Initial Posting Date:

04/02/2026

Application Deadline:

04/16/2026

Agency:

Forestry Department

Salary Range:

$4,738 - $7,247

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Natural Resource Specialist 2 - Aviation Support Specialist - Seasonal - Salem

Job Description:

Our 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!​ Click here.

What we are looking for:

The Aviation Support Specialist will assist in the coordination, operation, administration, and dispatch of Aviation Program aircraft. Work will occur at agency headquarters in Salem, OR, as well as, at ODF aircraft bases across the State (Salem, Roseburg, The Dalles, John Day, La Grande, and Prineville). This position acts as a liaison between ODF, United States Forest Service (USFS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and aviation contractors. This is a seasonal position expected to end on 10/30/26. Duties include:

• Serve as an Aerial Observer on ODF Multi-Mission Aircraft.
• Assist with UAS operations.
• Oversees the planning, scheduling, and monitoring of aircraft in coordination with the Aviation Operations Specialist.
• Determines flight information such as location, heading, radio contacts, communication frequencies, and possible hazards.
• Maintains work schedule for flight crew to ensure flight and/or duty hours of pilots and mechanics are not exceeded.
• Coordinates with Finance/Administration personnel on aircraft financial documentation. Ensures finance related records and documents are complete, accurate, and submitted in a timely.

Minimum Qualifications:

Two years of experience in a natural resource program as it relates to the fire protection Aviation Support Program, General Forestry experience, recreation program experience, Military Aviation experience, Air Traffic Control Experience and/or general aviation support experience, and a bachelor’s degree in aviation, Forestry, Recreation, or a closely related natural resource program.

OR

three additional years of related (pertinent) experience

OR
One year of experience in a natural resource program as it relates to the fire protection Aviation Support Program, General Forestry experience, recreation program experience, Military Aviation experience, Air Traffic Control Experience and/or general aviation support experience, and a master's degree in Forestry, Recreation, or Fire Executive Leadership.

Note: Driver’s License Check - This position requires the operation of a state vehicle for the purpose of conducting official State business. If your license is from outside Oregon, you must submit at least a three-year court/DMV printout. If you have an Oregon driver’s license, a record check will be conducted on the top candidate to ensure a valid license and acceptable driving record.

​Desired Skills:

• Must have aviation experience and the interest/ability to be trained and qualified as one or more of the following: NWCG Helicopter Manager, SEAT Manager, Airtanker Base Manager or Aerial Observer within a period of 3 years.

• Must have a basic understanding of Geographic Information Systems and Mapping.

• Must have a basic understanding of Unmanned Aerial Systems.

• The qualification will be in accordance with requirements outlined in the Oregon Department of Forestry Protection Training Manual and NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

• Ability to work in conjunction with aviation unit staff, local field staff, and dispatch centers position must verify given information is correct and accurate in a timely manner to dispatch aircraft to fire locations and ensure safe operations.

• Ability to fly for long hours serving as a crew member/aerial observer.

How to Apply:

Cover letter and resume are both required - Failure to submit the required cover letter or resume will remove your application from consideration.

• Current State of Oregon employees – You must apply through your employee Workday account.
• Per the Pay Equity Law passed in 2017, a pay equity analysis will be conducted to determine what pay step the successful candidate will be offered. The analysis will be based on the relevant experience, education, training, and certifications documented in the application materials therefore applicants should include that relevant information if they wish to be compensated accordingly.
• Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.
• The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.

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: Neal.d.laugle@odf.oregon.gov
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.