Forest Officer; Fossil

Overview

Initial Posting Date: 01/05/2026

Final date to receive applications: 04/30/2026

Agency: Forestry Department

Salary Range: $4,824.00 - $7,365.00

Position Type: Employee

Position Title: Forest Officer (Fossil)

Real Jobs. Real Impact. Are you up to the Challenge?

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 include privately owned forests and some public lands, including state-owned forests and, by contract, USBureau of Land Management forests in western Oregon. ODF's firefighting policy is to 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 supports Oregon’s economy. This approach also safeguards ecosystem values such as fish and wildlife habitats.

: ODF Seasonal Wildland Fire Video

You’ll be part of the ODF team that serves fellow Oregonians relying on regulation and protection of both public and private forest land in Oregon. .

Great Benefits Package - watch this video

Forest Officer – Four (4) seasons in wildland fire suppression OR bachelor’s degree in forestry or closely related natural resources field and one (1) season of wildland fire suppression.

Notes: Successful applicants must take and pass the physical fitness Work Capacity Test at the arduous level if selected for employment. You must obtain the Class B Warden certification within the trial service period. Applicants must be 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license at the time of hire. We may consider applicants that do not have 4 seasons if not able to fill at the qualified level.

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

• Forestry knowledge: Understanding forest management practices and related regulations.
• Fire management: Fire management, suppression, and safety including fire knowledge and handling.
• Equipment operation: Proficiency with forestry tools like chainsaws, portable pumps, various fire engines, GPS and mapping software, and different forestry or firefighting vehicles.
• Communication: Experience handling conflicts with team members, landowners, and leadership.

This position supports wildfire operations in a variety of environments and may involve extended or irregular hours during peak activity. Work can include periods of physical exertion in heat, smoke, and rugged terrain. Travel is required, and employees may be assigned to 14-day deployments, during which they must be prepared and self-sufficient. Some assignments occur in remote or rural areas where cell service, facilities and other resources may be limited.

• 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.

• 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, contact Hiring Manager:
  Ethan Gazin, email unavailable in this format.
• Oregon Department of Forestry does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, all applicants will complete the US DHS Form I-9.
• Veterans - Eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard service members who meet the qualifications will be awarded candidate preference. After applying you will be asked to provide veteran documentation in Workday. See Veterans Resources for more information.
• If you have questions about the job announcement, or need an alternate format to apply, contact Corie Shelly via email.

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 programs, services, activities, hiring, and employment practices.