New

Forest Economist

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - Division of Forestry
United States, Minnesota, St. Paul
Feb 28, 2026
Working Title: Forest Economist Job Class: Natural Resources Program Consultant Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources Job ID: 92426 Location: St. Paul Telework Eligible: Yes, up to 50% Full/Part Time: Full-Time Regular/Temporary: Unlimited Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers Date Posted: 02/26/2026 Closing Date: 03/18/2026 Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources Division/Unit: Forestry Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift Days of Work: Monday - Friday Travel Required: No Salary Range: $35.96 - $53.32 / hourly; $75,084 - $111,332 / annually Job Class Option: Forestry/Forester Classified Status: Classified Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes The work you'll do is more than just a job. At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities. Job Summary The Division of Forestry is hiring one (1) Forest Economist, NR Program Consultant, in St. Paul, MN. The position exists to provide strategic advisement to the Division of Forestry by studying and addressing forest economic issues in Minnesota and providing economic expertise. This position will monitor, evaluate and advise on issues concerning: forest products markets and trends; forest resource based investment strategies; long-term and short-term investment strategies for silvicultural practices; and impacts of proposed legislation and regulations impacting the forest products industry and the Division of Forestry. Responsibilities include, but not limited to: Advise Division managers on how to best invest public resources to maximize benefits to the state. Monitor and advise Division managers on current forest products market conditions and prices and likely near- and long-term market trends. Evaluate and develop strategies for enhancing the economic contribution of forest-based commodities, amenities, and related employment to the State of Minnesota economy. Evaluate and provide guidance to Division managers on the long- and short-term financial implications of current and alternative silvicultural practices Evaluate the economic implications of proposed and new legislation and regulations that impact division programs and forest resources. This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete an annual telework agreement. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Three (3) years related professional forestry economics experience, including experience researching forest products markets, conducting price forecasting and analyses, and modeling economic impact of natural resource management scenarios. Bachelors degree in Forestry or Economics may substitute for one year of experience. Master's degree in Forestry or Economics may substitute for two years of experience. Knowledge of conducting complex forest economic analyses and modeling (input-output models, cost-benefit analyses, etc) Proficiency in appropriate analytical software to complete economic analyses, such as R-Studio, Stata, SAAS, IMPLAN, etc Ability to conduct valuation analyses to evaluate short-term and long-term impacts of forest management scenarios Knowledge of forest management and timber production practices Knowledge of the forest products industry and ability to assess related economic conditions for potential market impacts Oral communication skills sufficient to explain complex information to internal and external stakeholders with vary degrees of subject matter expertise Written communication skills sufficient to create reports, articles, and content for internal and public audiences Interpersonal relation skills sufficient to productively collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders with a diverse range of viewpoints and experience Preferred Qualifications* Advanced degree in Forest Economics Society for American Foresters accredited degree or equivalent coursework in forest management Knowledge and experience in forest management on public lands Additional Requirements No driving duties are required. Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status). It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components: Conflict of Interest Review Criminal History Check Education Verification Employment Reference / Records Check License / Certification Verification Application Details How to Apply Select "Apply for Job" at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers. Contact If you have questions about this position, contact Samantha Grover at samantha.grover@state.mn.us or 612-812-3721. If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA.DNR@state.mn.us. To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Hannah Ziemann at hannah.ziemann@state.mn.us. Working together to improve the state we love. What do Minnesota's State employees have in common? A sense of purpose in their work Connection with their coworkers and communities Opportunities for personal and professional growth Benefits As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well. Your benefits may include: Paid vacation and sick leave 12 paid holidays each year Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans Fertility care, including IVF Diabetes care Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years) Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being Support to help you reach your career goals: Training, classes, and professional development Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov) Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support: A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law. APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need. recblid bd72ugq4vn7rg3mhpwufpddrbid3ti