Forest Economist-Natural Resources Program Consultant

Job Summary:

MN DNR—Division of Forestry (DOF) seeks to hire a Forest Economist (Natural Resources Program Consultant) position, located in St. Paul, MN. The position exists to provide strategic advisement to the Division of Forestry by studying and addressing forest economic issues in Minnesota and providing economic expertise. This position will monitor, evaluate, and advise on: issues concerning forest products markets and trends; forest resource based investment strategies; long-term and short-term investment strategies for silvicultural practices; and impacts of proposed legislation and regulations impacting the forest products industry and the Division of Forestry.

Job Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include, but not limited to:

• Advise Division managers on how to best invest public resources to maximize benefits to the state.
• Monitor and advise Division managers on current forest products market conditions and prices and likely near- and long-term market trends.
• Evaluate and develop strategies for enhancing the economic contribution of forest-based commodities, amenities, and related employment to the State of Minnesota economy.
• Evaluate and provide guidance to Division managers on the long- and short-term financial implications of current and alternative silvicultural practices.
• Evaluate the economic implications of proposed and new legislation and regulations that impact division programs and forest resources.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Three (3) years related professional forestry economics experience, including experience researching forest products markets, conducting price forecasting and analyses, and modeling economic impact of natural resource management scenarios. A Bachelor’s degree in forestry or economics may substitute for one year of experience. A Master’s degree in forestry or economics may substitute for two years of experience.
• Knowledge of conducting complex forest economic analyses and modeling (input-output models, cost-benefit analyses, etc.).
• Proficiency in appropriate analytical software to complete economic analyses, such as R-Studio, Stata, SAAS, IMPLAN, etc.
• Ability to conduct valuation analyses to evaluate short-term and long-term impacts of forest management scenarios.
• Knowledge of forest management and timber production practices.
• Knowledge of the forest products industry and ability to assess related economic conditions for potential market impacts.
• Oral communication skills sufficient to explain complex information to internal and external stakeholders with vary degrees of subject matter expertise.
• Written communication skills sufficient to create reports, articles, and content for internal and public audiences.
• Interpersonal relation skills sufficient to productively collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders with a diverse range of viewpoints and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Forest Economics.
• Society of American Foresters-accredited degree or equivalent coursework in forest management.
• Knowledge and experience in forest management on public lands.