Forest Ecologist (DNR)

Hiring Organization: Department of Natural Resources
Employment type: Full-Time
Job Location: Manistee, Michigan
Application Due Date: November 24, 2025

Summary: This position is responsible for assisting the Wildlife Division Manager with forest ecosystem management. This position will include extensive fieldwork, technical report writing, and data analysis. The Forest Ecologist will assist with numerous projects and programs including, but not limited to, prescription and administration of timber harvests on Tribal lands, reforestation projects, coordination of tree pest control, and forest habitat management. This position will consult with state and federal agencies in making forest management recommendations to protect the Tribe’s right to comanage natural resources within the 1836 Ceded Territory.

EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATIONS: Minimum Necessary Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Forest Ecology, or closely related field; AND Three (3) years’ work experience in forest management, silvicultural applications, timber harvests administration, and forest inventory collection and analysis; and
Ability to perform field work under strenuous environmental conditionals; and
Proficiency and demonstrable computer skills with MS Office applications, GIS and GPS; and
A valid Michigan Operator’s License with the ability to be insured under Tribe’s policy.

Preferred Qualifications:

A Michigan commercial pesticide applicator’s license; and
Experience collecting and maintaining forest data; including preparing timber prescriptions and harvests.
Experience designing forest management projects; including but not limited to pest control, tree planting, and restoration.
Experience coordinating with contractors and outside agencies.
Experience writing and reporting grants.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Monitors timber harvests, administers timber harvests contracts, establishes timber harvests boundary lines, cruises for volume, and marks trees.
Conducts insect pest and forest disease surveys on Tribal lands.
Maintain detailed records of forest inventory data and performs data analysis, report writing, and statistical analysis to meet the forestry program goals and objectives.
Assists the Wildlife Division Manager in planning timber harvests, reforestation, and native plantings.
Assists the Wildlife Division Manager in completing forestry program grant requirements, plans, reports and funding applications.
Develops grant proposals and budgets, prepares, manages, and implements budgets and contracts as assigned by supervisor.
Operates, calibrates, and maintains specialized scientific equipment used in forest management.
Consults with other Wildlife staff on Wildlife projects that take place in forest ecosystems.
Participates in and at times develops community programs and education services offered by the department.
Works collaboratively with other tribal departments and external government agencies on forest-related issues.
Represents the Tribe on various technical and non-technical committees affecting forest resources as well as representing the Tribe at seminars and trainings.
Assists Wildlife Division Manager in directing work assignments and schedules of field technicians.
Operates company vehicles, watercraft, ATVs, snowmobiles, tractors, and equipment.
All other position/department related duties as assigned by supervisor.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

During the course of employment, the employee will consistently utilize and demonstrate good verbal and written communication skills, good organizational skills, good interpersonal and teamwork skills, an attention to detail and accuracy, the ability to work cooperatively with other departments, and a commitment to confidentiality.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Limited supervisory capacity - Leads surveys and projects; directs daily work assignments and schedules of field technicians involved in surveys and projects.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Frequent and long period of walking, standing, or sitting, and occasional heavy lifting, running, climbing, reaching, bending, kneeling, stretching, or working from heights is to be expected. An employee will need normal or corrected to normal range of sight and hearing and will routinely carry work related materials up to fifty (50) pounds, and instances of lifting/carrying up to one hundred (100) pounds or more with assistance.

The use of personal protective equipment is necessary in this position. Such equipment may include gloves, masks, sunglasses or other eyewear, work boots, sunscreen, insect spray, and protective or insulated clothing/coverings.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in a variety of physical environments such as in the woods, or in swamps, on level and uneven terrains, and in all type of weather (hot, cold, humid, dry, snow, rain, ice, wind). The employee’s work schedule may periodically need to be flexible and adjusted, with or without notice, according to business need. The employee must be able to effectively handle stressful and compromising situations while remaining focused and professional, as well as be able to deal with difficult people without losing perspective.

Conditions of employment with Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Tribal Government includes superior performance in the selection process, including but not limited to all of the following; any pre-employment interviews, skills testing, credentialing, drug screening, background investigations, reference checks and previous work history, passing a pre-employment drug test and background investigation, possession of a valid Driver’s License throughout employment and being insurable under the Tribe’s insurance policy, and successfully completing a ninety (90) day introductory period.

Application Instructions: Complete and submit cover letter, resume, and copy of Tribal ID Front/back (if applicable) as well as any supporting documentation such as educational transcripts or certifications (website: www.lrboi-nsn.gov)

All applications and supporting documents are required to be submitted electronically.

For the complete job description or further information, please contact the LRBOI HR Department at:

LRBOI HR Department, 2608 Government Center Dr., Manistee, MI 49660

Phone: 231.723.8288

Posted – 10/22/2025 Posted Until filled

Notice of Indian Preference in Employment:

In accordance with the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians' Ordinance #15-600-02, the Tribe applies Indian Preference in hiring activities. When claiming Indian Preference, an applicant must identify oneself in the proper category on the application and provide the documentation noted below. Following is the order in which preference is applied during the hiring process, as well as the customary documentation used to verify.

Tribal Members of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians – Tribal identification card.
Members of Federally Recognized Indian Tribes – Tribal identification card.
Tribal Spouse of a Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Tribal Member – Current and valid marriage license and a copy of spouse’s tribal identification card, or Tribal Parent – Same documentation required for tribal spouse.
Tribal Descendant (1st generation, biological parent must be a Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Tribal Member) – Birth certificate and a copy of parent’s tribal identification card.
Non-preference – If not claiming Indian Preference, or if not applicable, please continue onto the application.