Description

• Job ID: 90945
• Location: Grand Marais; Side Lake; Sandy Lake
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 12/19/2025
• Closing Date: 01/20/2026
• 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, occasionally
• Salary Range: $24.41 - $34.24 / hourly; $50,968 - $71,493 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 - Technical/AFSCME
• Work Area: Division of Forestry
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• 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 DNR, Division of Forestry is seeking to fill multiple Forestry Technician positions across the state. This posting will be used to fill vacancies in the following work areas: Grand Marais, Sandy Lake and Side Lake, Minnesota. During the application process, applicants will choose their preferred location(s).

The Forestry Technician position exists to implement technical tasks across all Division of Forestry programs so that forest resources are protected, managed, and utilized in accordance with department policy and procedure. During periods of elevated wildfire danger, the Forestry Technician will be assigned to work weekends, evenings, and holidays. Also, to support ongoing incidents, the Forestry Technician will be assigned to travel throughout Minnesota on multiple-day assignments.

The Forestry Technician commonly performs the following work tasks:

• Evaluate the condition of forest stands and recommend silvicultural prescriptions and harvest methods to meet multiple resource goals.
• Estimate standing volume, appraise timber for sale, and administer state timber permits. 
• Engage in wildfire prevention and suppression activities to minimize threats to life, property, and resources.
• Collect forest inventory data using common forestry tools and mobile data recorders.
• Propose planting projects with appropriate tree seedlings and stocking rates.
• Propose and implement tending and timber stand improvement projects.
• Identify tree, shrub, and plant species common to Minnesota.
• Use air photos, maps, GPS, and/or compass to navigate to forest stands and establish management boundaries.
• Operate and maintain various vehicles, equipment, and tools (pickup, trailer, fire engines, bulldozer, snowmobile, ATV, lawn mower, long-handled tools, etc.).
• Provide outreach to the public and external agency colleagues.
• Lead seasonal or intermittent employees and emergency-hire firefighters to meet assigned objectives.
• Review and approve, or deny, burn permit requests.

This position requires the ability to complete physically demanding tasks with or without accommodation: the ability to work independently in remote locations sufficient to accomplish work without immediate supervision: as well as the ability to work weekends, evenings, holidays, and occasionally on multi-day assignments away from home during times of elevated fire danger to protect life, property, and natural resources from wildfires and other natural disasters in Minnesota. 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

   **To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience/education in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held. Any degrees must be earned by June 1st, 2026 to receive credit.**

To be considered for this job, applicants must have either:

• One year experience in forestry that demonstrates:
  • Knowledge of forest management, soils, hydrology, and ecology principles sufficient to evaluate stand conditions and recommend silvicultural prescriptions and harvesting regulations.
  • Experience using common forestry tools (e.g., GPS, prism, clinometer, diameter tape) to accurately collect and record forest inventory data and appraise and scale timber.
  • Plant identification skills sufficient to identify and record tree, shrub, and herbaceous species.
  • Knowledge of cartography, navigation, land survey techniques, and the ability to use and interpret aerial photography and GIS software for mapping, species identification, and locating property lines.

OR: 

• An associate degree or higher in forestry or closely related field including coursework in:
  • Silviculture, forest management, or timber sale design.
  • Forest measurements, forest inventory, or timber appraisal.
  • Dendrology, plant physiology, or plant and tree identification.
  • Cartography, geographic information systems, land survey, or navigation techniques.

In addition to the above experience or education, applicants must also have: 

• Ability to earn and maintain National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) basic wildland firefighter (FFT2) qualification within six months of hire.
• Knowledge of safety hazards prevalent in forestry and wildfire operations sufficient to prevent accidents, mitigate hazards, and instruct others in safe work habits. 
• Knowledge of a wide variety of tools and machinery sufficient to safely and effectively operate and service equipment for wildfire suppression, forest development projects, and maintenance work. 
• Computer skills sufficient to keep records, write reports, and communicate and collaborate with partners and colleagues using various applications (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, SharePoint, Adobe, ArcGIS).
• Communication and interpersonal skills sufficient to understand and carry out oral and written instructions, assist the public, provide direction to seasonal employees and contractors, and function as a productive member of a team.

Preferred Qualifications
       

• Associate degree or higher, accredited by the Society of American Foresters OR Two or more years of forestry experience as described above.
• Knowledge of Division of Forestry policies and procedures sufficient to implement assigned tasks safely and within legal and ethical guidelines.
• NWCG qualified as Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1), Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5), Faller Type 3 (FAL3), Track Vehicle Operator (TVOP), Engine Operator (ENOP), Helicopter Crew Member (HECM), or Initial Attack Dispatcher (IADP). 
• Experience taking initiative and leading small groups to achieve common goals, objectives, and tasks.

Requirements

Additional Requirements

The Grand Marais position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record. 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.

The positions at all other locations except for Grand Marais require current possession of a valid Class A license or the ability to obtain one in the first 6 months of employment.  The selected applicant will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen and will be included in the ongoing DNR random drug and alcohol test program.

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 careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Austin Dane at austin.dane@state.mn.us or 612-401-1433.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA.DNR@state.mn.us. 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 hannah.ziemann@state.mn.us.

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 careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.