Forestry Outreach Advisor

This position is the expert and strategist for the division in general communications and outreach efforts by performing complex policy analysis, development of program plans and communications strategies, setting the pace for the division through leadership, innovation, adaptation, best practices, and transfer of knowledge.

The Forestry Outreach Advisor is a key internal and external consultant for staff, leadership, interdivisional teams, and partner groups, frequently working with the division’s leadership team and Division Administrator to conduct research and planning to develop high-level/overarching communications strategies to direct statewide, district and regional communication plans.

This position maintains cutting-edge knowledge and expertise of a variety of forestry topics and communications strategies by staying abreast of current research and maintaining an effective professional network. The customer base for this position is 450-500 division staff, including three bureaus and three districts, as well as colleagues throughout the department and key partner groups, including corresponding programs in the US Forest Service and overseeing the division’s partnership with LEAF, Wisconsin’s leading K-12 Forestry Education Program housed at UW-Stevens Point Center for Environmental Education.

For more information, please see the Position Description.

The Program and Policy Advanced classification is within Pay Schedule/Range 07-03. Starting pay for this position is between $36.00 to $41.89 per hour ($74,880.00 to $87,131.20 annually), in addition to excellent benefits. This position is not represented by a collective bargaining unit. Pay on appointment will follow the provisions of the State of Wisconsin Compensation Plan.

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 $45/month for single and $111/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.

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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 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.

Probation: A 12-month probationary period may be required. Reference Check: References are not required at the time of application but will be required upon successful completion of the interview process. Remote Work: Based on an assessment of the goals and work activities, this position may be eligible for remote work.

Remote work approval is based on individual circumstances and is subject to supervisor approval and DNR remote work policies. Approval is subject to change without notice based on business needs. Employees with approved remote work arrangements are generally expected to work within the state of Wisconsin. 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. Travel: This position has statewide responsibilities, so routine travel within the state and occasional national travel is required.

Please address and describe EACH of the following qualifications applicable to your experience within your resume and/or letter of qualifications to be considered for this position. Please review our helpful tips for developing your resume and letter of qualifications and what should be included. Required qualifications include professional experience in ALL the following criteria: Implementing communication strategies related to forestry-specific subject matter.

Creating communication and/or outreach materials, including both digital and print-related products. In addition, preferred qualifications include any of the following criteria: Professional experience developing communication plans Developing communication or outreach policies, protocols, or workflows in a government setting.

Public speaking; including giving speeches to the public, holding open forums, leading virtual town halls, or working directly with the media. Experience with advanced production and publication technology (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Publisher, SharePoint, Content Management Systems, etc.) Experience providing guidance and resources to others on creating effective communication materials.

If viewing this posting on an external site (such as indeed.com, etc.), please visit Wisc.Jobs and search for this Job ID: 22281 to complete your application for this posting. 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. Please review our helpful tips for developing your resume and letter of qualifications and what should be included. 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, please contact Andrew Wenninger in Human Resources at andrewj.

wenninger@wisconsin.gov or 608/266-7318. Disabled veterans: Qualified veterans with a 30% or more service-connected disability are eligible for non-competitive appointment to permanent positions in classified civil service under s 230.275 WI Stats. Please send your letter of qualifications and resume outlining how you meet the required qualifications for the position listed above in the job announcement along with your DD-214 and documentation of your service-connected disability rating (dated within 12-months) to the HR contact listed in this announcement for information on how to apply under this provision.

Current permanent State employees are not eligible for non-competitive appointment. 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.

All applications must be received by 11:59 pm central on Monday, October 19th, 2026.