Natural Resource Specialist 2 - Aviation Support Specialist - Seasonal - Prineville

State of Oregon•Prineville, OR

1d•Onsite

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: The Aviation Support Specialist will assist in the coordination, operation, administration, and dispatch of Aviation Program aircraft. Work will occur at 4585 Airport Way, Prineville, OR. This position acts as a liaison between ODF, United States Forest Service (USFS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and aviation contractors. This is a seasonal position expected to end on 10/30/26.

Requirements

Two years of experience in a natural resource program as it relates to the fire protection Aviation Support Program, General Forestry experience, recreation program experience, Military Aviation experience, Air Traffic Control Experience and/or general aviation support experience, and a bachelor’s degree in aviation, Forestry, Recreation, or a closely related natural resource program. OR three additional years of related (pertinent) experience OR One year of experience in a natural resource program as it relates to the fire protection Aviation Support Program, General Forestry experience, recreation program experience, Military Aviation experience, Air Traffic Control Experience and/or general aviation support experience, and a master's degree in Forestry, Recreation, or Fire Executive Leadership.
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.
Required: Submit a cover letter and resume.
Current State of Oregon employees – You must apply through your employee Workday account.

Nice To Haves

Must have aviation experience and the interest/ability to be trained and qualified as one or more of the following: NWCG Helicopter Manager, SEAT Manager, Airtanker Base Manager or Aerial Observer within a period of 3 years.
Must have a basic understanding of Geographic Information Systems and Mapping.
Must have a basic understanding of Unmanned Aerial Systems.
The qualification will be in accordance with requirements outlined in the Oregon Department of Forestry Protection Training Manual and NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.
Ability to work in conjunction with aviation unit staff, local field staff, and dispatch centers position must verify given information is correct and accurate in a timely manner to dispatch aircraft to fire locations and ensure safe operations.
Ability to fly for long hours serving as a crew member/aerial observer.

Responsibilities

Serve as an Aerial Observer on ODF Multi-Mission Aircraft.
Assist with Single Engine Airtanker Operations.
Oversees the planning, scheduling, and monitoring of aircraft in coordination with the Aviation Operations Specialist.
Determines flight information such as location, heading, radio contacts, communication frequencies, and possible hazards.
Maintains work schedule for flight crew to ensure flight and/or duty hours of pilots and mechanics are not exceeded.
Coordinates with Finance/Administration personnel on aircraft financial documentation.
Ensures finance related records and documents are complete, accurate, and submitted in a timely.