Natural Resource Specialist 4 - State Wildland Fire Aviation Manager

Council of Western State Foresters; Edgewater (CO); Hybrid; USD 76,000 - 112,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid remote work

Great benefits package

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Forestry is seeking a State Wildland Fire Aviation Manager to lead and shape the statewide aviation program for wildfire response and public safety. You will direct the Aviation Unit’s operations, policy, safety, and coordination across districts and partners.

Responsibilities include managing contracts, ensuring regulatory compliance, and guiding program growth while reporting to leadership. Hybrid remote work with onsite duties in Salem as required.

Qualifications

• Three years of professional level experience in Aviation Management or related fields.
• Experience in supervising and coordinating multidisciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of aviation regulations and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead statewide aviation operations for coordinated wildfire response and serve as the primary aviation expert.
• Develop and manage aviation contracts and agreements; ensure policy compliance and FAA alignment.
• Oversee aviation personnel qualifications and unit budgets.

Skills

Aviation management

Leadership

FAA regulations

Contract management

Policy development

Safety investigations

Budgets

Cross-agency coordination

Wildfire aviation operations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Forestry or related field

Job description

Initial Posting Date: 11/02/2026 Application Deadline: 11/17/2026 Agency: Forestry Department Salary Range: $6,834 - $10,076 Position Type: Employee Position Title: Natural Resource Specialist 4 - State Wildland Fire Aviation Manager

Job Description:

The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) is seeking an experienced and forward‑thinking leader to serve as our next State Wildland Fire Aviation Manager. This pivotal role directs all business of the Aviation Unit within the Protection Division and ensures ODF maintains the capability to mount a coordinated, statewide aviation response to emerging and active wildfire threats. The State Wildland Fire Aviation Manager provides critical staff support to 12 State and Association Forest Protection Districts and oversees aviation operations, safety, and policy for the agency.

The 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!

This position is Hybrid Remote Work. The duties of this position are performed remotely as well as at our central office in Salem. The ability to report to Salem or field offices is required when business or operational needs are dependent on onsite activities.

What we are looking for:

The State Wildland Fire Aviation Manager plays a key role in protecting Oregon’s forests, communities, and natural resources. Your leadership will shape the aviation strategies that support wildfire response and public safety across the state. You will lead and manage ODF’s statewide aviation program, providing technical expertise, operational oversight, and strategic direction.

Your responsibilities include:

• Aviation Operations Management Lead statewide aviation operations for coordinated wildfire response. Serve as ODF’s primary aviation expert and advisor. Develop and manage aviation contracts and agreements. Ensure district compliance with ODF policy and FAA regulations. Oversee aviation personnel qualifications and manage unit budgets.
• Aviation Policy Leadership Interpret federal and state aviation regulations and advise agency leadership. Develop aviation policy, directives, and guidance materials.
• Aviation Safety Management Lead aviation safety and aircraft incident/accident investigations. Maintain the statewide aviation safety plan and review district plans.

Please note: This position is currently pending reclassification to a Wildland Fire Program Manager 1. This position is being advertised and filled under its current classification. Upon reclassification, the position title, salary range, and/or duties may be adjusted accordingly.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Three years of professional level experience in Aviation Management, Supervision, Evaluative, Analytical and/or Planning work.
• 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, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities.
• AND A bachelor's degree in Forestry, Aviation Management, Business Administration, or a closely related field of study.
• OR Three additional years of related (pertinent) experience.
• 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:

• Experience managing fire aviation operations involving fixed‑wing and rotary‑wing aircraft.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing complex programs, operations, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of national aviation policy, FAA regulations, aviation safety standards, and applicable state and federal aviation requirements.
• Experience developing, implementing, and evaluating policies, procedures, safety programs, and operational guidelines.
• Experience negotiating and administering contracts, interagency agreements, and cooperative aviation arrangements.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating aviation operations and resources with local, state, federal, military, and private‑sector partners.
• Knowledge of wildfire suppression operations, incident management systems, and interagency emergency response coordination.
• Strategic planning, problem‑solving, conflict resolution, and decision‑making skills.
• Preference may be given to applicants who hold a CAM (certified aviation manager).

Additional Details:

This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies. This position is management service and is not represented by a Union. If you have questions about this position, please contact Hiring Manager: [e-mail]. Relocation assistance may be available per agency policy 40.055.10 for current or recalled employees or 40.055.20 for new employees. Please discuss details with the hiring manager during the recruitment process. The Oregon Department of Forestry does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODF will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized 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 recruiter: [e-mail]. ODF is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Aff… 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.”