Region 2 Forest Manager

Job Summary

This position is responsible for the management, implementation, and integration of all Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Forestry programs, activities, policies, program budgets, and operations in the department’s Northeast Region (centered in Grand Rapids). This position assists and provides leadership to develop and implement the Division’s and Department’s mission and vision. 

Responsibilities include:

• Direct implementation and integration of Division programs and activities with program coordinators and consultants, regional specialists, and area supervisors.
• Direct and implement Fire, State Land, and Cooperative Forest Management program activities.
• Provide leadership and supervision directly to areas, region program staff, and indirectly to field staff.
• Direct operating budget management activities at the regional level; monitor and provide direction on area budgets.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with external constituents and stakeholders for awareness and understanding of DNR goals and to understand stakeholder needs, desires, and expectations.
• Coordinate and collaborate preparation and implementation of DNR plans and policies.

This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete an annual telework agreement. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science Degree in forest science/management (or a related field of academic study) from a university program accredited by the Society of American Foresters or comparable accrediting institution.
• Three (3) years managerial or advanced supervisory experience directing and supervising forest management programs and staff.
• Knowledge of forest management programs, forest ecosystem science, policies and procedures and knowledge of rules and laws related to forest management and protection programs sufficient to evaluate unit and program management.
• Knowledge of government budgeting and financial management processes sufficient to coordinate and articulate budget proposals, prioritize and manage budgets, monitor revenue, administer grants, and interpret budget reports.
• Ability to apply broad knowledge to complex issues sufficient to anticipate trends, analyze data, and find solutions that balance long-term resource conservation demands.
• Ability to integrate multi-disciplinary aspects of natural resource management.
• Ability to oversee large projects, prioritize, and make recommendations or decisions on direction of a project.
• Leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills to direct, develop, and engage staff.
• Ability to develop internal and external cooperative relationships and partnerships.
• Conflict management skills to analyze and resolve ambiguous or controversial situations and make difficult decisions.
• Communication skills to effectively communicate complex information to a wide variety of audiences.
• Ability to apply systems thinking perspectives and practices.
• Knowledge of different cultural and community groups sufficient to administer the programmatic area and ensure stakeholders understand the requirements and expectations of a given program.
• Ability to treat employees inclusively in the areas of accommodation, accessibility, scheduling, expectations, individualized resource needs, training, and development.
• Ability to set long term and short-term goals and objectives that equitably empower all employees, stakeholders, and the public.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree or other education/training in areas pertinent to position responsibilities.
• Knowledge of DNR programs and areas of responsibilities in other divisions.
• Knowledge of the legislative process and functions.
• Knowledge of strategic and operational planning procedures sufficient to participate in generation of unit plans, evaluate recommendations, and explain proposals and reports to staff, peers, and superiors.
• Knowledge of a variety of land management activities such as acquisition, leasing, rights, agreements, and land laws.