Natural Resource Specialist 1 - Limited Duration

State of Oregon; Oregon (WI); On-site; CAD 70,000 - 97,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Great Benefits Package

Job summary

Oregon Department of Forestry is seeking a Natural Resource Specialist 1 - Limited Duration to provide on-the-ground and administrative coordination for fuels reduction projects, liaise with districts and landowners, and support grant management.

This limited-duration appointment runs through 12/31/2027, with a benefits package and potential extension pending budget approval. Applicants must have forestry experience or a related degree and a valid driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Three years of experience in Forestry or a closely related natural resource field or a bachelor’s degree in Forestry or a related field.
• Valid driver's license and DMV/ CDL driving-record checks will be required for top candidates.

Responsibilities

• Provide on-the-ground and administrative process coordination for fuels reduction projects.
• Serve as liaison with rural fire districts, universities, cities and counties.
• Provide technical forest management advice to private landowners on fire planning and fuel reductions.
• Maintain project tracking systems including expenditure tracking.
• Document progress using GPS and GIS tools as needed.
• Administer federal grant projects and assist with grant administration.

Skills

Fuels management

Wildfire behavior

Communication and outreach

Grant management

GIS skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Forestry or related field

Tools

GPS

GIS software

Job description

Initial Posting Date: 09/11/2026 Application Deadline: 09/24/2026 Agency: Forestry Department Salary Range: $4,519 - $6,276 Position Type: Employee

Job Title: Natural Resource Specialist 1 - Limited Duration

Job Description: Real Jobs. Real Impact. Are you up to the Challenge? Join a team that helps care for Oregon’s forests. Our Mission – To protect and promote resilient forests that benefit all Oregonians. This is a limited Duration appointment that is expected to end on or before 12/31/2027. Limited duration appointments are benefits eligible and have a designated maximum length of service. This position has the possibility of being extended pending budget approval.

Benefits

• Great Benefits Package - watch this video here

What you will be doing:

• Provide on-the-ground and administrative process coordination and leadership to fuels reduction projects.
• Serve as liaison with rural fire districts, university extension agents, cities and counties.
• Provide technical forest management advice to private landowners pertaining to fire planning and fuel reductions practices.
• Maintain effective project tracking systems, including assistance with expenditure tracking.
• Document on-the-ground progress using GPS and occasionally GIS tools.
• Be responsible for grant administration support.
• Administer federal grant projects that ODF has already secured, including but not limited to: contacting landowners, explaining grant program to landowners, signing the landowner up in the program, checking the property, estimating amount of work to be done, answering landowners questions, checking project completion, and requesting payment/reimbursement/authorization.
• Assist with fire program needs, such as helping with fire staffing needs on District, and potentially off District fire assignments.

General Duties:

• Administer fuels‑hazard abatement grant projects
• Provide outreach, education, and technical guidance to landowners and community partners
• Assist in project planning, inspections, and compliance checks
• Use GIS tools to track and document project progress
• Maintain reports, budgets, and grant deliverables to meet federal requirements
• Coordinate with program staff and help resolve project issues
• Conduct onsite reviews of work progress and completion
• Support wildfire emergency operations, including firefighting or incident support
• Assist with essential duties during major fire emergencies as needed

Minimum Qualifications:

• Three years of experience in Forestry or a closely related natural resource field; OR A bachelor's degree in Forestry or a closely related natural resource field.
• Driver’s License Check – This position requires the operation of a state vehicle for official State business. As part of the hiring process, the agency uses Advanced Reporting LLC to conduct all required DMV and CDL driving‑record checks. Advanced Reporting LLC will obtain and review the driving record for the top candidate to verify possession of a valid license and an acceptable driving record.

Desired Skills:

• Knowledge of fuels management, wildfire behavior, and fire‑risk reduction practices
• Strong communication and outreach skills for working with landowners and community partners
• Ability to manage grant projects, including budgeting, tracking deliverables, and reporting
• Proficiency with GIS tools for mapping, planning, and data management
• Problem‑solving skills and the ability to work effectively in field conditions and emergency wildfire situations

If you have questions about this position, please contact Hiring Manager: [e-mail]

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.

ODF is an Equal Employment Opportunity andAffirmative Action Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of 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.

Oregon state government is a large organization by nearly any standard. With over 40,000 employees working all over the state, in small communities and large, we are proving that government can be innovative. We work as a team, challenging ourselves to be better, faster and more efficient with taxpayer dollars. After all, when every day we are responsible for caring for the needs of a diverse population and thriving business community, we simply must have the best and brightest workforce. If you take responsibility for your actions, are passionate about helping others succeed, and have a reputation for excellence and honesty, why not make Oregon state government your next career move? Joining our team means you open the door to many possibilities. From entry level to executive, outdoor work to policy setting, we have a role for nearly every calling, expertise and background. If you’re looking at us from across the country (or beyond!), know that Oregon is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Made up of seven diverse regions, Oregon has the ocean, mountains, valleys, high desert, cities, small towns, and almost everything in between. Oregon flies with her own wings.

If you have questions about this job announcement, or need an alternate format to apply, please contact: [e-mail].