Forest Ecologist position Closing Date: 03/15/2006 Job Classification: NR SPECIALIST SR-ECO SVCS Class Option: Plant Ecologist Working Title: NE Region Forest Ecologist Division/Bureau: Ecological Services Location: Grand Rapids Salary Range: $ 18.41 - $ 27.02 hourly, $ 38,440 - $ 56,418 annually Work Shift: Day Shift Travel Required: yes Days of Work: Monday-Friday , 8:00 am-4:30 pm Employment Condition: Limited, Full-time Position Number: 01013924 Classified Status: Unclassified Posting Number: 06DNR000063 Position End Date: 04/01/2009
Job Duties: The purpose of this position is to provide and integrate ecological information into management of native forest communities and habitats for species in greatest conservation need. The position provides guidance and technical expertise on the distribution, ecology and current condition of native forest communities, application of ecological classification systems, and landscape ecology needed to achieve sustainable management of forests in the NE region of the state. Examples of strategic priorities that will guide the position are Minnesota's Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy (CWCS), Forest Certification, and Subsection Forest Resource Management Planning (SFRMP). Responsibilities include: * Provide leadership, guidance and overall coordination to the integration of ecologically based information into improved forest management and stewardship on public and private land so that the ecological conditions and processes necessary for the long-term health of native forest communities and rare species habitats are maintained. * Collaborate with other natural resource personnel to educate stakeholders in the work area about sustainable forest management, the importance of biodiversity conservation, and ways to integrate them. * Collect, manage and analyze ecological data to support forest conservation and management decisions. * Conduct administrative tasks necessary to carry out responsibilities according to state standards so that activities are in compliance with department and state policies. Minimum Qualifications: KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED B.A. in plant ecology, forestry, landscape ecology, botany or related field, with an emphasis in forest ecology AND 2 years of advanced professional level experience (e.g., NR Specialist, Intermediate) in plant ecology and botany with an emphasis on forest ecology is required; OR Master's degree in AND 18 months of advanced professional level experience (e.g., NR Specialist, Intermediate) in plant ecology and botany with an emphasis on forest ecology; OR Ph.D. Degree in plant ecology, forestry, landscape ecology, botany or related field, with an emphasis in forest ecology, AND 1 year of advanced professional level experience (e.g., NR Specialist, Intermediate) in plant ecology and botany, with an emphasis on forest ecology. Also required: A thorough understanding of sustainable forest management, and plant community ecology, with a particular emphasis on forest ecology. Knowledge of common and alternative silvicultural practices is required to understand and effectively provide technical assistance related to forest management. * Field experience in North American forest ecosystems is essential. The interview process will include a plant identification practicum, using pressed plant specimens of species typical of northern Minnesota forests. * Demonstrated competence in word processing, spreadsheets, relational databases, statistical software and with Geographic Information Systems, in particular, ArcView/ArcGIS sufficient to perform spatial analyses and create map products * Highly developed written and oral communication skills sufficient to effectively communicate technical information to natural resource professionals and public; experience writing popular articles and giving presentations for both professional and general audiences * Interpersonal and management skills are a necessity to gain support for the ecologically-based goals of forest conservation and sustainable management * Collaborative, team building and leadership skills sufficient to effectively work with people with diverse interests, * Ability to strategically evaluate choices and set priorities. * Ability to manage a regional budget and establish spending priorities * Ability to maintain organized records and files, and to report accomplishments accurately Requires a Class D Driver's License: a single unit vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of less than 26,000 pounds. This is a basic driver's license. Operators may also tow vehicles/trailers as long as the a gross combination weight does not exceed 26,000 pounds. Requires occasionally lifting articles or carrying objects of up to 50 lbs. such as heavy tools and file boxes. This job may require walking or standing to a significant degree on rough terrain. Preferred Qualifications: *Master's degree in AND two years of advanced professional level experience (e.g., NR Specialist, Intermediate) in plant ecology and botany with an emphasis on forest ecology * Experience integrating basic ecological research and ecological theory with land use planning to promote conservation * A well-balanced understanding of geology, soil science, photogrammetry, hydrology and disturbance ecology * Familiarity with animal taxonomy and ecology ยท* Direct experience with ecological classification systems, * Direct experience with rare species conservation. * A working knowledge of global positioning systems * Formal training in negotiation and conflict management How to Apply: You are strongly encouraged to submit your resume through the online Resume Builder at <https://statejobs.doer.state.mn.us/ResumeBuilder>. You may copy and paste in your existing resume or let the software create a resume for you. You may edit your resume later should your contact information or experience change. The Resume Builder also collects your work preference information so we can match you with future job openings that meet your interests. If you wish to apply with a paper copy, submit your resume AND a completed State of Minnesota Employment Application form to: Minnesota Department of Employee Relations (DOER), 200 Centennial Office Building, 658 Cedar Street, St. Paul, MN 55155. Be sure to indicate the posting number of this job on your application. The paper application is available on the State Employment Web and DOER web sites, at any state agency HR office, or by calling 651-296-2616 or, in greater Minnesota, 1-800-657-3974. Contact for more info: Bonita Eliason, Phone: 651/259-5090 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer This information can be made available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by calling (651) 296-2616 or (651) 282-2699 (TTY).
