Assistant Area Supervisor – Fire Program

Job Summary

MN Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hiring a Division of Forestry Assistant Area Supervisor in Sandstone, MN. Primary position responsibilities include assisting in the management of a Forestry administrative area by supervising area field support staff; directing contract administration; managing forestry programs at the area administrative level; and directing/supervising/representing all area operations in the Forestry Area Supervisor’s absence.

Job Responsibilities

• Supervising area field support staff including seasonal forest protection staff, technicians, foresters, program foresters, and office support staff to ensure effective allocation of human resources by interviewing and selecting staff affirmatively; assigning, scheduling, directing and evaluating work performance; approving satisfactory performance salary increases and achievement awards; and disciplining subordinate staff.
• Administering, interpreting, and implementing assigned Forestry programs at the area administrative level by interpreting program policy, developing program goals and objectives; managing area field operations; assigning work, inspecting and evaluating program activities; developing alternative work plans to resolve performance issues; monitoring the development of bid specifications and administering contracts; developing program budgets; and solving administrative problems.
• Disseminating information on forestry issues so that the public, legislature and other jurisdictions and organizations are well informed on resource issues. Coordinate development and implementation of public information and education activities for programs.
• Operational Support: Provide work direction to other professional staff, technicians, laborers, temporary crews and contractors.
• Formal Training: Complete formal Division of Forestry classroom and field training sessions as assigned. This includes becoming a Certified Forest Officer within the next training / certification cycle.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Forest Science/Management (or a closely related field of academic study).
• Four years of professional forestry experience including: two years of implementing local forestry program work such as terrestrial invasive species management, infrastructure projects, recreation coordination, and inventory quality control work, etc. Scope of the projects may include coordinating with colleagues and external contractors to achieve the goals and objectives of the department while working within policy framework. This includes assignment and explanation of work to colleagues. This work can be considered consistent with the work performed by NR Forestry Specialist – Intermediate.
• Knowledge of forestry management principles sufficient to implement public responsiveness techniques; administer department and division policies, procedures and operating guidelines and State of Minnesota statutes pertaining to natural resources management; and negotiate complex inter-disciplinary forest management issues.
• Ability to work collaboratively with resource management professionals to resolve conflict, solve interdisciplinary resource management problems, and integrate Department strategic direction, vision, and mission.
• Supervisor/leadwork experience and/or training that incorporates directing, coaching, and resolving conflicts.
• Communication skills to communicate personally and technically with co-workers, technical audiences, local constituents, and multicultural communities.  Must have ability to prepare and edit technical reports, management plans and maintain an effective public relations program.
• Certified Forest Officer or certified within the next training/certification cycle.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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 equivalent to the NR Forestry Specialist SENIOR class.
• Qualified as Fire Fighter Type 1 (FFT1) / ICT 5
• Single Resource Boss Qualified and ICT 4 trainee, Unit Leader Qualified or Forest Officer (FO) Investigator Qualified.
• Knowledge of budget policies, procedures, and regulations sufficient to manage and administer budgets.
• Broad range of experience with all programs administered by the Division of Forestry with an emphasis on the following major field operation programs: 1) State Land Management; 2) Resource protection with an emphasis on fire suppression and management; 3) Forest Resource Information and Analysis with an emphasis on FIM and 4) Cooperative Forest Management.
• Completion of a supervisory skill development program with training in the areas of basic supervision, advanced supervision, communication, performance management, interpersonal skills, and leadership.