Natural Resource Specialist 2 - Stewardship Forester

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Veneta (OR); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A state forestry agency in Veneta is seeking a Natural Resource Specialist 2 - Stewardship Forester to administer forestry practices and support landowners in achieving their forest management goals. The ideal candidate has a background in forestry, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work in a flexible environment. This role offers competitive benefits and the chance to make a positive impact on Oregon's forests.

Benefits

Work/life balance

11 paid holidays

Flexible work schedules

Competitive benefits packages

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in forestry or natural resource program.
• One year of experience with a Master’s degree in forestry or natural resource program.
• A Doctorate degree in forestry or natural resource program.

Responsibilities

• Administer Oregon's Forest Practices Act and rules.
• Evaluate notifications and approve plans for practices.
• Inspect forestry operations for compliance.

Skills

Working knowledge of forest management technology

Excellent communication skills

Experience providing education and outreach

Working knowledge of GIS applications

Education

Bachelor's degree in forestry or related field

Master's degree in forestry or related field

Doctorate degree in forestry or related field

Job description

Overview

Initial Posting Date: 09/19/2025

Application Deadline: 10/06/2025

Agency: Forestry Department

Salary Range: $4,622 - $7,070

Position Type: Employee

Position Title: Natural Resource Specialist 2 - Stewardship Forester

Job Description

Welcome to the Oregon Department of Forestry

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! Click here.

What we are looking for

Oregon Department of Forestry is looking for a Natural Resource Specialist 2 - Stewardship Forester in Veneta to administer Oregon’s Forest Practices Act and rules; assist landowners in obtaining their forest objectives by offering information and assistance that encourages long term investments in forest management activities that are consistent with sound management of soil, air, water, fish and wildlife resources. This is accomplished with statutes, rules, programs and policies that relate to: forest practices; reforestation tax credits; cost share and grant funding; fire protection; integrated pest management; resource protection; voluntary measures in the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds; and best management practices to maintain water quality. Participation in the wildland fire program is essential and flexibility to occasionally work outside of the 8:00 am to 5:00 pm work period during fire season will be necessary. Some duties of the position include:

• Assist operators and clerical staff in preparing notifications and permits to use fire or operate power-driven machinery.
• Evaluate notifications, review and comment on written plans and approve plans for alternate practices consistent with Oregon’s Forest Practices Act.
• Inspect forestry operations for compliance with Oregon’s Forest Practices Act.
• Inspect and monitor reforestation requirements.
• Investigate complaints submitted from the general public.
• Provide technical advice and assistance to non-industrial, private landowners and administers and coordinates state and federal cost-share and incentive programs.
• Involvement in division committees
• Acting as subject matter expert during public and specialized group meetings.

Minimum Qualifications

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.

Desired Skills

• Working knowledge of forest management technology and recommended best management practices.
• Demonstrate ability to foster a culture of service, team environment, and strong internal communication and alignment.
• Excellent communicator with proven verbal and written skills including working with operators, landowners, and the general public in communicating technical information and prescriptive standards.
• Experience providing education and outreach to a variety of users such as landowners, operators, small woodland owners, and other agencies in classroom/workshop and/or field tour settings etc.
• Working knowledge of GIS applications and ability to manipulate data and create maps.
• Some knowledge and/or experience in timber harvest layout, forest roads, and harvest contract administration.

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.
• Cover letter and resume are both required - Failure to submit the required cover letter or resume will remove your application from consideration. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.

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: John Deegan, [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 - If you are an eligible veteran and you meet the qualifications; veterans' preference points will be added to your score. 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]

EEO Statement: 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.