Forest Technician (DNR)

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

SUMMARY: This position will be responsible for assisting with the management, monitoring, and restoration of forest ecosystems within the 1836 Ceded Territory. This position will include extensive fieldwork, equipment maintenance, public assistance, and office support activities.

EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATIONS:

A bachelor’s degree in Biology, Environmental Science, or related field and one (1) year of field experience; OR
An associate’s degree and Two (2) years field experience in wildlife, ecology, or forestry; and
Ability to perform field work under strenuous environmental conditions; and
Ability to work independently and as part of interagency/interdisciplinary team; and
Proficiency and demonstrable skills in MS Office applications, specifically Excel, GIS and GPS; and
A valid Michigan Operator’s license with the ability to be insured under the tribe’s insurance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Michigan commercial pesticide applicator’s license.
Experience operating and maintaining power tools for vegetation control and woodworking.
Experience preparing timber prescriptions and timber harvests.
Experience implementing forest management, such as pest control, tree planting, and restoration.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assists Forest Ecologist with all Tribal Forest management work, including timber prescriptions, timber harvest administration and monitoring, reforestation, and forest pest control.
Assists with Wildlife field work such as: wildlife surveys and check stations, trapping and radio collaring, habitat restoration, native plant cultivation, and the identification and classification of habitats.
Performs office support work such as photocopying, data entry, filing, etc.
Operates and maintains vehicles, in addition to mechanical and electronic equipment.
Promotes forest resources, appreciation, and cultural history.
Participates in community programs and educational services offered by department.
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:

Non-supervisory leadership role – may lead field crews of seasonal technicians.

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.

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

Repost – 10/22/2025 Open Until filled

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.

Incomplete submissions will not be considered.

For further information, please contact the LRBOI HR Department.

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.