Natural Resource Specialist 1 - Forester

Initial Posting Date:

04/29/2026

Application Deadline:

05/07/2026

Agency:

Forestry Department

Salary Range:

$4,519 - $6,276

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Natural Resource Specialist 1 - Forester

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:

In this position you will assist the Assistant District Forester accomplish all land management activities on State Forest lands in Lane, Douglas, Coos, Curry, Jackson and Josephine Counties, particularly in the preparation of timber sales and reforestation management responsibilities associated with implementing the agency’s Forest Management Plan and Greatest Permanent Value to the citizens of Oregon.

Minimum Qualifications:

A Bachelor's degree in forestry or natural resource management.

OR
Three years of experience in forestry or natural resource management and level of responsibility.

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:

• Timber Sale Layout - Strong background in timber sale layout.  This includes experience, training or education in: administering timber sale contracts, preparing timber sale contracts, layout out of timber sales, timber cruising, and laying out logging roads.
• Logging Systems - Strong background in logging systems.  This includes experience and/or education in both ground and cable harvest unit design.
• Reforestation/Plantation Maintenance - Strong background in reforestation methods and plantation maintenance.  This includes experience, training or education in: conducting/coordinating stocking surveys, planting inspections, herbicide applications, seedling evaluations and nurseries, and pre-commercial thinning operations.
• Computer/GIS - Experience, training or education with computers, handhelds data recorders and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is required.  This includes familiarity and some experience with GIS software such as ESRI GIS.  It also includes experience working with Microsoft Windows server and desktop operating systems, printers and Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, and PowerPoint).  College classroom experience counts.
• Active listening/Teamwork - Ability to develop strong working relationships and to maintain those relationships when resolving natural resource issues.

How to Apply:

• Please ensure the work history in your applicant profile is up to date.
• Current State of Oregon employees – You must apply through your employee Workday account.
• Cover letter and resume are both required - Please include in your cover letter how you meet the desired skills listed above. 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.
• 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.
• Your submitted experience fields or attached resume must include dates (MM/YYYY) for each employer.
• Per the Pay Equity Law passed in 2017, a pay equity analysis will be conducted to determine what pay step the successful candidate will be offered. The analysis will be based on the relevant experience, education, training, and certifications documented in the application materials therefore applicants should include that relevant information if they 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: chet.behling@odf.oregon.gov
• 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 Christopher.fisher@odf.oregon.gov  

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.