Description

Working Title: Assistant Area Supervisor - Fire Program
Job Class: Natural Resources Forestry Assistant Supervisor
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 95170
• Location: Sandstone
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 07/06/2026
• Closing Date: 07/27/2026
• 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: $32.21 - $46.72 / hourly; $67,254 - $97,551 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 216 - Middle Management Association/MMA
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

The Division of Forestry is hiring one Assistant Area Forestry Supervisor in Sandstone, MN. This position serves the Sandstone Forestry Administrative area, which includes an area office in Sandstone and field stations in Cambridge and Carlos Avery.

This position assists 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.

Responsibilities include:

• Supervise 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.
• Administer, interpret and implement 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.
• Disseminate 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.

Occasional travel required to various locations in the Area and statewide. Normal 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.

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.

Additional Requirements

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record; per DNR Fleet Policy, only those 18 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license may operate equipment and vehicles on behalf of the Agency.

Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations. 

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. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status). 

It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

Conflict of Interest Review
Criminal History Check
Education Verification
Employment Reference / Records Check
License / Certification Verification

Application Details
How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Wade Mapes at [email protected] or 763-284-7204. 

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at [email protected]. To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Hannah Ziemann at [email protected].

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common? 

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave 
• 12 paid holidays each year 
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care 
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS 

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected] and let us know the support you need.