Region Forester (Natural Resource Specialist 3)

Do you have experience in forest management, project planning, contracting and resource protection? Do you enjoy working collaboratively in a team setting? Put your knowledge into action and support healthy forests at some of Oregon’s most beloved places, come join our team as a Region Forester and support one of Oregon’s greatest resources – State Parks!

We are currently hiring two (2) positions; one in each of the following locations: The Mountain Region and Coastal Region.

These positions fall under the classification Natural Resource Specialist 3.

Our Mission

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department's (OPRD's) mission is to provide and protect outstanding natural, scenic, cultural, historic and recreational sites for the enjoyment and education of present and future generations.

Our Operating Principles

OPRD believes Operating Principles are core values that, if mutually accepted and supported by all employees, will create a connected, respectful, and trusting work environment. Our Operating Principles are: Accountability, Commitment, Empathy, Empowerment, Fun, Integrity, Respect, & Well-being.

OPRD Welcome Statement

OPRD recognizes that Oregon’s resilience and beauty are strengthened by its diverse population. Oregon State Parks are public spaces, and are welcome to all. OPRD is committed to valuing and serving everyone and actively working to provide safe and equitable access to state parks and agency programs. OPRD will not tolerate racism, harassment, discrimination, or intimidation in any form.

What you will do:

You will assist the Region Park Resource Manager in implementing an effective regional forest management program. You will do this by preparing and overseeing contracts to inventory forests, preparing tree planting, tree service and young stand management contracts and timber product sale contracts as tools to improve the regional forest resources in support of the agency’s mission. You will also train park staff in hazard tree identification and monitoring. In addition, you will coordinate with park staff to help prioritize and manage fuels reduction, hazard tree identification and removal as well as wildfire mitigation.

For a complete list of duties and working conditions for these positions, please click here.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's degree in forestry or related natural resource field
• Three years of experience in forestry. At least one year of the experience must be at a technical or professional level performing activities in a natural resource program such as researching and analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities; AND

OR

• Six years of experience in forestry, reforestation or related natural resources field.

Please Note:

• A Doctorate degree in forestry will substitute for up to two years of the required experience.
• A Master's degree in forestry will substitute for up to one year of the required experience.

Special Requirements:

• To be hired, you must have a criminal records and driving records check that meets OPRD Criteria at the time of hire, and throughout employment.
• You must have a valid driver’s license at the time of hire and throughout employment.

What we are looking for (Desired Attributes):

The following are skills that we have identified as key to success in these Region Forester roles at OPRD. These are the attributes we are looking for in our top candidates. If you have these skills, please let us know in your application.

• A wide-ranging skill set as it pertains to forest management activities including; long and short term harvest planning, harvest preparation, timber cruising, log markets, best management practices, etc.
• Have, (or be able to obtain within 1 year of beginning service at OPRD) your International Society of Arborists certification.
• Have the ability to successfully plan, track, and complete multiple projects across a large region and over several years.
• Strong problem-solving skills with an ability to accurately identify complex issues and related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Basic knowledge of the Oregon Forest Practices act.
• Ability to communicate effectively with partners, stakeholders, contractors, other agency and local officials, tribal members and internal agency staff.
• Experience in promoting a culturally competent and diverse work environment.
• Skills and knowledge of basic park resource and facility operations and maintenance and/or resource interpretation.
• Strong working knowledge of all aspects of project/timber sale contracts including, contract preparation and contract administration.
• A general understanding of silvicultural practices, forest ecology, forest insects and pathogens, and ecosystem dynamics as related to the Pacific Northwest region of the United States.

What's in it for you:

This is a fantastic opportunity to support millions of visitors connecting with the best state park system in America. You will work with a team of supportive, talented and highly motivated professionals. And, you’ll receive a generous benefits package including:

• Optional life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, deferred compensation savings program, and flexible spending accounts for health care and child care expenses;
• Opportunities for career growth and development.
• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP);
• Excellent medical, vision, and dental benefits package for the employee and qualified family members with a very low monthly out-of-pocket cost;
• 11 paid holidays per year;
• 8 hours of sick leave accumulated every month;
• Progressive vacation leave accrual, starting at 8 hours per month;
• 3 additional paid "Personal Business Days" per year that you may use at any time;

How to Apply:

Your candidate profile, including work experience is the perfect place to display your interest in the position and highlight the skills and experience you will bring, making you the best candidate for the position. Submissions are screened for consistency of information and communication skills at the professional level (attention to detail, spelling, grammar, etc.).

• Internal Applicants (Current State of Oregon employees): Apply via your employee Workday account. View this knowledge article for help.
• External Applicants: Click on the “Apply” link and submit your application. View this video for help.

After You Apply:

• Log in to your Workday account (application site) before the job announcement closes to see if you have any pending tasks or actions. These can be found under the “My Applications” section. Make sure to complete these tasks or actions before the job announcement closes.
• Eligible veterans will be given veterans' preference. If claiming veterans’ preference, please be sure to check your Workday account for pending tasks or actions under your “My Applications” section – this is where you will be asked to upload your qualifying preference documentation after you apply.
• Be sure to check both your email, including junk folder, and Workday account for updates regarding this recruitment.

Additional Information:

• Coastal Region - Chris Parkins: [email protected] telephone 541-605-8912.
• If you have specific questions about these positions, please feel free to contact the hiring supervisor at the region of interest:
• These positions are full-time, permanent.
• These positions are represented by Association of Engineering Employees of Oregon (AEE).
• Please review theClassification and Compensationpage for more details on the classification, or you may visit our website for information on the job offer process followingpay equity
• The salary listed is at the non-PERS rate. Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) eligible employees will have their base salary increased by 6% and pay the 6% employee contribution to PERS. If you are not yet PERS eligible, the 6% pay increase and employee contribution will be effective upon PERS eligibility.
• Mountain Region -Bridget Tinsley: [email protected] telephone 541-604-6589.
• Please save a copy of this job announcement for your reference, as it may not be available for you to view after the job closes.
• Oregon Parks & Recreation Department does not offer visa sponsorships. Within three days of hire, all applicants will be required to complete the US Department of Justice Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. Oregon Parks and RecreationDepartmentuses E-Verify to confirm that applicants are authorized to work in the United States.
• This announcement may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.

Questions/Need Help?

Email: [email protected]

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Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, committed to diversity and pay equity.