Natural Resource Specialist - Fire Planning Forester - Limited

Initial Posting Date: 02/02/2026 |
Final date to receive applications: 02/12/2026 |
Agency: Forestry Department |
Salary Range: $4,738 - $7,247 |
Position Type: Employee |
Position Title: Natural Resource Specialist 2 - Fire Planning Forester - Limited Duration

Job Description: Welcome to the Oregon Department of Forestry

This is a Limited Duration Position expected to end 02/2028. Possible to go further pending funding.

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! .

What we are looking for:

The Wildfire Risk Reduction Project Coordinator leads and administers wildfire mitigation projects funded through Community Wildfire Defense Grants (CWDG) and outlined in the Linn County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). This position works closely with ODF district staff, rural fire districts, university extension agents, and local governments to implement fuels reduction projects and provide technical guidance to private landowners.

• Coordinate and manage wildfire risk reduction projects funded through CWDG and CWPP.
• Collaborate with ODF staff, rural fire districts, extension agents, and local governments on fuels reduction initiatives.
• Provide technical FIREWISE and forest management advice to private landowners.
• Administer federal grant projects, including:
  • Contacting and enrolling landowners in programs.
  • Evaluating properties and estimating work requirements.
  • Scheduling and overseeing project operations.
  • Managing payment requests and reimbursement processes.
• Develop and maintain project tracking systems using GPS and GIS tools.
• Assist communities in creating and updating CWPPs by assessing needs, identifying resources, and recommending hazard abatement strategies.

• Two years of experience in forestry or natural resource program, and a Bachelor's degree in forestry or natural resource program, or three additional years of related forestry experience.
• OR One year of experience in forestry or natural resource program and a Master's degree in forestry or natural resource program.
• OR A Doctorate degree in forestry or 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.

• Strong technical background in fire prevention, suppression, fire behavior, fuels management, and planning.
• Proficiency in GIS and GPS tools for project tracking and documentation.
• Experience with grant administration and compliance.
• Ability to communicate effectively with landowners, community partners, and agency staff.
• Knowledge of natural resource management and wildfire mitigation practices.

• 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 required - Please explain in your cover how you meet the minimum qualifications and the listed desired skills. Be specific. Failure to submit the required cover letter will remove your application from consideration.
• 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.

• 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:
  Craig Pettinger, Craig.pettingergon.gov
• Oregon…