Forestry Program Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About the DNR Forestry Division:

The Division of Forestry promotes and practices good stewardship of natural, recreational, and cultural resources on Indiana's public and private forest lands. This stewardship produces continuing benefits, both tangible and intangible, for present and future generations.  Some key initiatives of the forestry program include:

• Urban Forestry promotes the plant, health, and ordinances of trees in urban areas
• Fire Management seeks to combat and eliminate wildland fires
• Forest Health monitors forest health and protects them from harmful insects and diseases
• Forest Legacy provides long-term protection to important forest lands
• Forestry Education prepares citizens to make responsible decisions about natural resource management

Role Overview: 

The incumbent manages and directs a specialized statewide forestry program entitled  The Community and Urban Forestry Program (CUF).  As the program leader, you will be responsible for serving within the Division of Forestry of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and will be responsible for the direction and management of the program.  

Specific Duties:

• Provide assistance to cities, towns, and non-profits to develop urban forestry programs through long range management plans, inventories, ordinances, forestry emergency management plans, and other aspects of urban forest management.
• Develop technical training sessions for urban forestry practioneers, planners, and volunteers in all aspects of urban forestry.  
• Manage federal and state grant programs for urban forestry by implementing, evaluating, awarding, monitoring ongoing projects, inspecting and reviewing the financial accountability of the close out projects.
• Develop and deliver an effective public information program; advise urban forestry non-profits, and keep these groups informed on new, emerging technologies.  
• Provide input to other state, local, and national groups on urban forestry issues.  Develop and maintain partnerships with other state and local agencies and non-profits.

Desired Skills:

• A seasoned degreed professional who works well with colleagues, other professional urban practioneers and the general public.
• A self-starter who can manage with minimal oversight, is part of a team, and is willing to try something new
• Experience managing at some level an urban forestry program
• Well versed in technology

Required Skills:

• BS in Forestry (or other applicable degree), with three to five years requisite experience or comparable seven to ten years field experience in urban forestry with Arborist Certification through the International Society of Arboriculture
• Extensive knowledge of DoF and DNR programs
• Excellent administrative and managerial skills to effectively plan and direct the CUF program
• Strong leadership and communication skills to communicate the disicpline of urban forestry
• Thorough knowledge of urban forestry practices, technologies, and programs such as Tree City USA
• General knowledge of pest and disease, silviculture practices, timber marketing and utilization applications
• Thorough knowledge of audio visual and social media technologies
• Extensive grant writing capabilities
• Must be able to serve a wide variety of custormers ranging from persons involved in local to national issues
• Thorough knowledge of political protocols on all levels of government including non profit governmental boards
• Knowledge and abililty to effectively adapt to any situation midstream and to make the transitin smoothly and without effect on customers

Salary:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $53,222.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

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
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) 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 and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
  • 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. 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. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.