Forest Officer; Dalles

Join to apply for the Forest Officer (The Dalles) role at State of Oregon

This range is provided by State of Oregon. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

• 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 (The Dalles)

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.

Real Jobs. Real Impact. Are you up to the Challenge? Our Mission – To protect and promote resilient forests that benefit all Oregonians. As Oregon’s largest fire department, ODF’s Fire Protection Program protects 16 million acres of forest. These lands consist of privately owned forests as well as some public lands, including state-owned forests and, by contract, US Bureau of Land Management forests in western Oregon.

ODF’s firefighting policy is straightforward:
Put out fires quickly at the smallest possible size. Most of the land protected by the agency is working forests that produce revenue and support jobs. It is crucial to prevent fire damage to the timber resource that is an essential element of Oregon’s economy. This aggressive approach to firefighting also safeguards ecosystem values such as fish and wildlife habitats.

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! Great Benefits Package - watch this video.

• Four (4) seasons in wildland fire suppression OR bachelor's degree in forestry or closely related natural resources field and one (1) season of wildland fire suppression.
• Pass the physical fitness Work Capacity Test at the arduous level if selected for employment.
• Obtain Class B Warden certification within the trial service period.
• 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 not able to fill at the qualified level.

• 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.

• 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 such as chainsaws, portable pumps, various fire engines, GPS, mapping software, and various types of forestry or firefighting vehicles.
• Communicating:
  Experience handling conflict with team members, landowners, and leadership.

This position supports wildfire operations in a variety of environments and may involve extended or irregular hours during peak activity. Work can include periods of physical exertion in heat, smoke, and rugged terrain. Travel is required, and employees may be assigned to 14-day deployments, during which they must be prepared and self-sufficient. Some assignments occur in remote or rural areas where cell service, facilities and other resources may be limited.

• 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.

• 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:
  Phil Raffaelly, phillip.raffaellygon.gov.
• 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…