Forester
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Full-Time
Salary: $46,800 to $56,160 annually
The Department of Natural Resources excels at protecting and managing Wisconsin’s natural resources while supporting the economy and the well-being of the citizenry. Within DNR, the Division of Forestry works in partnership to administer programs that protect and sustain our forested lands throughout the state, combining technical and financial assistance, planning, research, technology, education, and policy to help meet the many demands on the forest both today and for many years to come.
To help achieve our mission, we are seeking dedicated, customer-oriented candidates to fill current and future Forester positions statewide. The anticipated start date for the next class of Foresters is November 13, 2017. Foresters of all skill and experience levels are encouraged to apply.
This is a great opportunity to turn your passion for forestry into your life's work and be part of a nationally recognized forestry program!
Position Summary:
All Foresters direct and provide forest management assistance on private lands, state lands and county forests, providing advice and assistance to landowners, property managers and other partners.
Most Foresters are also responsible for fire management, which includes fire preparedness, fire suppression, and fire prevention on federal, state, county and private lands within the assigned area. The position implements and develops the fire suppression, prevention, and forestry law enforcement in the assigned fire response unit and ensures the completion of all fire management activities. The position includes fire-line responsibilities such as initial attack; suppression; and serves as the Incident Commander, Operations Section Chief, or as a Division Group Supervisor/Task Force/Strike Team Leader during fire suppression operations. The position also provides expert training to Fire Department personnel and other partners. The position is responsible for planning and conducting prescribed burning activities to achieve habitat and property management objectives.
Most Foresters are key to public safety and security and require the incumbent to meet and maintain the physical fitness test standards required for all DNR protective positions. The principal duties of most positions require active fire suppression duties which require frequent exposure to a high degree of danger or peril and also require a high degree of physical conditioning. Most positions are available for fire suppression, pre-suppression and prevention duties year-round.
All DNR Field Foresters are responsible for assisting in any Division of Forestry’s integrated programs when needed.
We encourage you to review the complete position description by clicking here.
Special Notes:
Successful candidates for all positions must pass a criminal background check prior to hire.
Candidates for most positions must also meet medical and physical fitness standards. Complete details on requirements and testing procedures will be provided to candidates who are invited to interview.
Candidates for most positions must be able to obtain and maintain a valid WI driver’s license and meet the requirements to operate a state vehicle.
Most Foresters have fireline responsibilities, which require the incumbent to respond within 30 minutes to the work station. Specific work stations are not yet determined and will be communicated later in the hiring process.
Candidates for most positions must be able to obtain and maintain Forest Ranger credentials via in-house training. Credentialed staff will then be expected to enforce basic forestry laws through public contacts and the issuance of citations.
Some positions require the incumbent to obtain and maintain a Commercial Driver’s License within six (6) months of hire.
Various qualifications/certifications may be required within 18 months to five years after hire.
Qualifications:
Applicants must possess the following required qualifications to be at least minimally qualified for this position:
• Bachelor’s degree in Forestry from a four-year program accredited by the Society of
American Foresters, or equivalent as determined by the State Forester. For additional
information, please click "Preview Assessment" (in top section above) and review the first three questions.
• Experience* performing field forestry practices
• Experience* performing forest land management activities
• Training or experience* related to fire management, prescribed fire or fire suppression,
including structural or wildland fire
* NOTE: Experience may be gained through an academic training course or camp;
internship; temporary summer employment; volunteer opportunity; or full-time/on-going
employment.
Best-qualified candidates will also possess the following preferred qualifications:
• Related work experience, as typically gained through full-time/on-going employment
• Forest management field experience in the Great Lakes region
• Wildland fire qualification based on National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) standards
It’s critically important that your application materials clearly describe your experience related to the stated criteria so that the job experts who will evaluate your application materials are able to make an accurate judgment regarding your qualifications. Applicants who do not possess at least the minimum qualifications will be ineligible to continue in the selection process.
How To Apply:
http://wisc.jobs/public/job_view.asp?annoid=92293&jobid=91807&org=370&class=55132&index=true
If you have not already done so, create an account by clicking the green “Log In” button at the top of the main WiscJobs page. Click the “Create New Account” button and follow the directions. Once you have an account:
- Log in and view Job Announcement 17-01906
- Click "Preview Assessment" and follow the instructions to create your cover letter & resume specifically for this position
- Click the “Apply Now” button located in the upper right corner of the screen
- Review your Job Application, make any necessary updates and then click “Continue”
- Complete the Job Preferences screen and then click “Continue”
- Attach your cover letter and resume when indicated
- Read the Instructions page and then answer the question that follows
- Click “Save and Finalize Assessment” to submit your application
It is important to provide an accurate e-mail address when you create your Wisc.Jobs account. You will be sent an automatic e-mail confirming that the exam process has been completed. This e-mail address will also be used when contacting you about possible interviews.
Former state employees and current employees working for other state agencies who are eligible for consideration via transfer, voluntary demotion or reinstatement must apply through WiscJobs.
Click here for general information about employment with the State of Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources operates under an Affirmative Action Plan and is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all job applicants and employees.