Biometrician/Forest Modeler

Hiring Organization: MN Department of Natural Resources
Employment type: Full-Time
Job Location: St. Paul;Grand Rapids;Duluth, Minnesota
Application Due Date: August 23, 2023

Job Summary

The posting is intended to fill one (1) position at one (1) of the following available locations: St Paul, Grand Rapids, and Duluth.

This position exists to: 1) plan, design, develop and implement research and application in the technical areas of spatial and harvest schedule modeling; 2) provide scientific expertise and support to the division and the department on the proper multiple-use management of Minnesota's forest ecosystems; 3) develop, assess and conduct statistically robust data analysis to address questions related to forest surveys, growth and yield information, and resource management activities; 4) develop, manage and report on selected forest databases so that current and historical data is available to decision-makers; and 5) promote products and services available through the Resource Assessment Program.

An employee in this class is responsible for independently performing research and analysis work designed to test specific hypotheses or evaluate certain observations related to forest resource management. Responsibility extends to planning, designing, and developing methods and procedures for completing given research projects. Work is performed under general direction by the Research Project Supervisor and Division Management Team. Research priorities are not only set by the Supervisor and Team members but also by this researcher. Review is in terms of results achieved.

Examples of position responsibilities include:

Plans, designs, and carries out research projects in order to test hypotheses or to make certain observations within forestry and natural resource management.
Advises stakeholders, management, and field staff on problems of research procedures and techniques to ensure that current and valid techniques are used in conducting studies.
Examines and evaluates research activities and reports to the Research Project Supervisor on results and recommendations.
Prepares, and assists others in preparing, research reports for publication so that research findings can be shared with interested persons.

Occasional travel throughout Minnesota is required to attend meetings, complete field site visits, and participate in training.

Normal working hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. but are subject to change based on work needs; hours of work may include weekends, evenings and holidays.

This position may have the option to telework. If so, the employee will be required to complete a telework agreement.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Forest Biometrics, Forest Management, Mensuration, or a closely related field of academic study from a university program accredited by the Society of American Foresters, or comparable accrediting institution, or current Society of American Foresters Certified Forester status
Four (4) years demonstrated operational research and analysis experience in the areas of stand yield, stand structure and growth, distribution models, and linear programming as applied in forest management planning and forest inventory and growth and yield modeling to support optimization modeling for forest planning. * Master’s Degree in Forest Biometrics, Forest Management, Mensuration, or a closely related field of study may substitute for 1 year of experience; or PhD in Forest Biometrics, Forest Management, Mensuration, or a closely related field of study may substitute for 2 years of experience.
Knowledge and operational expertise in the use of (1) operations research including linear programming as applied in forest management planning and (2) forest inventory and growth and yield modeling to support optimization modeling for forest planning.
Advanced knowledge of forestry that includes forest mensuration, inventory, biometrics/statistics, sampling, and modeling; utilization and marketing resource analysis; sampling design and computer programming operation and product generation.
Knowledge and experience in the use of statistical analysis software (e.g., SAS, R, Matlab, JMP, etc.) and Geographic Information Systems (ArcGIS).
Project management skills sufficient to oversee large projects, prioritize and make recommendations/decisions, meet priorities, define and achieve goals and objectives, monitor work, and follow-up on project goals and outcomes.
Oral and written communication skills to effectively communicate complex information to a wide variety of audiences.
Conflict resolution/human relation skills sufficient to negotiate, resolve issues, read situations and settle disputes equitably by finding common ground and cooperation.
Time management skills sufficient to make decisions and meet deadlines sometimes with incomplete information, under tight deadlines, and pressure by unforeseeable events and/or emergencies.
Ability to coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously and manage frequent change, delays or unexpected events by adapting, recommending and/or developing appropriate alternative solutions.
Collaborative skills to effectively work with and align stakeholders and staff through the application of a wide range of organizational, technical, analytical and interpersonal skills to accomplish common conservation objectives.
Interpersonal and human relation skills sufficient to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers.
Leadership skills sufficient to lead and or participate as a member of a team to achieve goals.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree in Forest Biometrics, Management, Mensuration, or closely related field of study with demonstrated operational research and analysis experience in the areas of stand yield, stand structure and growth, distribution models, and linear programming as applied in forest management planning and forest inventory and growth and yield modeling to support optimization modeling for forest planning.
Working knowledge and operational expertise in industrial timber supply analysis using RemSoft Woodstock and Stanley spatial forest planning tools; mathematical optimization problem solving software like mosek; operational expertise using SAS and ArcGIS.

Additional Requirements

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s License with a clear driving record.

Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

Conflict of Interest Review
Criminal History Check
Education Verification
Employment Reference / Records Check
License / Certification Verification

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

If you have questions about the position, contact Dennis Kepler at dennis.kepler@state.mn.us or 218-322-2512.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA.DNR@state.mn.us. To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Nicole Tefft at nicole.tefft@state.mn.us.

Why Work for Us

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

Public pension plan
Training and professional development
Paid vacation and sick leave
11 paid holidays each year
Paid parental leave
Low-cost medical and dental coverage
Prescription drug coverage
Vision coverage
Wellness programs and resources
Employer paid life insurance
Short-term and long-term disability
Health care spending and savings accounts
Dependent care spending account
Tax-deferred compensation
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Tuition reimbursement
Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and indicate what assistance is needed.

Apply