Natural Resource Specialist 2 - Operations Forester

Initial Posting Date:

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Job Description:

Welcome to the Oregon Department of Forestry

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

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.

What we are looking for:

• Support the Reforestation Unit by planning, coordinating, directing, and monitoring reforestation activities aligned with the Northwest Oregon Forest Management Plan, District Implementation Plan, and District Annual Operations Plans.
• Knowledge, skills, and abilities in applied reforestation operations in Western Oregon or similar forest types.
• Assist with development of annual budgets and operational plans.
• Draft, review, and prepare contracts, agreements, and related documentation.
• Coordinate and collaborate with internal district units, South Fork Adults in Custody crews, resource specialists, Research Cooperatives, and external partners.
• Manage and maintain data and information systems, including SLI, to ensure accurate tracking and reporting of reforestation activities.
• Contribute to the successful implementation of science‑based, sustainable forest management practices within the Astoria District.

Minimum Qualifications:

Two years of experience in Forestry and/or a closely related natural resource program, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry or a closely related natural resource program.

OR

Three additional years of related (pertinent) experience

OR
One year of experience in Forestry and/or a closely related natural resource program, and a master's degree in Forestry or a closely related natural resource program.

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.

Desired Skills:

• Strong knowledge of reforestation principles, silviculture, and forest ecosystem management.
• Skill in developing and implementing project budgets, operational plans, and strategic objectives.
• Ability to plan and conduct stocking surveys, stand monitoring, and field assessments.
• Proficiency in identifying invasive species, forest pests, and diseases, and developing appropriate treatment strategies.
• Strong communication and coordination skills for working with agencies, contractors, landowners, and internal staff.
• Ability to develop scopes of work, prepare contracts, and oversee contract compliance.
• Experience with seed and seedling management, including acquisition, sowing plans, production monitoring, and logistics.
• Competence in GIS and data management tools, including ArcPro, ArcGIS Field Maps, and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to train, guide, and support field staff in consistent application of forest management plans and standards.
• Strong problem‑solving, organizational, and decision‑making skills to support complex operational planning and field implementation.
• Must have Oregon Public Pesticide Applicator’s License with Forest and Right of Way Endorsements. (Currently possess or attain within 6 months of hire.)

How to Apply:

• Cover letter and resume are both required - Failure to submit the required cover letter or resume will remove your application from consideration. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.
• Current State of Oregon employees – You must apply through your employee Workday account.
• Please ensure the work history in your applicant profile is up to date.
• The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.
• Please contact the recruiter under the ‘Need Help” section if you have any questions about how to fill out the fields of experience or to attach a document. Your submitted experience fields or attached resume must include dates (MM/YYYY) for each employer.

Salary determination: 

Per the Pay Equity Law passed in 2017, a pay equity analysis for starting salary will be conducted to determine what pay step the successful candidate will be offered. The analysis will be based on the submitted materials and the time of application.  No other documents will be accepted after submission of application. Please include any relevant information and materials if you wish to be compensated accordingly.

Additional Details:

• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies. This position is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
• If you have questions about this position, please contact Hiring Manager: [email protected] 
• 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. 
• The Oregon Department of Forestry does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODF will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized 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.
• 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 on the basis of 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.