State of Wisconsin
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Forester Senior (Multiple Positions)
role at
State of Wisconsin
Notification: 6 days ago; be among the first 25 applicants
Introduction The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Forestry, is recruiting to fill several Forester vacancies located across the State of Wisconsin. This recruitment may be used for any similar vacancies that become available in the near future. Therefore, when you apply, please select all counties in which you are interested in working.
Locations
Barnes Ranger Station – Bayfield County
Friendship Ranger Station – Adams County
Grantsburg Ranger Station – Burnett County
Gresham Ranger Station – Shawano County
Mellen Ranger Station – Ashland County
Neillsville Station – Clark County
Park Falls Service Center – Price County
Position Summary These positions direct and provide forest management assistance on private lands, state lands, federal lands, and county forests. Responsibilities include forest reconnaissance, development of management plans, prescriptions, timber sale establishment and administration, timber stand improvement, reforestation and afforestation, forest road development and maintenance, and property management. The Forester serves as the single point of contact for the assigned County Forest and supports administration of the Good Neighbor Authority agreement with the Chequamegon‑Nicolet National Forest.
Most, but not all, of the Forester positions include wildland fire responsibilities such as initial attack, wildfire suppression, and planned prescribed burning. These positions also provide expert training to Fire Department personnel and other partners. The positions are designated either as Forester Operators (T4 Vehicle Type) or Forester Rangers (T6/T7 Vehicle Type and Non‑Driving Positions). Forester Operators require a Commercial Driver’s License to operate their assigned equipment; Forester Rangers may involve forestry law‑enforcement functions.
Positions with wildland fire responsibilities require meeting and maintaining the physical fitness test standards for the Department protective retirement category. An 18‑month probationary period may be required. This position is not represented by a collective bargaining unit.
Salary Information Starting pay is $29.42 to $34.60 per hour ($61,193.60 – $71,968.00 annually). This position is in the classification Forester Senior, Pay Schedule/Range 15‑03. Pay on appointment will follow the provisions of the State of Wisconsin Compensation Plan.
Benefits
Generous paid time off, including at least 3 ½ 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.
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 All Foresters with fire responsibilities 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 All Foresters with fire responsibilities will undergo testing for controlled substances upon acceptance of the position and prior to effective date. Employment is contingent upon a passing test.
Probationary Period An 18‑month probationary period may be required.
CDL Requirement Depending on the position and the vehicle that is assigned (T4 Vehicle Type only), a candidate may be required to obtain and maintain a Wisconsin Class A CDL within six (6) months of employment to operate specialized heavy‑duty fire equipment. Holders of CDL are subject to pre‑employment and random drug and alcohol testing under Federal Regulations.
Physical Fitness Requirement Depending on the position, duties may require active fire suppression and prevention activities which demand frequent exposure to high degrees of danger or peril and a high level of physical conditioning. These positions are key to public safety and require meeting and maintaining specific physical fitness test standards. If the incumbent is unable to perform the assigned fire duties, they would be required to leave the position.
Emergency Response Time Must be able to respond within 30 minutes to the workstation when directed for emergency response (Only for Fire Suppression positions).
Irregular Work Hours This position may work late evenings, nights, and weekends; dependent on fire suppression duties and department needs.
Forest Ranger Credentials Depending on the position, candidates will be required to obtain and maintain Forest Ranger credentials to reflect its civil forestry law enforcement responsibilities.
Background Checks The Department of Natural Resources conducts criminal background checks on final applicants prior to job offer. 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. 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.
Travel Frequent travel is required within the geographic scope of the assigned district. Occasional statewide travel and potential travel outside the state may occur.
Remote Work Based on an assessment of the goals and work activities, this position may be eligible for remote work. Approval is based on individual circumstances and is subject to supervisor approval and DNR remote work policies.
Physical Requirements And Environmental Factors Physical Activity Requirements: The position requires bending at the waist, kneeling, crouching, climbing, balancing, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, reaching, handling, sitting, standing, talking, hearing, seeing, clarity of vision at 20 feet or more, clarity of vision at 20 inches or less, and walking on foot.
Physical Surroundings and Hazards: Activities may occur indoors and outdoors in varying amounts. Employees may be exposed to temperatures below 32°F for periods of an hour or more, and temperatures above 100°F for periods of more than one hour. Noise levels may require shouting to be heard. Employees may be exposed to vibrating movements, hazards such as mechanical parts or electrical current, and conditions affecting the respiratory system or skin (e.g., wildland and structural fire smoke, odors, poison ivy, insect bites). Proper protection and training are essential to mitigate injury risk.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Forestry from a four‑year program accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF), or SAF Qualified Forester Certification, or equivalent degree that meets statutory educational requirements for a Forester.
