Forester

Work for Indiana

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.

The Morgan-Monroe State Forest encompasses more than 25,000 acres. It is forested with some of the state's finest hardwoods. The original settlers of the area cleared and attempted to farm the ridges but were frustrated by the rocky soil that was unsuitable for agriculture. The state purchased the eroded, abandoned land in 1929 to create Morgan-Monroe State Forest. Activities include camping, gold panning, hiking, hunting, and picnicking. Other features include the Draper Cabin, a 100-year-old cabin renovated to modern standards, and the Cherry Lake Lodge. Both are available for reservation.

Role Overview:

This position assists with the logging crew operation at state properties, from marking timber to operating equipment. The role will also be responsible for forest resource management. The candidate must be, or be willing to become Red Card certified, and a Forester degree is required.

Salary:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $42,900.00 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 analyzes resource data an develop plans and reports including inventory summaries, resource management guides, and practice plans for invasive control, timber stand improvement, tree planting, and prescribed burns.
• You will 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 develops educational materials for public.

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:

• Working knowledge of forestry tools and equipment (data recorder, laser, increment borer, compass, clinometer, etc.
• Working knowledge of the principles, theories, and practices of forest resources management.
• Working knowledge of tree and herbaceous plant identification, fire behavior and suppression.
• Ability to inspect and develop management recommendations for rural and urban forests.
• Basic knowledge of surveying.
• Basic knowledge of equipment operation and maintenance.
• Basic knowledge of computer operation, Microsoft Office Suite, and ArcGIS.

A degree is not required.

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

You must satisfy the following requirement to continue employment:

• Obtain and retain pesticide applicator's license within the first year of employment and maintain.
• Obtain and retain a valid Indiana driver's license
• Successfully complete chainsaw training course within the first year of employment.
• Successfully complete basic wildland fire courses (red card certified) and prescribed burning course within the first two years of employment.

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 aiapply.co.