[PCA] forest ecologist position

[Robert Dana]

Please post:

Forest Ecologist Position with Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

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, Minnesota
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, with possibility of extension

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:

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
·* 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: bonita.eliason at dnr.state.mn.us 


The state of Minnesota is an 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).