Forest Economist

Working Title:

Forest Economist
Job Class:
Natural Resources Program Consultant
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job
• 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 youll 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,  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. Masters 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…