Forest Fire Watch Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Initial Posting Date:
05/22/2026
Application Deadline:
06/07/2026
Agency:
Forestry Department
Salary Range:
$6,507 - $10,076
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Forest Manager 2 - Recreational Trails Manager
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.
The Recreational Trails Manager position is part of the Recreation, Education, and Interpretation (REI) Program within the State Forests Division. The program's mission is to deliver diverse and meaningful recreational, educational and interpretive experiences that foster visitor connection to Oregon's state forests. The program supports the Division's Greatest Permanent Value mandate through management of recreational facilities and trail systems across all State Forests, and serves as a primary public-facing component of the agency by helping educate visitors about its mission, vision, and goals at the Tillamook Forest Center and in the field.
What will you do:
As the Recreational Trails Manager, you will provide leadership for a team of permanent, and seasonal staff based in the Northwest Oregon Area of ODF's management areas. The role provides operational outsight for the management of over 700 miles of motorized and non-motorized trails on 763,000 acres of forested land. Additionally, you will serve as the conduit between other operational activities within the State Forest Division and act as the subject matter expert in developing future-looking plans and procedures for trail improvement and maintenance.
What we are looking for:
• Provide leadership and guidance for the management, maintenance, enhancement, development, and monitoring of motorized and non-motorized recreational trails on state forest lands.
• Ensure public safety and support public use activities in alignment with Recreation, Education, and Interpretation Program operational goals and the Greatest Permanent Value mandate.
• Supervise, direct, and monitor the work of technical and professional staff responsible for trail operations.
• Assist with development of fiscal and biennial budgets related to trail programs and operations.
• Develop procedures, standards, and best practices for recreational trail development, maintenance, and operations.
• Lead the development and implementation of Implementation Plans and Annual Operations Plans for trail-related work.
• Assist with long-range strategic planning efforts for the broader Recreation, Education, and Interpretation (REI) Program.
This position will be located at and report to the Forest Grove or Tillamook District offices daily. The position may be eligible for a hybrid/remote work schedule 1-2 days a week with the ability to report to their assigned office when business or operational needs are dependent on onsite activities. Occasional travel to other district offices may be required.
Minimum Qualifications
Six years of natural resource experience in areas such as wildland fire suppression, forest management, etc., which include assisting with
a) development of program rules and policies
b) development of long- and short-range goals and plans
c) program evaluation, and
d) budget preparation
OR
Bachelor's degree in forestry or closely related natural resources field and three years of natural resource experience in areas such as wildland fire suppression, or forest management which include assisting with
a) development of program rules and policies
b) development of long- and short-range goals and plans
c) program evaluation, and
d) budget preparation.
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:

• Strong leadership and staff supervision skills.
• Expertise in recreational trail planning, development, and maintenance.
• Ability to coordinate complex operational activities across multiple geographic areas and partners.
• Skill in developing and managing budgets, grants, and fiscal resources.
• Proficiency in contract development, administration, and compliance monitoring.
• Excellent communication and public engagement abilities.
• Ability to build and maintain partnerships with agencies, volunteers, and stakeholder groups.
• Proficiency in GIS, data analysis, and using data to inform planning and decision-making.

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. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.
• Current State of Oregon employees - You must apply through your employee Workday account.
• After you submit your application, please respond to the public records request authorization and gender identity questionnaire. This screen will come after you submit and will complete the process. If you are a current State of Oregon employee, the tasks will come to your Workday inbox.
• 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.
• 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.

Salary Determination:

• Per the Pay Equity Law passed in 2017, a pay equity analysis for starting salary will be conducted to determine what pay step the successful candidate will be offered. The analysis will be based on the submitted materials and the time of application. No other documents will be accepted after submission of application. Please include any relevant information and materials if you wish to be compensated accordingly.

Additional Details:

• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur. This position is pending reclass to a Forest Manager 2.
• This position is management service and is not represented by a union.
• For questions about this position, please contact Hiring Manager: Joe Offer Joseph.H.Offer@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 - If you are an eligible veteran and you meet the qualifications; veterans' preference points will be added to your score. 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.