District Forester Specialist EC

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Grow your career with the State of Indiana! With more than 50 executive branch agencies, the State of Indiana is a diverse workforce offering employees stimulating and challenging projects across a broad scope of career opportunities. As a State of Indiana employee, you impact the well-being of Indiana's communities every day.

At the State of Indiana, we don't just talk about diversity and inclusion - Our goal is to create a welcoming, accessible, and equitable workplace, with a workforce that is representative of the State of Indiana population. As a proud equal opportunity employer, reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to interview and to perform the essential functions of a role.

Next Level benefits at the State of Indiana are here! Be sure to review our expanded benefit package offerings below.

About the Indiana Department of Natural Resources:

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources protects, enhances, and preserves natural, cultural, and recreational resources for Indiana residents. This extends to reclaiming former mining areas, evaluating the impact of land development on waterways and wildlife, and sustaining gaming areas. DNR is also a leader in environmental education.

Role Overview:

The Forest Technician provides assistance with proper development, propagation, fire prevention, fire suppression, maintenance, and utilization of the forest area. You will support efforts to conserve and preserve soil, water, and related natural resources. You may compile data pertaining to size, content, condition, and other characteristics of the forest tract.

This position will serve in east central Indiana.
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.

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.
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.
  

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
This role does not provide direct supervision to direct reports.

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 program (offers premium discount for the medical plan and gift cards);
• 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;
• 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.

This position traditionally starts at $42,692 - $46,961 per year and may be commensurate with education, training, certifications, and/or experience.

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer.