Job Description

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a diverse range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

At the State of Indiana, we don’t just talk about diversity and inclusion—we make it our goal to create a welcoming, accessible, and equitable workplace with a workforce that is representative of Indiana's population. As a proud equal opportunity employer, reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role.

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR):
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources protects, enhances, preserves, and wisely uses natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indiana's citizens through professional leadership, management, and education. The Division of Forestry promotes and practices good stewardship of natural, recreational, and cultural resources on Indiana's public and private forest lands. This stewardship produces continuing benefits, both tangible and intangible, for present and future generations. Some key initiatives of the forestry program include: Urban Forestry, Fire Management, Forest Health, Forest Legacy, and Forestry Education.

Role Overview : 

As the Forester, you will be responsible for serving in the Division of Forestry within the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), performing technical and professional functions in the area of forest resources and land management. District Foresters work one-on-one with private landowners providing them guidance on managing their woodlands. Since 83% of forests in Indiana are in private ownership, the work of a District Forester is critical to the conservation of Indiana's forests and the benefits they provide. 

This position will cover a multi-county district. The top job duties are administering the Classified Forest & Wildlands Program ( visiting privately owned forests, and developing landowner-specific management plans, recommending and checking the implementation of forest management practices funding through federal conservation incentive programs such as CRP and EQIP, and doing public outreach.

Successful candidates have a thorough knowledge of forestry in the Central Hardwoods, are very organized, and are self-motivated. District foresters work independently and set their own schedule within the 75-hour pay period. Occasional weekend work may be required.  This position requires a bachelor’s degree in Forestry. 

Salary Statement : 

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $47,320.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

A Day in the Life:

​The essential functions of this role are as follows: 

• You will collect technical forest resource data on state managed lands, private property, and/or urban areas. 
• You will analyze resource data an develops plans including inventory summaries, resource management guides, and practice plans for invasive control, timber stand improvement, tree planting, and prescribed burns. 
• You will Administer and implement forestry practices and programs which may involve federal, state, and local agencies and private individuals/ businesses. 
• You will establish and maintain public relations with landowners, communities, organizations, wood-using industries and the public. 
• You will conduct educational programs and develop educational materials for public and staff. 
• You will provide specialized guidance and coordination in area of expertise, making recommendations to division heads for program objectives. 
• You may supervise intermittent employees and/or volunteers when needed.
• Some essential functions of this position may be performed onsite at the agency’s worksite or other assigned worksites while some essential functions of this position may be eligible for work from home authorization in accordance with policy. Remote work authorization is not automatic and is dependent upon operational needs and agency approval.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You'll Need for Success:

You must meet the following requirement to be considered for employment:

• Thorough knowledge of the principles, theories, and practices of forest resources management, tree species and forest types native to Indiana. 
• Specialized knowledge of tree and herbaceous plant identification, fire behavior and suppression, and/or educational programming development. 
• Thorough knowledge of program area and program administration, including rules and regulations. 
• Specialized knowledge of computer operations including Microsoft Office and GIS software. 
• Extensive knowledge of forestry programs and ability to incorporate this knowledge in program planning. 
• Basic knowledge of land surveying. 
• Ability to supervise and direct work of others. 
• Ability to maintain cooperative work relationships. 
• Ability to effectively communicate, both verbal and in written. 
• Ability to effectively organize and prioritize work to achieve desired program outcomes, and apply technical knowledge to a wide variety of land situations. 
• Ability to successfully complete basic wildfire courses (red card certification) and prescribed burning course within 2 years of employment. 

You must satisfy the following requirements to continue employment: 

• Obtain and retain an Indiana driver’s license.
• Obtain a pesticide applicator license and appropriate category within the first year of employment and retain. 
• Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes: 

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Flexible work scheduling options, including the potential for hybrid remote work for employees whose work may be performed outside state facilities
• Deferred compensation 457B account (similar to 401k plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
  • 150 hours of paid new parent leave
  • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Referral Bonus program
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

   

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunity to all people in all aspects of employer-employee relations without discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, or veteran status. We will comply with the spirit as well as the letter of all applicable state and federal laws. 

If you are a qualified individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at [email protected] .

The State of Indiana has established a culture that welcomes equity, inclusion, and opportunity for all employees and applicants. We encourage you to apply if you feel you have the transferrable skills to be successful in this position and we look forward to reviewing your application.

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