Forestry Team Leader

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Forestry is accepting applications for 3 Forestry Team Leader positions.

These positions have regional responsibilities and could be headquartered at any of the following Forestry Ranger Stations/DNR offices:

Antigo Service Center
Oconto Falls Ranger Station
Wausau Service Center
Shawano - Gresham Ranger Station
Florence Service Center
Crandon Ranger Station
Tomahawk - Lemay Forestry Center
Merrill Ranger Station
Medford Ranger Station

Remote work will be available, after the initial onboarding period. The exact amount is based on program need. Frequent travel throughout the assigned region and occasional travel across 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.

This position is responsible for the supervision and implementation of the Forestry Division’s integrated programs for the assigned geographic area and for integration among those programs and all other DNR programs within the assigned area. This position has forest fire management responsibilities which include initial attack duties and operational fire line assignments. Customer and partner groups may include forestry and non-forestry DNR staff, cooperating and consulting foresters, citizens, citizen groups, tribal governments, industry leaders, and governmental and educational representatives.

This position is key to public safety and security and requires the incumbent to meet and maintain the physical fitness test standards required for all Department protective positions. The principal duties of the position require active fire suppression duties which require frequent exposure to a high degree of danger or peril and also require a high degree of physical conditioning. This position is available for fire suppression, pre-suppression and prevention duties year-round.

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

Starting pay for this position is between $36.00 to $40.00 per hour ($74,880.00 to $83,200.00 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 Region Team Supervisor classification within Pay Schedule/Range 81/03.

The State of Wisconsin offers an exemplary benefits package with:

• Generous paid time off, including at least 3 1/2 weeks of vacation/personal time, nine paid holidays, and ample sick time that rolls over each year with no cap.
• Excellent and affordable health insurance options (starting at $34/month for single and $83/month for family coverage).
• Other great insurance options (dental, vision, life, and more).
• A top-notch retirement program and optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan.
• A Well Wisconsin program, offering wellness tools and rewards to employees and spouses.
• A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their household members tools, resources, and professional consultation services.
• For more info, see our Total Rewards Calculator.

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.

Eligibility to work in the United States: 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.

Probationary Period: A 12-month probationary period may be required.

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 incumbent is expected to be available to assist other teams across established boundaries as requested. The job holder travels frequently within the geographic scope of the assigned area and occasionally statewide, which may include overnight stays.

Irregular Work Hours: This position may work late evenings, nights, and weekends; dependent on fire suppression duties and department needs.

Driver License Requirement: The selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license throughout employment and meet the requirements of the State of Wisconsin Fleet Vehicle Policy. The candidate must be at least 18 years of age with 2 years driving experience. Candidates with three (3) or more moving violations and/or at-fault accidents in the past two (2) years, or who have an OWI/DUE violation within the past year are not eligible to drive state vehicles.

Medical Screening Requirement: This position will undergo medical testing for job-related physical health conditions upon acceptance of the position and prior to effective date. Employment is contingent upon a passing test.

Drug Screening Requirement: This position will undergo testing for controlled substances upon acceptance of the position and prior to effective date. Employment is contingent upon a passing test.

Physical Fitness Requirement: Depending on the position, the duties of the position require active fire suppression and prevention duties which require frequent exposure to a high degree of danger or peril and also require a high degree of physical conditioning. These positions are key to public safety and require the incumbent to meet and maintain the specific physical fitness test standards required for these positions. For more information see here. https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/sites/default/files/topic/Employment/PublicPD/JAC_24010_2.pdf If the incumbent is unable to perform the assigned fire duties, they would be required to leave the position.

Forest Ranger Credentials: Candidates will be required to obtain and maintain Forest Ranger credentials to reflect its civil forestry law enforcement responsibilities. Forest Rangers are not sworn officers of the state but are credentialed to deal with civil enforcement situations.

Please make sure to address and describe ALL 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 ALL the following criteria:

Forestry experience related to forest fire management and forest land management.

Certified upon hire (including Task Book completed) as Engine Boss (ENGB) or Firing Boss (FIRB), or Heavy Equipment Boss (HEQB) or any other Single Resource Boss

Preferred qualifications include:

Experience leading, directing or supervising a team; (e.g., assigning work, evaluating and coaching performance, and/or conducting training.)

Forestry experience in fire management, public lands management and private lands management.

Forestry experience within the work activities listed below:

• Developing program goals and objectives (i.e., annual work plans)
• Implementing established program goals and objectives (i.e., annual work plans)
• Identifying initiatives or work activities to enhance delivery of customer service and products
• Monitoring program effectiveness, efficiency and results
• Ensuring program integration with other natural resources programs

The steps to apply online are quick and easy! Your application materials, including your resume and letter of qualifications, are used during our evaluation process to determine your eligibility for further consideration. It is critically important that your application materials clearly describe your experience related to the stated job qualifications. Please review our helpful tips for developing your resume and letter of qualifications and what should be included. Be advised that there will be no opportunity to change your application materials once you have clicked “Submit.”

The State of Wisconsin is committed to fostering a fair, equitable, and consistent selection process that is based on merit and utilizes sound competitive selection procedures.

Permanent classified state employees who are eligible for consideration (transfer or voluntary demotion) should complete the application process as described above by the stated deadline.

The State of Wisconsin is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to applicants of any race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. Qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability should send their cover letter, resume, DD-214, and documentation of their service connected disability rating (dated within 12-months) to Andrew Wenninger at andrewj.wenninger@wisconsin.gov. Current State employees are not eligible for non-competitive appointment.

Submitted materials will be evaluated by a panel of job experts and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Questions related to the job and how to apply can be directed to Andrew Wenninger at andrewj.wenninger@wisconsin.gov or 608/419-6009. For general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance, please see the Wisc.Jobs Frequently Asked Questions page.

All applications must be received by 11:59 pm central on Monday, July 29, 2024.