Indigenous Research Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

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The Department of State Lands (DSL) invites applications from individuals interested in serving on the Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF) Board of Directors. We are seeking community-centered leaders with expertise, lived experience, and a commitment to the values and mission of the ESRF.

The ESRF Board advises DSL on the management of the Elliott State Research Forest. The publicly owned ESRF is envisioned as a nationally important center for forest science and management contributing to conservation, education, recreation, local economies while supporting Indigenous values. The Board advises on research and operations plans, community engagement strategies, outcomes essential to achieving the forest mission, and more.

What We Are Looking For

An ESRF Board that includes diverse perspectives and experiences is essential to successfully managing a public research forest for multiple benefits. At this time, we are especially interested in individuals with knowledge or lived experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Indigenous stewardship and cultural knowledge

• Forest ecology or silviculture

• Public administration or policy

• Community development

• Climate resilience and conservation

• Equity and environmental justice

• Research administration

• Rural economies

• Timber operators and processors

• Recreation interests

• Fish and wildlife

• Conservation finance

• Administration of Habitat Conservation Plans

Board members are appointed to serve a four-year term. Board members attend at least five public ESRF Board meetings annually, prepare by reviewing materials, and may also serve on subcommittees. In person attendance is expected for ESRF Board meetings. The average estimated time commitment is 20-30 hours per month and as much as 40 - 50 hours may be necessary some months.

Interested individuals must apply through the Workday portal and submit the following:

• Cover letter (2-3 pages) responding to the questions listed below

• Resume

The Department of State Lands encourages applicants to view this informational video, and review this Workday job aid, submit a complete application with both a cover letter and a resume. The Department also encourages applicants to submit their materials ahead of the deadline to allow time for any technical difficulties. For support with Workday or your application materials, please email dsl-human.resources@dsl.oregon.gov to contact our DSL Human Resources team.

• Relevant Expertise and Lived Experience
  Describe your professional and personal background, including any expertise or lived experience relevant to the ESRF's mission (e.g., ecology, Indigenous stewardship, rural development, public policy, research, etc.). How have you applied this experience in leadership, volunteer, or collaborative roles?

• Alignment with ESRF Mission and Values
  What aspects of the Elliott State Research Forest's mission resonate most with you, and why? How would you contribute to its vision of inclusive, science-based, and community-oriented forest governance?

• Collaboration, Equity, and Representation
  Share an example of your participation in a collaborative or consensus-based process. Were you comfortable making compromises? How have you worked to advance equity or inclusion in your work? How would you bring a commitment to equity, diverse partnerships, and public accountability to your role on the Board?

• Public Interest and Decision-Making
  What is your experience with public governance, transparency, or stewardship of the public interest? How do you approach complex decisions that involve multiple, and sometimes conflicting, stakeholder values?

• Research Integration and Connection to Place
  Describe your experience, if any, integrating research into practice or supporting research and monitoring efforts. What is your connection to the Elliott or to communities, ecosystems, or values it represents?

• I understand this is a volunteer position with no compensation, though travel expenses may be reimbursed.

• I am available to attend at least five full-day meetings annually and participate in committee work.

• I am willing to undergo a background check as part of the appointment process.

• I understand that applications are valid for 12 months and may be considered for mid-term vacancies or future appointment cycles.

The ESRF Board is appointed by the State Land Board - Oregon's Governor, Secretary of State, and State Treasurer. Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed by the ESRF Board Recruitment Committee. The DSL Director recommends Board candidates for State Land Board consideration. Appointments typically occur during the October State Land Board meeting.

The ESRF Board consists of seven or nine voting members. The initial members of the Board were appointed to serve terms of one, two, or three years. Their term lengths were staggered to support building knowledge and strengthening relationships, while also ensuring regular opportunities to enhance the Board. Because terms are staggered, the State Land Board is typically considering at least three ESRF Board member appointments every October.

ESRF Board members may serve two consecutive four-year terms. Initial Board members may serve three terms - their initial term of one, two, or three years followed by an additional two terms of four years. Sitting Board members are required to submit applications to be appointed to second and third terms.

To be considered for appointment in October 2026, your application must be submitted no later than May 31, 2026. Applications submitted after that date will be considered for October 2027 appointment.

As many as four appointments may be recommended for State Land Board consideration in October 2026, due to term expiration dates for three current ESRF Board members and one mid-term vacancy.

Please note that the appointment process and timelines may be adjusted in 2026. In November 2025, DSL initiated formal government-to-government consultation with Western Oregon Tribes regarding Tribal participation in ESRF governance. As consultation progresses, adjustments may be made.

Individuals of all backgrounds, especially those with lived experience in historically underrepresented communities, including Tribal nations, rural residents, and individuals with diverse professional paths.