Forest Officer; La Grande

Join to apply for the Forest Officer (La Grande) role at State of Oregon

This posting includes the following details about base pay, posting dates, agency, and job expectations.

Initial Posting Date 01/05/2026

Final date to receive applications 04/30/2026

Agency Forestry Department

Salary Range $4,824.00 - $7,365.00

Position Type Employee

Position Title Forest Officer (La Grande)

Job Description Real Jobs. Real Impact. Are you up to the Challenge? Our Mission – To protect and promote resilient forests that benefit all Oregonians.

• Note:
  
  Effective Feb. 1, 2026, the compensation plan for this position will be increased to reflect a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) of 2.5%. The salary listed in this posting does not reflect the COLA.

As Oregon’s largest fire department, ODF's Fire Protection Program protects 16 million acres of forest. These lands include privately owned forests and public lands, including state-owned forests and, by contract, US Bureau of Land Management forests in western Oregon. ODF's firefighting policy is to put out fires quickly at the smallest possible size, with a focus on protecting timber resources and ecosystem values.

You'll be part of the ODF team serving Oregonians by regulating and protecting both public and private forest land in Oregon.

Forest Officer – Minimum Qualifications

• Forest Officer – Four (4) seasons in wildland fire suppression OR a bachelor's degree in forestry or closely related natural resources field and one (1) season of wildland fire suppression.
• Note:
  
  Successful applicants must take and pass the physical fitness Work Capacity Test at the arduous level if selected for employment.
• Note:
  
  You must obtain the Class B Warden certification within the trial service period.
• Note:
  
  Applicants must be 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license at the time of hire.
• We may consider applicants that do not have 4 seasons if the department cannot fill at the qualified level.

General Duties

• Perform forest fire suppression activities.
• Perform pre-suppression readiness activities.
• Perform fire prevention and education activities.
• Assist with grounds and facility maintenance.
• Occasionally perform forest tasks involving slash burning, pre-commercial thinning, road brushing, etc.

Skills We Are Looking For

• Forestry knowledge:
  Understanding forest management practices and related regulations.
• Fire management:
  Fire management, suppression, and safety, including fire knowledge and handling.
• Equipment operation:
  Proficiency with forestry tools like chainsaws, portable pumps, various fire engines, GPS and mapping software, and related vehicles.
• Communication:
  Experience handling conflict with team members, landowners, and leadership.

Working Conditions

This position supports wildfire operations in a variety of environments and may involve extended or irregular hours during peak activity. Work can include physical exertion in heat, smoke, and rugged terrain. Travel is required, and deployments can be 14-day periods. Some assignments occur in remote or rural areas with limited cell service and facilities.

How To Apply

• Ensure the work history in your applicant profile is up to date.
• Current State of Oregon employees – Apply through your employee Workday account.

Additional Details

• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies. This position is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
• For questions about this position, contact Hiring Manager:
  Logan McCrae, logan.mccraegon.gov.
• Oregon Department of Forestry does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, all applicants must complete the US DHS Form I-9.
• Veterans - Eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard service members who meet the qualifications will be awarded candidate preference. After you apply you will be asked to provide veteran documentation.
• If you need an alternate format to apply, contact corie.t.shelleygon.gov.

Equal Employment Opportunity 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 protected class in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring, and employment practices.

• Entry level

• Full-time

• Other
• Industries:
  Government Administration

Note:

This refined description removes clutter and ensures a clear, job-focused presentation with proper HTML structure and compliant formatting.