Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60 agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About Morgan-Monroe State Forest:
The Morgan-Monroe State Forest encompasses more than 25,000 acres. It is forested with some of the state's finest hardwoods. The original settlers of the area cleared and attempted to farm the ridges but were frustrated by the rocky soil that was unsuitable for agriculture. The state purchased the eroded, abandoned land in 1929 to create Morgan-Monroe State Forest. Activities include camping, gold panning, hiking, hunting, and picnicking. Other features include the Draper Cabin, a 100-year-old cabin renovated to modern standards, and the Cherry Lake Lodge. Both are available for reservation.
Role Overview:
As a forester in this role, you will serve in the Division of Forestry within the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), performing technical and professional functions in the area of forest resource and land management for both Morgan-Monroe and Yellowwood State Forests. You will promote sound forest management for multiple uses on state forested lands.
- Thorough knowledge of forestry and forest management
- Thorough knowledge of program area and program administration, including rules and regulations
- Specialized knowledge of botany and tree identification
- Specialized knowledge of forest mensuration and silviculture
- Specialized knowledge of computer operations including Microsoft Office and GIS software
- Extensive knowledge of new forestry programs and ability to incorporate this knowledge in program planning
- Basic knowledge of land surveying
- Ability to supervise other foresters and direct work of others
- Ability to maintain cooperative work relationships
- Effectively communicate, both orally and in writing
- Forestry degree is preferred
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.
A Day in the Life:
The essential functions of this role are as follows:
- Responsible for overseeing daily operations of a mid to large sized DNR property in the absence of and in coordination with the property manager.
- Assist with planning, coordinating, implementing, and directing the natural resource management, cultural/historic resource management, fish & wildlife management, fish culture, and/or timber management practices and procedures.
- Assist with the planning, coordinating, implementing, and directing public use activities on the property which may include hunting, wildlife viewing, camping, hiking, swimming, boating, biking, off-road vehicle driving, etc.
- May direct, supervise, inspect, and monitor Inn maintenance, construction projects and repairs.
- Assist in the development, implementation and tracking of a biennial budget and administrates operating, preventive maintenance and rehabilitation funds to facilitate operations under direction of the property manager.
- Direct and monitor construction, maintenance and repair projects using both in-house, temporary and contract labor.
- May be responsible for, upon receiving direction from the property manager, reporting, directing, monitoring, reconciling, and reporting revenue and fee collection(s), donations, change funds, resale accounts, etc.
- May assist the property manager with operation of a camping program that might include multiple types of camping, campgrounds and / or many camp sites. Responsibilities include sales, revenue collection, central reservation system operation and troubleshooting, customer service, entrance control, and visitor services.
- Represent the property and department with local partnerships and organizations by attending meetings and events that benefit the facility both in cooperation with the property manager and as the manager’s proxy.
- Assist with overseeing and evaluating interpretive services including naturalist, educational programming and general programming for visitors, school groups and off-site locations on natural and cultural history, display development and maintenance of interpretive signage, and operations of a visitor center.
- Required to serve in on call status for emergency response.
- Monitors security and safety operations provided by property personnel and makes decisions on when law enforcement and/or other emergency services are required in conjunction with or in the absence of the property manager.
- Ensure the safe operation and maintenance of heavy vehicles, heavy equipment, light trucks and cars, commercial mowing equipment, farm equipment, power equipment and hand tools.
- Recruit, select, onboard, and train employees to ensure role responsibilities and expectations are clearly understood while providing opportunities to continue professional development.
- Set expectations, measure progress, provide ongoing feedback, and evaluate the performance of employees. Ensure work adheres to quality standards, deadlines, and proper procedures.
The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.
What You'll Need for Success:
Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:
- Be willing to travel with reasonable accommodation.
- Required to live onsite when housing is available.
- Required to be “on call” 24 hours a day.
- Working knowledge of best practices in regards to resource management.
- Ability to hire, direct, train, develop, motivate, discipline and evaluate a diverse range of employees with varying levels of skill to meet operational demands.
- Ability to communicate effectively with superiors, staff, visitors, customers, media, special interest groups, vendors and other governmental agencies to promote department and division goals, satisfy needs of the organization, and to present a positive public image.
- Working knowledge of current and historical construction methods, construction management and construction industry standards to include: excavating, aggregate, concrete, carpentry (framing through finish), electrical, plumbing, HVAC, code compliance and safety, etc.
- Working knowledge and ability to supervise the operation, maintenance and repair of construction equipment, commercial mowing equipment, light trucks and sedans, power and hand tools.
- Working knowledge of and the ability to apply the principles of recreation management, forestry, and fish & wildlife science to meet goals and objectives.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in directing property operations according to established guidelines.
- Possess organizational skills in planning and coordinating a variety of projects simultaneously.
- Ability to maintain strict adherence to confidential requests, especially when dealing with personnel issues.
- Ability to delegate work, set clear direction, and manage workflow.
- Ability to effectively give feedback, provide guidance or corrective action, coach, and develop employee skillsets.
A Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources, Fish & Wildlife Management, Forestry, Biology, Business Administration, Recreation, or a closely related field.
Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
This role may provide direct supervision for one or more staff members.
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.