Employment

Job Summary
The Natural Resources Manager Forester is responsible for the direction of field activities on nearly 74,000 acres of tax forfeited lands in Becker County. Responsible for the implementation of projects designed to protect, improve, and maintain biological diversity, wildlife and wildlife habitat, aesthetics, timber resources, recreational, water quality, forest soils, and office efficiency. 

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelors Degree in Natural Resource Management or equivalent and one-year relevant forest management and timber sale related experience, or equivalent combination of education/ training/ experience. Hardwood management experience is preferred. 

Requirements

• Valid Minnesota Driver's License
• Training in ArcGIS required
• Knowledge of natural resources management and best practices.
• Knowledge of timber sale contract preparation and implementation. 
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally, and in writing, and have strong positive public relations skills. 
  • Ability to select, evaluation and interpret data from several sources, interpretation of guidelines, policies, and procedures is required. 

Examples of Job Duties

• Timber Sales Program
  • Assist in the development and maintenance of a 5-year allowable cut plan to regulate all forest stands and provide a sustained yield of forest products considering multiple forest use such as; biodiversity, aesthetics, timber production, wildlife habitat, water quality, forest soils, recreation, etc.
  • Designs sales and establish regulations concerning fuel wood, section-one, and auction timber sales in accordance with County and State policies and statutes.
  • Administer active timber sales and enforce compliance of sale regulations, state statutes, county policies, and Best Management Practices.
  • Directs forest products scaling procedures and files reports.
  • Assists in the enforcement of timber trespass laws. 
  • Provides assistance to loggers in following sales regulations and County policies. 
• Resource Inventory
  • Assist in the development and maintenance of a Resource Inventory to enable land management decisions.
  • Assists in the administration and supervision of Inventory Contracts for accuracy and quality.
  • Assist in the development and initiation of inventory alteration procedures to ensure reliable , up-to-date data.
  • Assists in the development of a program designed to re-inventory individual stands following timber management operations or natural processes.
• Resource Development
  • Assist in the development of a long-range comprehensive management plan that will protect and enhance the natural resources of Becker County.
  • Assists in the development of long-range and annual work plans. 
  • Develop and submit complete project proposals for wildlife habitat improvements, TSI, road and trail construction or improvement, recreation proposals, etc. Coordinates proposals with other agencies for cost effectiveness.
  • Coordinates contracts for site preparation using accepted mechanical and chemical prescriptions.
  • Plans, direct, and monitors reforestation efforts to ensure regeneration. Writes silvicultural prescriptions for stand treatments. 
  • Prepares and submits activity reports.
  • Assists in the administration and enforcement of regulations concerns County Leases.
  • Assists in the design and implementation of programs providing recreational possibilities on county managed lands.
  • Assists in the maintenance and management of County owned recreational properties.
  • Promotes resource management through public speaking engagements, providing tours of County managed lands, meeting with special interest groups, and using local media sources.
• Supervision and Leadership
  • Prepares work assignments to aid in the completion of work plans.
  • Completes quality checks as to accuracy and completeness of assignments.
  • Supervises seasonal laborers, reports on accomplishments, and administers disciplinary actions.
  • Assists in the supervision of season TSI Crews, and other laborers for departmental activities.
  • Promotes teamwork and cooperation.
  • Serves as a positive role model of successful performance and ethical conduct.   
• Miscellaneous
  • Attends educational opportunities, meetings, and professional committees or groups.
  • Monitors law changes and best practices pertaining to the department activities.
  • Performs other duties as assigned or apparent.

Hours
40 hours/week; Monday-Friday; Weekends/Holidays off

Compensation and Benefits
The compensation range for this position is $29.06 to $37.92 per hour, depending on experience. This position is eligible for a wide range of competitive benefits, including state pension plan, vacation time, sick time, personal and holiday leave time. In addition, the position is eligible for the County's cafeteria health plan, consisting of three health plans and carrier options; Dental, Vision, and Life insurance; Health Savings and Flexible Spending accounts; Long-term and Short-Term Disability; Supplemental Accident, Hospital, and Critical Illness plans; and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. The County contributes monthly health benefits to aide in the rising of insurance costs with the contribution rate evaluated annually. Additionally, employees have the option to take part of this contribution as cash in lieu of benefits.