.