District Forest Manager

State of Oregon

1d • Hybrid

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 are seeking a transformational leader to serve as the District Forester for the Tillamook District—someone who can inspire, innovate, and lead with vision and integrity. This role demands more than operational oversight; it calls for a strategic thinker who can navigate complex challenges, build strong partnerships, and drive meaningful change across diverse forestry programs. The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of natural resource management, including wildland fire suppression, forest health, and sustainable land stewardship. However, technical expertise alone is not enough. We are looking for a leader who can motivate teams, foster collaboration, and cultivate a culture of continuous improvement. This position oversees a broad portfolio of programs—Protection from Fire, Forest Resources, and State Forests (Tillamook State Forest)—and requires someone who can align these efforts with the Department’s mission and the Board of Forestry’s long-term vision for Oregon’s forests. A transformational 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. This position also requires a leader who is adept at navigating the intersection of science, policy, and public service. The successful candidate will be responsible for interpreting and applying Oregon’s Forest Practices Act, smoke management plans, and landowner assistance programs. 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.

Requirements

• Eight years of natural resource experience in areas such as forestry, wildland fire suppression, forest management, or a closely related natural resource program 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; OR 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.

Nice To Haves

• A transformational 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.
• Demonstrated ability to provide effective policy and operational leadership for the Tillamook District by inspiring, empowering, and developing employees while ensuring accountability and successful achievement of district objectives.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with landowners, operators, other state and federal agencies, legislators, local government officials, and the public.
• Commitment to high-quality customer service through responsive communication and respectful engagement with all stakeholders.
• An experienced practitioner with a strong background in wildland fire and forestry, grounded in the unique conditions, management practices, and operational realities of Pacific Northwest forests.

Responsibilities

• Oversees a broad portfolio of programs—Protection from Fire, Forest Resources, and State Forests (Tillamook State Forest)
• Engages and empowers staff at all levels, from fire crews to program managers, ensuring they have the tools, support, and direction needed to succeed.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with local legislators, county commissioners, landowners, and the Northwest Forest Protective Association, serving as a trusted representative of the Department.
• Makes informed, forward-thinking decisions about forest management, fire protection strategies, and landscape resiliency planning that reflect both ecological and community values.
• Champions innovation in program delivery, resource allocation, and policy implementation, while maintaining fiscal responsibility and regulatory compliance.
• Interprets and applies Oregon’s Forest Practices Act, smoke management plans, and landowner assistance programs.
• Coordinates decisions across multiple statutes and administrative rules (ORS 477, ORS 527, ORS 530, OAR 629), ensuring consistency and accountability.
• Leads through change, manages conflict constructively, and fosters a workplace where all employees feel valued and heard.

Benefits

• Work/life balance
• 11 paid holidays a year
• flexible work schedules
• competitive benefits packages
• Relocation assistance may be available per agency policy 40.055.10 for current or recalled employees or 40.055.20 for new employees

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager