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Silviculture & Vegetation Management Program Manager

Oregon State University

Oregon State University

People & HR, Operations
USD 70k-90k / year
Posted on Dec 17, 2025
Position Information
Department College Forests (FOR)
Position Title Specialist 2-Forestry
Job Title Silviculture & Vegetation Management Program Manager
Appointment Type Professional Faculty
Job Location Corvallis
Benefits Eligible Full-Time, benefits eligible
Remote or Hybrid option?
Job Summary
The Department of College Forests in the College of Forestry at Oregon State University is seeking a Silviculture & Vegetation Management Program Manager. This is a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, professional faculty position.
The OSU Research Forests were donated to the College of Forestry to serve as living laboratories and outdoor classrooms for students, researchers and managers to learn about forest ecosystems and management. OSU utilizes the Research Forests to find new ways to sustainably manage forests for conservation, education, business and recreation. Our forests proudly serve as a refuge for the community to connect with nature, learn about our ecosystems and enjoy favorite outdoor activities. All operations on the forests, including recreation and trails, are self-funded through timber harvests.

The Silviculture & Vegetation Management Program Manager (SVMP Manager) provides leadership and management of their programs, including post-harvest reforestation, young stand management, competing vegetation control, pre-commercial thinning, young stand inventories and control of invasive plant species. The SVMP Manager serves as a member of the College Research Forests management team, reporting to the Associate Director of Operations, and is responsible for young stand silviculture and vegetation management in support of the College’s teaching, research, outreach and demonstration mission. The SVMP Manager will spend a significant amount of time working in the Blodgett Research Forest and Tualatin Mountain Forest (Columbia and Multnomah Counties). The SVMP Manager is expected to contribute to a welcoming and supportive working environment, embracing the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion.
Why OSU?

Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!


Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.


FACTS:


Top 1.4% university in the world

More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined

1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.

2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties

7 cultural resource centers that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone

100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates

35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color

217k+ alumni worldwide

For more interesting facts about OSU visit: https://oregonstate.edu/about


Locations:


Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.


Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.


Total Rewards Package:


Oregon State University offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:

Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.

Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.

Retirement savings paid by the university.

A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.

Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.

Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.

Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.


Oregon State University is deeply committed to the principles of a Health Promoting University. This commitment drives a collaborative approach across OSU’s safety and well-being programs, reducing silos and coordinating efforts to enhance employee safety and well-being. By prioritizing resources that support the health of both employees and students, OSU fosters a culture of care and a healthier campus environment where everyone can thrive.


Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.
Key Responsibilities
50% – Silviculture & Vegetation Management to Achieve Teaching, Research and Outreach Goals:
  • Provide leadership for young stand silviculture and vegetation management programs
  • Prepare and administer contracts for herbicide application, seed and seedling acquisition, planting, planting inspection, pre-commercial thinning and slash mitigation. Conduct show-me trips, evaluate bids and hire and oversee contractors.
  • Plan and implement vegetation management treatments, including herbicide applications for invasive plant species and forestry site preparation and release. Conduct small-scale treatments and oversee large-scale treatments using contractors.
  • Order, track and inspect tree seed and seedlings to maintain quality stock for planting operations
  • Prepare, implement and administer pre-commercial thinning contracts, including collecting stocking densities and setting prescriptions
  • Communicate with nurseries and arrange for pick-up or delivery of seedlings; manage tree seedling storage and planting site delivery
  • Oversee planting, performance and quality control standards for planting contractors
  • Design and implement treatments to control invasive species and increase the presence of native vegetation, including herbaceous plants and shrubs
  • Document slash loading in recently harvested areas; mitigate slash through traditional methods (burning) or alternative methods (mulching/mastication); complete Oregon Department of Forestry’s required notification and planning process for slash pile burning
  • Conduct young tree survival surveys in recently planted areas
  • Ensure planting and herbicide application are compliant with state and federal regulations, including the Oregon Forest Practices Act and EPA Worker Protection Standard
  • Work with Recreation Program to coordinate public outreach for herbicide application and slash pile burning
  • Participate in applicable co-ops that promote and enhance vegetation management and tree seed/seedling growth improvements, including the Vegetation Management Research Cooperative (VMRC), Northwest Tree Improvement Cooperative (NWTIC), Redwood Tree Improvement Cooperative (RWTIC) and J.E. Schroeder Seedling Nursery
30% – Invasive Species Mitigation:
  • Collaborate with an advisory committee to create an invasive species mitigation plan for the Research Forests
  • Review and recommend strategies to prevent establishment of invasive species
  • Implement a procedure for surveying and monitoring invasive species populations
  • As time allows, attend Cooperative Weed Management Area meetings
  • Co-manage roadside spray program with Research Forest Engineer
  • Assist other Research Forest staff with herbicide planning and prescriptions, including roadside and recreation applications
15% – Supervision:
  • Hire and train student employees (graduate and undergraduate students; up to five at a time); plan, assign and review work performed by student workers
  • Establish performance goals and assess results; discipline up to and including dismissal, in compliance with University policies and procedures
  • Support an inclusive work environment and engage in education and training to develop competency for leadership in a diverse community
  • Identify projects; write, solicit (in coordination with OSU’s Procurement and Contract Services) and implement contracts; supervise contractors
5% – Other Duties:
  • Participate in staff meetings, engage in performance evaluations, undertake regular communications (internal and external) and participate in annual budgeting exercises
  • Assist with new and on-going research, as available and requested
  • Lead and collaborate with teams developing projects and programs
  • Maintain public pesticide applicator’s license (forest category) and complete required annual training credits; ensure compliance with state and federal mandates, including EPA’s Worker Protection Standard; train Research Forests staff on herbicide safety and post and maintain herbicide application records
  • Collaborate with all staff on public outreach that supports field projects
What You Will Need
  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Forestry or a closely related natural resources field
  • Five years of professional forestry experience, at least three years of which must be post-graduation and in young stand management
  • Proficient in using ESRI ArcGIS (or other GIS software and ability to learn and use ArcGIS Pro)
  • Active Oregon pesticide applicator’s license (forest category) or ability to acquire within six months of start date
  • Demonstrated knowledge and field experience with young stand silviculture and management, including reforestation and competing vegetation control
  • Demonstrated knowledge of Pacific Northwest vegetation and forest dynamics
  • Demonstrated interpersonal and written communication skills
  • Demonstrated organizational and budgeting skills to manage multiple projects with varying priorities
  • Ability to communicate effectively with the public and in situations where there may be conflict
  • Demonstrated experience developing, awarding and overseeing forest management contracts
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with individuals with diverse backgrounds and different communication styles

This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.

This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030.
What We Would Like You to Have
  • Master of Science (M.S.) Degree in Forestry or a Master of Forestry (M.F.) Degree
  • Experience setting herbicide prescriptions, safely and effectively implementing herbicide applications and assessing herbicide efficacy
  • Excellent geospatial skills, including use of computer-based and field-based mapping and GIS
  • Demonstrated experience in young stand inventory and evaluation, including recognition of pest, pathogen and abiotic stressors
  • Experience writing and implementing silvicultural prescriptions, particulary those addressing issues in young (frequently dense) stands
  • Experience mitigating slash and slash pile burning
  • Experience supervising student employees, seasonal workers and/or contractors
Working Conditions / Work Schedule
Typical work schedule is Monday-Friday with occasional work on weekday evenings and weekends, as required to attend meetings and meet event and project needs. Occasional overnight stays away from Corvallis, OR will be required to address workloads at satellite forests. Work requires the ability to work in steep, forested terrain, often in harsh weather conditions and to drive on forest roads. Safe handling of pesticides is required.
Pay Method Salary
Pay Period 1st through the last day of the month
Pay Date Last working day of the month
Recommended Full-Time Salary Range $70,000 - $90,000
Link to Position Description
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number P09611UF
Number of Vacancies 1
Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 03/30/2026
Anticipated Appointment End Date
Posting Date 12/16/2025
Full Consideration Date
Closing Date 01/23/2026
Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants
Special Instructions to Applicants
When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:

1) A resume; and

2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.

You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.

For additional information please contact:
Carli Morgan or Brent Klumph
carli.morgan@oregonstate.edu or brent.klumph@oregonstate.edu
541-737-4924 or 541-737-6594

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.

OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.

Starting salary within the salary range will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience.

OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu.