The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Forestry is accepting applications for a Forest Economics and Ecology Section Chief to lead, direct and administer all policy, personnel, and budget activities for the Forest Economics and Ecology Section within the Applied Forestry Bureau.

This recruitment is considered Statewide, as most regional headquarters within the state of Wisconsin may be considered via applicant need and agency approval. Remote work will be available, up to the majority of the work week, after the initial onboarding period. The exact amount is based on program need. Frequent travel throughout the state will be required.

The DNR is a great place to work! We are a workplace focused on diversity, equity, and inclusivity. Current employees value work-hour flexibility, casual office atmosphere, healthy work-life balance, and working for an organization that provides training and growth opportunities. 

The DNR excels at protecting and managing natural resources while supporting the economy and the well-being of our citizenry. We are dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. The staff works in partnership with individuals and organizations to manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air, and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities. 

In addition to meaningful and rewarding work, we offer a competitive benefits package featuring:

• Substantial leave time including at least 3.5 weeks of vacation to start, 9 paid holidays, and 130 hours of sick time that roll over each year. 
• Excellent and affordable health, vision, and dental benefits. 
• An exceptional pension plan with employer match 
• A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their immediate family dependents a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being.

The Forest Economic and Ecology Section’s role is to inform and support sustainable management of Wisconsin’s urban and rural forest resources by providing technical expertise and performing applied research across the field of forestry in collaboration with internal and external partners. Work within the section currently includes the multi-state DREAM (Desired Regeneration through Assisted Migration) and ASCC (Adapted Silviculture for Climate Change) projects, as well as efforts to review and update forest management practices, evaluating the impacts of browse on forest regeneration, and understanding the dynamics of past land use patterns on today’s forest cover. This position is responsible for coaching, mentoring and supervising 8 permanent and 6 to 12 LTE staff. This position serves on management teams and is expected to be an active contributor. Customer and partner groups may include forestry and non‐forestry DNR staff, citizens, citizen groups, industry leaders, tribal governments, and governmental and educational representatives.

Please review the Position Description for more details on this position.

Starting pay for this position is between $46.00 to $50.00 per hour ($95,680.00 to $104,000.00 annually).

This position is not represented by a collective bargaining unit. Pay on appointment will follow the provisions of the State of Wisconsin Compensation Plan.

This position is within the Natural Resources Program Manager classification. This position is included in Pay Schedule/Range 81/02. A 2-year Career Executive trial period may be required.

Background Checks: The Department of Natural Resources conducts criminal background checks on final applicants prior to job offer. Please note that a criminal charge or conviction on your record will not necessarily disqualify you from state employment. In compliance with the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act, the DNR does not discriminate on the basis of arrest or conviction record.

I9 Requirement: The Department of Natural Resources does not sponsor work visas at the time of hire or anytime during employment. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required Employment Eligibility Form I-9 upon hire.

Telework:  Based on an assessment of the goals and work activities, this position may be eligible for telework. Telework approval is based on individual circumstances and is subject to supervisor approval and DNR telework policies. Approval is subject to change without notice based on business needs.

Travel: The geographic scope of this position is Statewide. Travel across the state is necessary several times a month, dependent on program need.

Please make sure to address and describe EACH of the following qualifications in relation to your experience (by providing a detailed example) within your resume and/or letter of qualifications to be considered for this position:

Required qualifications include BOTH the following criteria:

Experience participating in the development and implementation of policies or program strategies related to natural resources

Experience participating in the development and implementation of systems/processes to evaluate program goals, objectives, and accomplishments

Preferred qualifications include:

Experience leading, directing or supervising a team 

Experience managing budgets/grants, including tasks such as allocation and monitoring of fiscal resources

Experience, education, or formal certification in forest management sciences; such as silviculture, forest ecology, forest hydrology, forest socio-economics, fire and landscape disturbance, forest genetics, climate change, etc.

PLEASE NOTE: The job application is set to time-out after 30 minutes of inactivity. To avoid losing any updates to your application, make sure to Save often.

Click the “Apply for Job” button and follow the directions. You will be able to save your application as many times as needed and make edits up until the point you submit your application. Once you submit your application, you will not be able to make any updates to the application or any materials submitted.

Your resume and letter of qualifications are very important parts of your application and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. For instructions on developing your resume and letter of qualifications and what should be included in these materials, click here.

For questions regarding the application process, please contact Vicki Treml in Human Resources at vickil.treml@wisconsin.gov or 608/419-6008.    

For technical troubleshooting related to the Wisc.Jobs site, please view the Frequently Asked Questions. 

Current state employees, including those with Career Executive status, must apply through STAR ESS.  Former permanent classified state employees must apply through Wisc.Jobs.

The DNR is an equal opportunity employer that promotes and values diversity.  We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

All applications must be received by 11:59 pm central on Monday, May 20, 2024.