Forest Officer (Sisters)

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This position will be stationed at Lake Chinook for the duration of fire season.

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 in this posting 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 forests as well as some public lands, including state-owned forests and, by contract, US Bureau 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 also safeguards ecosystem values such as fish and wildlife habitats. 

Click here: ODF Seasonal Wildland Fire Video

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.

Great Benefits Package - watch this video

Forest Officer – Minimum Qualifications

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.
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.
 

*We may consider applicants that do not have 4 seasons, if not able to fill at the qualified level. 

General Duties:

• 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.

Skills we are looking for:

• Forestry knowledge: Understanding Forest management practices and knowing related regulations. 

• Fire management: Fire Management, suppression, and safety, which includes fire knowledge and handling. 

• Equipment operation: Proficiency with forestry tools like chainsaws, portable pumps, various fire engines, tools like GPS and mapping software as well as various types of forestry or fire fighting vehicles.

• Communicating: experience: handling conflict with team members, landowners, and Leadership. 

Working Conditions:

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.

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.

Additional Details:

• 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: Chris Dayton, [email protected].

• Oregon Department of Forestry does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, all applicants will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's Form I-9, confirming authorization 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 [email protected].

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