Forest Officer; Klamath-Lakeview District

Base pay range

Initial Posting Date: 01/06/2026

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 (Klamath-Lakeview District)

Real Jobs. Real Impact. Are you up to the Challenge? Our Mission – To protect and promote resilient forests that benefit all Oregonians.

Note:

Effective Feb. 1, 2026, the compensation plan for this position will be increased to reflect a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) of 2.5%. The salary listed does not reflect the COLA.

As Oregon’s largest fire department, ODF's Fire Protection Program protects 16 million acres of forest. These lands consist of privately owned and public forests, including state-owned forests and BLM forests in western Oregon. ODF's firefighting policy is straightforward:
Put out fires quickly at the smallest possible size. The agency protects working forests that produce revenue, support jobs, and safeguard ecosystem values such as fish and wildlife habitats.

• 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.

Note:

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

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 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 such as slash burning, pre-commercial thinning, road brushing, etc.

• Forestry knowledge:
  Understanding forest management practices and regulations.
• Fire management:
  Suppression, safety, and handling.
• Equipment operation:
  Proficiency with tools like chainsaws, pumps, fire engines, GPS, mapping software.
• Communicating:
  Experience handling conflict with team members, landowners, and leadership.

This position supports wildfire operations in various environments and may involve extended or irregular hours during peak activity. Work may include physical exertion in heat, smoke, rugged terrain. Travel is required; employees may be assigned to 14-day deployments and must be self-sufficient. Some assignments are in remote or rural areas with limited service.

• Please ensure the work history in your applicant profile is up to date.
• Current State of Oregon employees – apply through your employee Workday account.

• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies.
• The position is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
• Contact Hiring Manager:
  Michael Leach, michael.leachgon.gov.
• Oregon Department of Forestry does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, all applicants must complete the US DHS Form I-9.
• Veterans – eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard service members will be awarded candidate preference.
• For alternate format to apply or questions about the announcement, contact corie.t.shelleygon.gov.

ODF is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affitive 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.

Entry level

Full-time

Other

Government Administration