Description

Working Title: NR Prog Consultant - Seed Procurement
Job Class: Natural Resources Program Consultant
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 90971
• Location: Willow River
• Telework Eligible: Yes, Hybrid
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 01/14/2026
• Closing Date: 02/03/2026
• 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
• Salary Range: $35.96 - $53.32 / hourly; $75,084 - $111,332 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Employees/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

This position exists to provide statewide strategic direction to create, implement, and lead the forestry division’s seed procurement and tree improvement programs.  These programs will respond to the growing need for reforestation on public and private lands as a natural carbon sequestration and climate mitigation solution.

Responsibilities include:

• Develop and maintain a robust and effective seed procurement program to ensure adequate seed supply for reforestation on Minnesota public and private lands.
• Provide strategic direction for the Seed Procurement Program that plans, leads and conducts efforts in seed orchard management to increase seed production for
• public and private land reforestation in a changing climate.
• Develop, expend and monitor budgets for the Seed Procurement Program..
• Provide technical support to personnel working in areas with seed orchards or procurement sites to maximize seed production to meet procurement needs.
• Establish and administer training programs to expand statewide seed procurement capacity.
• Other duties as assigned by State Forest Nursery Supervisor.

Normal working hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. but are subject to change based on seasonal or other work needs; hours of work may include weekends, evenings and holidays. Seed procurement and orchard management involves seasonal periods where work hours and workdays demand adjustment to established schedules. Applicants must have the ability and willingness to identify needs, flex work hours, workdays and work from the office when directed to meet program objectives.

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 an annual telework agreement. 

Requirements

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science Degree in agronomy, horticulture, (or a closely related field of academic study) OR a Bachelor of Science Degree in Forest Science/Management from a university program accredited by the Society of American Foresters, or comparable accrediting institution, or current Society of American Foresters Certified Forester status. 
• Ability to work independently in administrative tasks related to workload planning, lead work, managing and monitoring complex budgets, and coordinating activities with partners, staff, and contractors sufficient to meet program objectives.
• Two years advanced level professional experience (e.g., NR Forestry Regional Specialist, NR Forestry Program Coordinator or equivalent) administering a regional, state or organization-wide forest management program that includes responsibility for coordination of planning, implementation and evaluation of program and staff activities.
• Two years working with tree genetics, silviculture, seed procurement, tree improvement, or forest management sufficient to solve unusual or difficult problems, advise field staff, determine future program directions and evaluate program work.
• Experience administering a program sufficient to properly lead staff, prepare and manage complex budgets, distribute equipment resources and direct program activities.
• Training/teaching skills sufficient to convey information in classrooms and provide field demonstrations, seminars, and workshops to DNR staff, partnering resource managers and the general public.
• Human relation, coaching, collaborative, persuasion, and team building skills sufficient to effectively work with diverse interests, gain cooperation for new approaches/ideas, explain/resolve complex program problems with internal/external partners to accomplish common conservation objectives.
• Written and oral communications sufficient to speak or write to large or small groups, legislative committees, officials of other agencies, private groups or the public; to write convincing and well-documented reports on resource issues; and to conduct training sessions with division staff or outside groups.
• Demonstrated leadership ability to motivate and guide self and other staff to work effectively with stakeholders through the application of a wide range of organizational, procedural, technical, analytical and interpersonal skills and ability to operate independently as well as in a team environment to prioritize work and achieve agreed upon milestones and deliverables.
• Computer skills sufficient to create/prepare reports, manage databases and track projects.
• Experience in meeting facilitation, group processes, conflict resolution, effective listening and negotiation sufficient to work with diverse groups, stakeholders, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree as described above.
• Knowledge of department and division programs, policies and procedures sufficient to make program decisions that are compatible with other policies and programs
• in the division and department.
• Experience collaborating with forest managers at a multi-state or national scale.
• Experience procuring wild and orchard grown seed, developing seed orchard growing stock and grafting, and creating and maintaining trees seed orchards.
• Continuous improvement process skills, root cause analysis and project management.
• Experience interpreting and applying natural resource/forestry laws.
  Experience with Arc View GIS.
• Knowledge of legislative process sufficient to develop legislative proposals, monitor status of legislation and understand legislative committee processes.

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. All job offers are contingent upon passing the following components:

Employment Reference Check
SEMA4 Records Check
Criminal History Check
Conflict of Interest Review
Education/license 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 this position, contact Sarah Ebert at sarah.ebert@state.mn.us or 218-364-8013.

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 Joshua Swanson at josh.t.swanson@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.