Forest Officer

Initial Posting Date:

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Job Description:

Our Mission – To protect and promote resilient forests that benefit all Oregonians.

As Oregon’s largest fire department, ODF's Fire Protection Program protects 16 million acres of forest. These lands consist of privately owned forests as well as some public lands, including state-owned forests and, by contract, US Bureau of Land Management forests in western Oregon. ODF's firefighting policy is straightforward: Put out fires quickly at the smallest possible size. Most of the land protected by the agency is working forests that produce revenue and support jobs. It is crucial to prevent fire damage to the timber resource that is an essential element of Oregon’s economy. This aggressive approach to firefighting safeguards ecosystem values such as fish and wildlife habitats. We invite you to join us in this effort.  If you are interested, please submit your application.

The Benefits of Joining Our Team

Work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, flexible work schedules, competitive benefits packages and so much more. Great Benefits Package - watch this video here

You’ll be part of the ODF team that serves our fellow Oregonians relying on regulation and protection of both public and private forest land in our great state of Oregon!​ Click here.

General Duties:

• Perform forest fire suppression activities.
• Perform pre-suppression readiness activities.
• Perform fire prevention and education activities.
• Perform Forest Law administration.
• Assist with grounds and facility maintenance.
• Perform forest tasks involving slash burning, pre-commercial thinning, road brushing, etc.

Skills we are looking for: 

• Fire management: Fire Management, readiness, suppression, and safety, which includes fire knowledge and handling. 
• Forest Law administration: Understanding of Forest Laws contained in ORS chapter 477 and OAR chapter 629 and how to administer.
• Equipment operation: Proficiency with forestry tools such as chainsaws, portable pumps, various fire engines, GPS, and mapping software as well as various types of forestry or fire fighting vehicles.
• Communicating experience: Clear and effective communication skills and ability to handle conflict with team members.
• Forestry knowledge: Understanding Forest management practices and related regulations. 

*Note: Effective Feb. 1, 2026, the compensation plan for this position will be increased to reflect a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). The salary listed in this posting does not reflect the COLA.

Minimum Qualifications:

Four seasons in wildland fire suppression

OR

Bachelor's degree in forestry or closely related natural resources field and one season of wildland fire suppression.

Note: Successful applicants must take and pass the physical fitness Work Capacity Test at the arduous level if selected for employment.

Note: You must obtain the Class B Warden certification within the trial service period
Note: Applicants must be 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license at the time of hire.

Note: Driver’s License Check - This position requires the operation of a state vehicle for the purpose of conducting official State business. If your license is from outside Oregon, you must submit at least a three-year court/DMV printout.  If you have an Oregon driver’s license, a record check will be conducted on the top candidate to ensure a valid license and acceptable driving record.

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How to Apply:

Required: Cover letter and Resume are required.

• Please ensure the work history in your applicant profile is up to date.
• Cover letter and resume are both required - Failure to submit the required cover letter or resume will remove your application from consideration.
• Current State of Oregon employees – You must apply through your employee Workday account.

Additional Details:

• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur. This position is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
• For questions about this position, please contact Hiring Manager: [email protected] 
• Oregon Department of Forestry does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, all applicants will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. 
• Veterans - Eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. After you have applied you will be sent a task in your Workday account to provide your veteran documentation at that time. For further information, please see the following website: Veterans Resources.
• Relocation assistance may be available per agency policy 40.055.10 for current or recalled employees or 40.055.20 for new employees. Please discuss details with the hiring manager during the recruitment process. 
• If you have questions about the job announcement, or need an alternate format to apply, please contact: [email protected] 

ODF is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or any other class protected by state or federal laws in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring, and employment practices.