Forest Management Advocate
Minnesota Forest Industry
MFI seeks to fill the full-time position.
This position works primarily to represent the forest products industry in forest management planning, and advocates for fiber production sufficient to maintain and grow the industry in Minnesota. Doing so involves engaging in Forest Service, Minnesota DNR, County, and private sustainable forest management planning, and working with them to resolve issues that impede management. This position supports the MFI Forestry Affairs Committee, the SFI State Implementation Committee, the Tree Farm Committee, and the MFI Public Relations Committee. It also represents MFI and its members on various resource management and related committees.
This is a highly visible and very impactful position. The candidate will need to develop strong relationships at all levels within the forestry community in order to foster cooperation in resource management. They will advise and inform MFI members of policies, guidelines and actions by those agencies that will have an impact on timber supply/forest management activities and provide information for MFI members to use for informed decision-making. The position will also influence policies impacting private forestland management.
Responsibilities:
- Report to the Executive Vice President.
- Maintain communications with county, state and federal forest agencies. Coordinate and conduct meetings and discussions between the agencies and MFI.
- Maintain relationships with County Land Commissioners and Staff, MN DNR staff, USFS staff, MN Department of Agriculture staff, USF&WS staff.
- Represent MFI on various committees as assigned.
- Analyze and prepare comments on current and proposed county, state and federal forest management plans, policies and regulations. Communicate analytical work to MFI staff and members.
- Remain current on scientific information and communications on forest management issues.
- Model forest management options and alternatives as needed.
- Help resolve timber sale issues for MFI member companies.
- Assist Executive Vice President in overall operations of MFI.
- Collect data and prepare briefing materials for use with elected officials and other audiences.
- Provide primary staff support for MFI Forestry Affairs Committee, the SFI State Implementation Committee and Public Relations Committee.
- Maintain MFI’s website and social media presence. Craft press releases, articles and other publications. Prepare proactive industry initiatives.
Qualifications:
- Degree in forestry or natural resources; master’s degree with an emphasis in economics or policy preferred.
- Direct experience administering timber sales, timber harvests or appraisals.
- Knowledge of Minnesota forest resources; governmental forest management planning and decision-making processes; forest modeling, GIS, and forest inventory systems preferred.
- An exceptional ability to develop relationships, speak, write, edit and persuade decision-makers.
- Ability to work in a private sector trade association, work on committees that represent diverse and competing interests, and achieve desired results.
Additional Info:
Location: Office available in Duluth, but remote work based in northern Minnesota is possible.
Supervisor: MFI Executive Vice President (EVP)
Travel: Occasional overnight travel required, including 3 or more out-of-state events annually.
Compensation & Benefits
We know that happy employees are proud of the work they do! That's why providing an excellent compensation and benefits package matters so much to us.
- $75,000-$85,000 / year salary range.
- Healthy work-life balance through high flexibility. Own your day with a combination of work from home and/or in office.
- Paid 2 weeks of vacation.
- Minimum NO MATCH REQUIRED employer pension contributions of 11%.
- Comprehensive health, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance.
- Annual performance evaluations to facilitate career growth.
- Phone, laptop, and mileage provided for work use.
- Beautiful lake-view private office in Downtown Duluth. No cubicles!
- 15% travel within the US.
Email Resume:
Submit cover letter and resume to: ruthcampbell@minnesotaforests.com
Mail Resume:
Minnesota Forest Industries
324 W. Superior Street, Suite 903
Duluth, MN 55802
Questions About Position:
Contact Rick Horton
Executive Vice President
rhorton@minnesotaforests.com
MFW is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or status as an individual with a disability.