Natural Resource Specialist 1 - Limited Duration

State of Oregon; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 54,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Oregon is seeking a Natural Resource Specialist 1 for a limited duration to lead fuels reduction projects and coordinate grant administration across rural districts and partners. You will guide private landowner engagements, oversee budgeting and reporting, and use GPS/GIS tools to document progress.

The role requires forestry experience and a degree in forestry or related natural resources, with a focus on field operations, compliance, and emergency wildfire support.

Qualifications

• Three years of experience in Forestry or a closely related natural resource field.
• Bachelor's degree in Forestry or a closely related natural resource field.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate fuels-hazard abatement grant projects and track deliverables.
• Provide outreach 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 and incident response as needed.

Skills

Fuels management knowledge

Wildfire behavior understanding

Outreach to landowners

Grant project management

GIS data mapping

Education

Bachelor's degree in Forestry

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

Position Title: Natural Resource Specialist 1 - Limited Duration

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.

Great Benefits Package - watch this video here

What you will be doing: This position provides on-the-ground and administrative process coordination and leadership to fuels reduction projects. Serves as liaison with rural fire districts, university extension agents, cities and counties. Provides technical forest management advice to private landowners pertaining to fire planning and fuel reductions practices. Maintains effective project tracking systems, including assistance with expenditure tracking. Documents on-the-ground progress using GPS and occasionally GIS tools. Responsible for grant administration support. Through utilization of natural resource and fuels management knowledge, this position administers 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. Also assists 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.

Note: 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

Salary Determination:

Per the Pay Equity Law passed in 2017, a pay equity analysis for starting salary will be conducted to determine what pay step the successful candidate will be offered. The analysis will be based on the submitted materials and the time of application. No other documents will be accepted after submission of application. Please include any relevant information and materials if you wish to be compensated accordingly.

Additional Details:

• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies. This position is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

• 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.

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

ODF is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Aff ...