Research Scientist 3 - Biometrician/Forest Modeler

Job Class: Research Scientist 3

Working Title: Biometrician/Forest Modeler

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/20/2022
• Closing Date: 10/10/2022
• 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: $33.30 - $49.53/hourly; $69,530 - $103,418/annually
• Job Class Option: Forest Research
• Classified Status: Classified
• Employment Condition: Full Time Unlimited
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• Work Location: Grand Rapids Resource Assessment
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
• Connect 700 Program Eligible: Yes

This position exists to: 1) plan, design, develop and implement research and application in the technical areas of spatial and harvest schedule modeling; 2) provide scientific expertise and support to the division and the department on the proper multiple-use management of Minnesota's forest ecosystems; 3) develop, assess and conduct statistically robust data analysis to address questions related to forest surveys, growth and yield information, and resource management activities; 4) develop, manage and report on selected forest databases so that current and historical data is available to decision-makers; and 5) promote products and services available through the Resource Assessment Program.

An employee in this class is responsible for independently performing research and analysis work designed to test specific hypotheses or evaluate certain observations related to forest resource management. Responsibility extends to planning, designing, and developing methods and procedures for completing given research projects. Work is performed under general direction by the Research Project Supervisor and Division Management Team. Research priorities are not only set by the Supervisor and Team members but also by this researcher. Review is in terms of results achieved.

Plans, designs, and carries out research projects in order to test hypotheses or to make certain observations within forestry and natural resource management. Advises stakeholders, management, and field staff on problems of research procedures and techniques to ensure that current and valid techniques are used in conducting studies. Examines and evaluates research activities and reports to the Research Project Supervisor on results and recommendations. Prepares, and assists others in preparing, research reports for publication so that research findings can be shared with interested persons.

Occasional travel throughout Minnesota is required to attend meetings, complete field site visits, and participate in training.

Minimum Qualifications

Normal working hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. but are subject to change based on work needs; hours of work may include weekends, evenings and holidays.

Master’s Degree in Forest Biometrics, Forest Management, Mensuration, or a closely related field of academic study. Either the B.S. or the M.S. degree must be from a university program accredited by the Society of American Foresters, or comparable accrediting institution, or current Society of American Foresters Certified Forester status

AND

Two (2) years demonstrated operational research and analysis experience in the areas of stand yield, stand structure and growth, distribution models, and linear programming as applied in forest management planning and forest inventory and growth and yield modeling to support optimization modeling for forest planning.

OR

PhD in Forest Biometrics, Forest Management, Mensuration, or a closely related field of study with demonstrated operational research and analysis experience in the areas of stand yield, stand structure and growth, distribution models, and linear programming as applied in forest management planning and forest inventory and growth and yield modeling to support optimization modeling for forest planning.

APPLICANTS MUST ALSO MEET THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge and operational expertise in the use of (1) operations research including linear programming as applied in forest management planning and (2) forest inventory and growth and yield modeling to support optimization modeling for forest planning.
• Advanced knowledge of forestry that includes forest mensuration, inventory, biometrics/statistics, sampling, and modeling; utilization and marketing resource analysis; sampling design and computer programming operation and product generation.
• Knowledge and experience in the use of statistical analysis software (e.g., SAS, R, Matlab, JMP, etc.) and Geographic Information Systems (ArcGIS).
• Project management skills sufficient to oversee large projects, prioritize and make recommendations/decisions, meet priorities, define and achieve goals and objectives, monitor work, and follow-up on project goals and outcomes.
• Oral and written communication skills to effectively communicate complex information to a wide variety of audiences.
• Conflict resolution/human relation skills sufficient to negotiate, resolve issues, read situations and settle disputes equitably by finding common ground and cooperation.
• Time management skills sufficient to make decisions and meet deadlines sometimes with incomplete information, under tight deadlines, and pressure by unforeseeable events and/or emergencies.
• Ability to coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously and manage frequent change, delays or unexpected events by adapting, recommending and/or developing appropriate alternative solutions.
• Collaborative skills to effectively work with and align stakeholders and staff through the application of a wide range of organizational, technical, analytical and interpersonal skills to accomplish common conservation objectives.
• Interpersonal and human relation skills sufficient to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers.
• Leadership skills sufficient to lead and or participate as a member of a team to achieve goals.
• Requires an unrestricted Class D Driver's License: a single unit vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of less than 26,000 pounds. This is a basic driver's license. Operators may also tow vehicles/trailers as long as the gross combination weight does not exceed 26,000 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Forest Biometrics, Management, Mensuration, or closely related field of study with demonstrated operational research and analysis experience in the areas of stand yield, stand structure and growth, distribution models, and linear programming as applied in forest management planning and forest inventory and growth and yield modeling to support optimization modeling for forest planning.
• Working knowledge and operational expertise in industrial timber supply analysis using RemSoft Woodstock and Stanley spatial forest planning tools; mathematical optimization problem solving software like mosek; operational expertise using SAS and ArcGIS.

Physical Requirements

Requires occasionally lifting such articles as file boxes and heavy hand tools or heavier materials with help from others and/or lifting and carrying light objects frequently. Even though the weights being lifted may only be a negligible amount, a job is in this category may require walking or standing to a significant degree or may involve sitting most of the time with a degree of pushing and pulling of arm and/or leg controls.

Additional Requirements

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s License with a clear driving record.

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

Why Work For Us

Our goal as an employer is to actively recruit, welcome and support a workforce, which is diverse and inclusive of people who are underrepresented in the development of State of Minnesota policies, programs and practices, so that we can support the success and growth of all people.

We are proud to operate within a Culture of Respect that provides a healthy, safe, and productive work environment for all employees. This means that our employees are respectful to one another and to our customers. We believe that promoting a Culture of Respect allows our employees to do their best work in support of the agency’s mission.

GREAT BENEFITS PACKAGE! The State of Minnesota offers a comprehensive benefits package including low cost medical and dental insurance, employer paid life insurance, short and long term disability, pre-tax flexible spending accounts, retirement plan, tax-deferred compensation, generous vacation and sick leave, and 11 paid holidays each year.

Our differences make us stronger and leveraging them helps us create a workforce where everyone can thrive. The State of Minnesota is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to embedding diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility at our workplace. We do this by developing strong leaders and advocates, increasing cultural competence and understanding among all employees, and removing institutional barriers and attitudes that prevent employees from advancing as far as their talents will take them. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), marital status, familial status, receipt of public assistance, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, or age.

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page and submit an application/resume that clearly describes how you meet the qualifications listed above. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637.

For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

If you are a Connect 700 applicant, please submit your certificate to Bobbie Donat at bobbie.donat@state.mn.us by the job posting close.

Contact

If you have questions about the position, contact Dennis Kepler at dennis.kepler@state.mn.us or 218/322-2512.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Minnesota is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employer. We are committed to providing culturally responsive services to all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. Please indicate what assistance you need.