Description

Working Title: NW Firewise Communities Specialist
 Job Class: Natural Resources Forestry Regional Specialist
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

Job ID: 92124
Location: Bemidji
Telework Eligible: Yes - up to 40%
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted: 02/27/2026
Closing Date: 03/19/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit: Forestry
Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
Days of Work: Monday - Friday
Travel Required: Yes - occasional overnight
Salary Range: $30.23 - $44.48 / hourly; $63,120 - $92,874 / annually
Classified Status: Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

The DNR is looking for one (1) NR Forestry Regional Specialist, located in Bemidji, MN. The Firewise Communities Specialist (FCS) position exists to develop and implement a regional Firewise Program as well as to collaborate in the development and delivery of a statewide Fire Prevention and Firewise Program.  This program’s goal is to empower local communities with the expertise to save lives and prevent avoidable property loss by providing local decision-makers, fire departments, and others with training, tools and start-up assistance to implement the program.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Collaborate with the state Firewise Team and Forestry Areas to develop and implement a comprehensive Firewise and Wildfire Prevention Program that offers training, materials, assistance and a consistent message to Minnesota communities and audiences.
• Provide administrative and technical oversight of the assigned program.
• Develop and implement a strategic and operational wildfire risk assessment process and tools for local communities to use in assessing local wildfire fuels and ignition risks.
• Develop, deliver and monitor regional work and spending plans.
• Assist participating communities in developing strategic plans to reduce wildfire risk in their communities and to integrate Firewise practices into the communities’ plans, policies, and procedures.
• Assist in training and outreach efforts within the communities and the assigned Region.
• Prepare timely and appropriate reports
• Perform Region wildfire support duties within the scope of current credentials when necessary and dispatched Develop Regional program teams, and serve as an active member of statewide program teams       
• Monitor and support the work of Forestry Area Staff.
• Complete formal Division of Forestry classroom and field training sessions as assigned.

This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement. This position will require reporting to the primary work location on a regular basis.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Forest Science/Management, Environmental Education, Emergency Management, or Fire Science or a closely related natural resource field of academic study. 
• Two years (24 months) of experience in a role providing primary lead work (non-supervisory) and direction to other staff with an emphasis in project development and administration in wildfire resource protection, forestry or other natural resource education or outreach program, emergency government, OR three years (36 months) of experience providing program-level or lead worker duties in programs related to forestry program field work, wildfire suppression, emergency operations, or dispatching. 
• Skills to integrate information from scientific literature, historical data and past experiences sufficient to devise risk-rating systems and management guidelines.
• Leadership skills sufficient to motivate and guide staff to work efficiently and obtain program commitment from division personnel and other Forest managers.
• Human relations skills sufficient to direct, administer and train foresters and to lead personnel working in programs.
• Communication skills sufficient to communicate complex concepts and principals to other resource professions and the public and make effective presentations to a wide variety of audiences by identifying their level of understanding and evoking a positive response.
• Ability to prepare and edit high quality technical reports and management plans and research and interpretation scientific literature sufficient to solve problems, educate others and increase expertise in a specialty area.
• Ability to negotiate budget, staffing needs and equipment allocation sufficient to administer programs and train personnel.
• Ability to train and teach sufficient to convey information in classrooms, field demonstrations, seminars, workshops and to DNR staff.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Forest Science/Management (or a closely related field of academic study) from a university program accredited by the Society of
• American Foresters, or a Bachelors in Communication.
• Experience leading a natural resources outreach program.
• Experience in wildland firefighting, wildland fire suppression techniques, wildfire behavior at the NWCG single resource boss level or higher or structural firefighter training at the NFA firefighter 2 level
• Knowledge of Minnesota statutes pertaining to natural resources management.
• Knowledge of administration and monitoring of grants, contracts, and agreements.

Requirements

Additional Requirements

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record. Per DNR Fleet Policy, only those 18 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license may operate equipment and vehicles on behalf of the Agency.

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. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status).

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

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

Contact
If you have questions about the position, please contact Michael Warnke at michael.warnke@state.mn.us or 651-259-5277.

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 Layla Daleiden at layla.daleiden@state.mn.us.

Working together to improve the state we love. 
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common? 

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits 
As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include: 
Paid vacation and sick leave 
12 paid holidays each year 
Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans Fertility care, including IVF
Diabetes care
Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children 
6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care 
Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:
Training, classes, and professional development
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:
A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
 

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

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS 

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.