Forester - Martin State Forest
4 months ago
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a diverse 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.
At the State of Indiana, we don’t just talk about diversity and inclusion—we make it our goal to create a welcoming, accessible, and equitable workplace with a workforce that is representative of Indiana's population. As a proud equal opportunity employer, 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.
About Martin State Forest:
Martin State Forest was established in 1932 with the purchase of 1,205 acres. Since then, the property has grown to 7,863 acres through additional land purchases and trades with the U.S. Forest Service. Most of the land was eroding, abandoned farmland or heavily cut-over woodland when acquired. With years of intensive management, including the planting of thousands of trees, countless hours fighting wildfires, and hundreds of acres of selective improvement harvests, the area has been transformed into a lush, healthy, growing forest. The Hoosier Woodland Arboretum is adjacent to the property. Activities include camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, and picnicking.
Role Overview:
As the Forester, you will be responsible for serving in the Division of Forestry within the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), performing technical and professional functions in the area of forest resources and land management. This position assists with trail management and other aspects of property management and serves in a manager capacity in the absence of a manager. This position requires a bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Forest Management, or Environmental Studies.
Salary Statement:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $42,900.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.
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.
What You'll Need for Success:You must meet the following requirement to be considered for employment:
- 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.
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.
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
- Flexible work scheduling options, including the potential for hybrid remote work for employees whose work may be performed outside state facilities
- Deferred compensation 457B account (similar to 401k 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
- 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. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunity to all people in all aspects of employer-employee relations without discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, or veteran status. We will comply with the spirit as well as the letter of all applicable state and federal laws.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
The State of Indiana has established a culture that welcomes equity, inclusion, and opportunity for all employees and applicants. We encourage you to apply if you feel you have the transferrable skills to be successful in this position and we look forward to reviewing your application.
