Forest Officer

Overview

Initial Posting Date: 02/03/2026

Final date to receive applications: 02/15/2026

Agency: Forestry Department

Salary Range: $4,945 - $7,549

Position Type: Employee

Position Title: Forest Officer

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, USBureau 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! .

• 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.

• 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 firefighting 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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:
  Kevin.
  
  M.Hillgon.
  
  Gov
• Oregon Department of…