State of Oregon · 2 months ago
State Forester
Salem, OR
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$12,727/mo - $19,700/mo
8+ years expThe State of Oregon is seeking an experienced leader to serve as the State Forester at the Oregon Department of Forestry. This role involves overseeing forest management and wildfire response while promoting sustainable forestry practices and collaboration with various stakeholders.
GovernmentRecyclingSustainabilityWaste Management
No H1B
Responsibilities
Adopt rules related to enforcement of the state forest laws relating directly to the protection of forestland and the conservation of forest resources
Oversee appointment and instruction of fire wardens (enforcing the fire prevention laws of the state)
Direct the improvement and protection of State forest lands
Facilitate collection of data relative to forest conditions
Take legally-authorized actions to prevent and extinguish wildfires while also facilitating the use of prescribed fire to manage fuels
Enforce and prosecute violations of all laws pertaining to forestland
Cooperate with landowners, political subdivisions, private associations and agencies and others in forest protection
Advise and encourage reforestation
Publish such information on forestry as the forester determines to be in the public interest
Enter into contracts and cooperative agreements pertaining to experiments and research in forestry as well as collaborations with other federal and state agencies
Sell, exchange or otherwise dispose of any real property acquired for administrative purposes that is no longer needed
Coordinate any activities of the Department related to Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board projects that include activities of other states and federal agencies
Prescribe uniform state standards for certification of wildland fire training courses and educational programs
Serve as the Governor’s authorized representative for the purpose of initiating the fire management assistance declaration process with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and administering Federal Emergency Management Agency fire management assistance grants
Protect the lands from fire, disease and insect pests, cooperate with the counties and with persons owning lands within the state in the protection of the lands and enter into all agreements necessary or convenient for the protection of the lands
Enter into and administer contracts for the sale of timber from lands owned or managed by the State Board of Forestry and the State Department of Forestry
Enter into and administer contracts for activities necessary or convenient for the sale of timber under subsection (2) of this section, either separately from or in conjunction with contracts for the sale of timber, including but not limited to activities such as: timber harvesting and sorting, transporting, gravel pit development or operation, and road construction, maintenance or improvement
Facilitate the use of the lands for other purposes, including but not limited to fish and wildlife environment, landscape management, protection against flood and erosion, recreation and production and protection of water supplies when the use is not detrimental to the purpose for which the lands are dedicated
Contract with other governmental bodies for the protection of water supplies to facilitate the multiple use of publicly owned water supplies for recreational purposes as well as a source of water for domestic and industrial use
Grant permits and licenses on, over and across the lands
Reforest the lands and cooperate with persons owning timberlands within the state in the reforestation and make all agreements necessary or convenient for the reforestation
Facilitate the development of a forestry carbon offset program to market, register, transfer or sell forestry carbon offsets. In establishing the program, the forester may execute any contracts or agreements necessary to create opportunities for the creation of forestry carbon offsets
Negotiate prices that are at, or greater than, fair market value for the transfer or sale of forestry carbon offsets
Do all things and make all rules and regulations, not inconsistent with law, necessary or convenient for the management, protection, utilization and conservation of the lands
Require such undertakings as in the opinion of the State Forester are necessary or convenient to secure performance of any agreement authorized in ORS 530.450 to 530.520
Qualification
Required
You must demonstrate you have both organizational management experience, and either of the following: Executive experience and expertise overseeing forest and wildfire management on western forestlands; or Operational experience and expertise overseeing forest and wildfire management on western forestlands
You Must Have No Less Than Eight years of management experience in a public or private natural resources organization which included responsibility for each of the following: Development of program rules and/or policies, Development of long- and short-range goals and plans, Program evaluation and Budget preparation and management
A solid track record of organizational management that fosters personal development, accountability, and a culture of service and inclusivity in the workforce
Deep experience with managing and providing oversight over complex finances and budgets. Proven ability to identify the need for structural financial management change due to changing circumstances, and the proven ability to lead that change
Experience in the development, implementation, and periodic evaluation of strategic initiatives, policies, and long- and short-range plans
A record that shows a deep commitment to science and data-based decision making. Demonstrated skill at open and transparent decision making, managing conflict, and successful dispute resolution. Willing to make difficult or unpopular decisions
Preferred
Outstanding communicator who naturally cultivates relationships, and who is widely considered to be forthright, honest, fair, and responsive among employees, government partners, tribes, and interested parties. Timely and professional
Experience in engaging with legislators, tribes, interested parties, boards and staff to develop and implement policy, statute, and administrative rule
Proven experience leading a complex agency or organization. Proven experience anticipating future challenges and ensuring that the agency/organization is well-positioned to adapt to change
Proven leadership, vision and commitment to forests and forest ecosystems, the development and implementation of forest policy, and the various communities that depend upon the social, economic, and environmental resources associated with forests
A leader who can deftly facilitate policy discussions and the often difficult and imperfect decisions faced by the agency's policy oversight Board of Forestry, and do so based on science while respecting values
Commitment to significantly increase workforce diversity
Will thrive in an environment of unparalleled change and will lead the Department through very significant challenges including addressing climate change and increasing frequency and severity of wildfire, changes in timber land ownership patterns, declining biodiversity, and increasing urbanization
Benefits
Work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, and a competitive benefits package
Advancement and learning opportunities that will help grow your career with the State of Oregon
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Company
State of Oregon
Official LinkedIn page for the state of Oregon. Oregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$0.5MKey Investors
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
2023-10-23Grant· $0.5M
Leadership Team
William Wise
Chief Executive Officer
Kate Nass
Chief Financial Officer
Recent News
2025-05-04
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