District Forest Manager - Forest Grove

State of Oregon•Forest Grove, OR

22h

About The Position

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: We seek a dynamic and decisive leader who can navigate the intersection of science and politics while providing clear direction in a complex environment. The ideal candidate is an exceptional communicator—both verbally and in writing—with strong interpersonal skills to foster collaboration and trust. This role requires someone capable of making critical policy interpretations and operational decisions that drive the agency’s mission forward. You will lead the Forest Grove District by inspiring and empowering employees, promoting professional growth, and ensuring operational excellence. Building and maintaining strong relationships with landowners, operators, legislators, local governments, and partner agencies is essential. A deep understanding of wildland fire and forestry, particularly within Pacific Northwest ecosystems, will be a cornerstone of your success. A decisive leader in this role will demonstrate the ability to: Engage and empower staff at all levels, from fire crews to program managers, ensuring they have the tools, support, and direction needed to succeed. Build and maintain strong relationships with local legislators, county commissioners, landowners, and the Northwest Forest Protective Association, serving as a trusted representative of the Department. Make informed, forward-thinking decisions about forest management, fire protection strategies, and landscape resiliency planning that reflect both ecological and community values. Champion innovation in program delivery, resource allocation, and policy implementation, while maintaining fiscal responsibility and regulatory compliance. The successful candidate will be responsible for District Fire Warden responsibilities (ORS 477.365), applying Oregon’s Forest Practices Act including landowner assistance programs, and managing the Tillamook State Forest within the District Boundary. They must be able to coordinate decisions across multiple statutes and administrative rules (ORS 477, ORS 527, ORS 530, OAR 629), ensuring consistency and accountability. In addition to technical and regulatory acumen, we value leaders who bring emotional intelligence , resilience , and a commitment to equity and inclusion . The District Forester must be able to lead through change, manage conflict constructively, and foster a workplace where all employees feel valued and heard. If you are ready to lead with vision, integrity, and commitment to public service, we invite you to join our team and make a lasting impact on Oregon’s forests and communities.

Requirements

Eight years of natural resource experience in areas such as wildland fire suppression, forest management, etc., which includes a) development of program rules and policies b) development of long- and short-range goals and plans c) program evaluation, and d) budget preparation
Bachelor's degree in forestry or closely related natural resources field and five years of natural resource experience in areas such as wildland fire suppression, or forest management which includes a) development of program rules and policies b) development of long- and short-range goals and plans c) program evaluation, and d) budget preparation
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.
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.
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.

Nice To Haves

A decisive leader with the ability to provide direction in a work environment influenced by both science and politics.
Highly effective communicator both verbally and in writing, who demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills when interacting with people.
Ability to make a wide variety of policy interpretation and operational decisions that ultimately affect the overall achievement of the agency’s goals and objectives.
Ability to provide policy and operational leadership to the Forest Grove District, including inspiring, empowering, developing, and directing employees.
Ability to build and maintain relationships with landowners, operators, other state and federal agencies, legislators, local government officials, and the public.
A background in wildland fire and forestry, specifically related to the Pacific Northwest forests.

Responsibilities

District Fire Warden responsibilities (ORS 477.365)
Applying Oregon’s Forest Practices Act including landowner assistance programs
Managing the Tillamook State Forest within the District Boundary
Coordinate decisions across multiple statutes and administrative rules (ORS 477, ORS 527, ORS 530, OAR 629)