Forest Officer - Columbia City
State of Oregon
Initial Posting Date:
01/05/2026Application Deadline:
04/30/2026Agency:
Forestry DepartmentSalary Range:
$4,824.00 - $7,365.00Position Type:
EmployeePosition Title:
Forest Officer - Columbia CityJob Description:
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 safeguards ecosystem values such as fish and wildlife habitats. We invite you to join us in this effort. If you are interested, please submit your application.
Click here: ODF Seasonal Wildland Fire Video
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.
Great Benefits Package - watch this video
Forest Officer – Minimum Qualifications
Forest Officer – Four seasons in wildland fire suppression
OR
Bachelor's degree in forestry or closely related natural resources field and one 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 not able to 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.
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, which includes fire knowledge and handling.
Equipment operation: Proficiency with forestry tools such as chainsaws, portable pumps, various fire engines, GPS and mapping software as well as various types of forestry or fire fighting vehicles.
Communicating: experience: Clear and effective communication skills and ability to handle conflict with team members.
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.
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: Kelly.r.niles@odf.oregon.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 authorization 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: Kathie.a.brostrom@odf.oregon.gov
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.