Please provide a copy of your transcript and/or SAF certification documents with your application materials.
Experience or training related to fire management, prescribed fire or fire suppression, including structural or wildland fire (e.g., successfully completing FFT2).
Professional and/or academic experience performing at least two of the following forest land management activities:
Implementing forest management plans, marking stands for harvest, and setting up timber sales.
Creating timber sale bid packets and administering timber sales.
Preparing forest management plans.
Implementing a reforestation plan, including site preparation.
Evaluating forest land (including water and soil resources) and modifying forestry practices to protect special‑concern areas such as wetlands, waterways, and endangered species habitat.
Developing commercial harvest or non‑commercial timber stand improvement prescriptions based on stand assessment.
Addressing forest health issues such as insect or disease outbreaks and invasive species infestations.
Developing and providing forest management recommendations (written or verbal) to forest landowners.
Preferred Qualifications
Forest management field experience in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and/or Michigan.
Master’s degree or higher in forestry or natural resources.
Experience training others on fire management techniques and equipment.
Qualified/Certified as Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) based on National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) standards.
How To Apply If viewing this posting on an external site (e.g., Indeed.com), please visit
Wisc.Jobs
and search for Job ID 19463 to complete your application. 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 steps to apply online are quick and easy. Your resume and letter of qualifications are used during our evaluation process to determine your eligibility for further consideration. 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. It is critically important that your application materials clearly describe your experience related to the stated job qualifications. References are not required at the time of application but will be required upon successful completion of the interview process. Once you submit your application, you will not be able to make any updates to the application or any materials submitted.
For technical troubleshooting related to the Wisc.Jobs site, please view the Frequently Asked Questions. For questions regarding the application process, contact Vicki Treml at
vickil.treml@wisconsin.gov
or 608‑266‑6910.
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.
Deadline to Apply: All applications must be received by 11:59 pm Central on Monday, January 12, 2026.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Forester Senior (Multiple Positions)
role at
State of Wisconsin
Notification: 6 days ago; be among the first 25 applicants
Introduction The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Forestry, is recruiting to fill several Forester vacancies located across the State of Wisconsin. This recruitment may be used for any similar vacancies that become available in the near future. Therefore, when you apply, please select all counties in which you are interested in working.
Locations
Barnes Ranger Station – Bayfield County
Friendship Ranger Station – Adams County
Grantsburg Ranger Station – Burnett County
Gresham Ranger Station – Shawano County
Mellen Ranger Station – Ashland County
Neillsville Station – Clark County
Park Falls Service Center – Price County
Position Summary These positions direct and provide forest management assistance on private lands, state lands, federal lands, and county forests. Responsibilities include forest reconnaissance, development of management plans, prescriptions, timber sale establishment and administration, timber stand improvement, reforestation and afforestation, forest road development and maintenance, and property management. The Forester serves as the single point of contact for the assigned County Forest and supports administration of the Good Neighbor Authority agreement with the Chequamegon‑Nicolet National Forest.
Most, but not all, of the Forester positions include wildland fire responsibilities such as initial attack, wildfire suppression, and planned prescribed burning. These positions also provide expert training to Fire Department personnel and other partners. The positions are designated either as Forester Operators (T4 Vehicle Type) or Forester Rangers (T6/T7 Vehicle Type and Non‑Driving Positions). Forester Operators require a Commercial Driver’s License to operate their assigned equipment; Forester Rangers may involve forestry law‑enforcement functions.
Positions with wildland fire responsibilities require meeting and maintaining the physical fitness test standards for the Department protective retirement category. An 18‑month probationary period may be required. This position is not represented by a collective bargaining unit.
Salary Information Starting pay is $29.42 to $34.60 per hour ($61,193.60 – $71,968.00 annually). This position is in the classification Forester Senior, Pay Schedule/Range 15‑03. Pay on appointment will follow the provisions of the State of Wisconsin Compensation Plan.
Benefits
Generous paid time off, including at least 3 ½ 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.
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 All Foresters with fire responsibilities 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 All Foresters with fire responsibilities will undergo testing for controlled substances upon acceptance of the position and prior to effective date. Employment is contingent upon a passing test.
Probationary Period An 18‑month probationary period may be required.
CDL Requirement Depending on the position and the vehicle that is assigned (T4 Vehicle Type only), a candidate may be required to obtain and maintain a Wisconsin Class A CDL within six (6) months of employment to operate specialized heavy‑duty fire equipment. Holders of CDL are subject to pre‑employment and random drug and alcohol testing under Federal Regulations.
Physical Fitness Requirement Depending on the position, duties may require active fire suppression and prevention activities which demand frequent exposure to high degrees of danger or peril and a high level of physical conditioning. These positions are key to public safety and require meeting and maintaining specific physical fitness test standards. If the incumbent is unable to perform the assigned fire duties, they would be required to leave the position.
Emergency Response Time Must be able to respond within 30 minutes to the workstation when directed for emergency response (Only for Fire Suppression positions).
Irregular Work Hours This position may work late evenings, nights, and weekends; dependent on fire suppression duties and department needs.
Forest Ranger Credentials Depending on the position, candidates will be required to obtain and maintain Forest Ranger credentials to reflect its civil forestry law enforcement responsibilities.
Background Checks The Department of Natural Resources conducts criminal background checks on final applicants prior to job offer. 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. 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.
Travel Frequent travel is required within the geographic scope of the assigned district. Occasional statewide travel and potential travel outside the state may occur.
Remote Work Based on an assessment of the goals and work activities, this position may be eligible for remote work. Approval is based on individual circumstances and is subject to supervisor approval and DNR remote work policies.
Physical Requirements And Environmental Factors Physical Activity Requirements: The position requires bending at the waist, kneeling, crouching, climbing, balancing, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, reaching, handling, sitting, standing, talking, hearing, seeing, clarity of vision at 20 feet or more, clarity of vision at 20 inches or less, and walking on foot.
Physical Surroundings and Hazards: Activities may occur indoors and outdoors in varying amounts. Employees may be exposed to temperatures below 32°F for periods of an hour or more, and temperatures above 100°F for periods of more than one hour. Noise levels may require shouting to be heard. Employees may be exposed to vibrating movements, hazards such as mechanical parts or electrical current, and conditions affecting the respiratory system or skin (e.g., wildland and structural fire smoke, odors, poison ivy, insect bites). Proper protection and training are essential to mitigate injury risk.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Forestry from a four‑year program accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF), or SAF Qualified Forester Certification, or equivalent degree that meets statutory educational requirements for a Forester.
Please provide a copy of your transcript and/or SAF certification documents with your application materials.
Experience or training related to fire management, prescribed fire or fire suppression, including structural or wildland fire (e.g., successfully completing FFT2).
Professional and/or academic experience performing at least two of the following forest land management activities:
Implementing forest management plans, marking stands for harvest, and setting up timber sales.
Creating timber sale bid packets and administering timber sales.
Preparing forest management plans.
Implementing a reforestation plan, including site preparation.
Evaluating forest land (including water and soil resources) and modifying forestry practices to protect special‑concern areas such as wetlands, waterways, and endangered species habitat.
Developing commercial harvest or non‑commercial timber stand improvement prescriptions based on stand assessment.
Addressing forest health issues such as insect or disease outbreaks and invasive species infestations.
Developing and providing forest management recommendations (written or verbal) to forest landowners.
Preferred Qualifications
Forest management field experience in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and/or Michigan.
Master’s degree or higher in forestry or natural resources.
Experience training others on fire management techniques and equipment.
Qualified/Certified as Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) based on National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) standards.
How To Apply If viewing this posting on an external site (e.g., Indeed.com), please visit
Wisc.Jobs
and search for Job ID 19463 to complete your application. 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 steps to apply online are quick and easy. Your resume and letter of qualifications are used during our evaluation process to determine your eligibility for further consideration. 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. It is critically important that your application materials clearly describe your experience related to the stated job qualifications. References are not required at the time of application but will be required upon successful completion of the interview process. Once you submit your application, you will not be able to make any updates to the application or any materials submitted.
For technical troubleshooting related to the Wisc.Jobs site, please view the Frequently Asked Questions. For questions regarding the application process, contact Vicki Treml at
vickil.treml@wisconsin.gov
or 608‑266‑6910.
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.
Deadline to Apply: All applications must be received by 11:59 pm Central on Monday, January 12, 2026.
#J-18808-Ljbffr