Forester Specialist

Forester Specialist

Date Posted: Nov 4, 2026

Requisition ID: 486423

Location:

Lagro, IN, US, 46941

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a 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.

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.

Salamonie River State Forest was created as a demonstration riverside forest for the reclamation of eroded land. The state forest was established in the mid 1930's when local people assisted the state in purchasing the hilly land and bluffs along the Salamonie River. Several hundred acres of land were reforested and many recreation facilities were built, including Hominy Ridge Lake and the large stone shelter house near the lake. Today, the forest encompasses 950 acres offering many recreational opportunities to visitors, including camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, and wildlife watching.

Role Overview :

85% of forestland in Indiana is privately owned. District Foresters (Forest Specialists 2) work one-on-one with private forest owners to help them understand the importance of the resource they own and how to manage it for future generations and for the environmental benefits forests provide for all Hoosiers. District foresters administer the Classified Forest & Wildlands Program ( in a multiple county area. They write management plans and practice plans (tree planting, timber stand improvement, invasive species) for landowners. District Foresters provide technical assistance for federal incentive programs through Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service.

A bachelor's degree in Forestry is required for this position.

Salary:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $47,320.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator ( to view the total compensation package.

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 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:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• 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.

A degree is not required.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

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 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

• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) 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 and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers

• 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. 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. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at View email address on click.appcast.io.

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