Central Forester

Title: Central Forester

Job Number: REQ-88439

Salary: $5,333 – $8,196 per month

Deadline: 03/20/2021 at 11:59pm Pacific Time

This position falls under the classification Natural Resource Specialist 4 (NRS4)

Our Mission

OPRD’s mission is to provide and protect outstanding natural, scenic, cultural, historic and recreational sites for the enjoyment and education of present and future generations.

Our Operating Principles

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) believes Operating Principles are core values that, if mutually accepted and supported by all employees, will create a connected, respectful, and trusting work environment. Our Operating Principles are: Accountability, Commitment, Empathy, Empowerment, Fun, Integrity, Respect, & Well-being.

What you will do:

Lead the OPRD Forestry Program by providing leadership, technical expertise and coordination with Region Foresters, OPRD staff, other state, local and tribal agencies, as well as others to provide a consistent and statewide approach to forest and tree management on OPRD properties. Position will oversee the statewide ODF contract which coordinates firefighting services, lead coordination with Regional Foresters and help prioritize the agency’s approach to forest management.

In this role, you will:

• Act as the agency expert in regards to knowledge of developing project scopes for work, conducting research and analysis, and the preparation of reports for compliance of laws and regulations as it relates to OPRD forests.  
• Lead Regional Foresters in the creation, coordination, implementation and maintenance of a statewide forest resource plan
• Lead Regional Foresters in the creation, coordination, implementation and maintenance of a statewide fire prevention and mitigation program
• Coordinate a statewide effort to develop and maintain a functional and sustainable hazard tree program that includes creating standard forms and guidelines for assessment, training of key personnel and coordination of remediation

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant natural or cultural resource conservation or management field AND four years of experience in forestry and/or natural resources conservation, management and protection.  At least two years of the experience must be at a professional level performing activities such as developing agency partnerships, managing projects, leading teams, developing contracts, and writing grants. 
• A Master’s Degree in natural resources will substitute for up to one year required experience, but not for the two years at the professional level.

The State of Oregon requires all executive branch employees to complete their COVID-19 vaccination series or have an approved exception to the requirement due to a medical condition or sincerely held religious belief. Successful candidates for this position must submit vaccination documentation or be approved for an exception prior to their first day of employment. Failure to provide proof of full documentation or receipt of an approved exception will lead to withdrawal of the job offer. For more information, visit our policy listed here.

What we are looking for (Desired Attributes):

The following are skills that we have identified as key to success in this

Central Forester   role at OPRD. These are the attributes we are looking for in our top candidate. If you have these skills, please let us know in your application.

• Extensive knowledge of the theory, practices, and principles of forestry management program.
• Extensive knowledge of the laws, procedures, principles, and regulations governing forestry programs.
• General knowledge of trends, ecological changes, and developments in forestry management.
• Skill communicating verbally and in writing with a variety of people or organizations to answer questions and explain information, policies, regulations, decisions, or actions.
• Skill analyzing natural resource data and statistics to determine the effects a variable has on a program or issue and decide an appropriate course of action.
• Skill reviewing, applying, and advising staff about any new or revised natural resource policies, regulation, and requirements.
• Skill writing and presenting agency or program information at public hearings, meetings, or conferences to explain and gain cooperation for the agency or program.
• Skill representing the agency on or serving as a staff person for project, advisory, or technical committees.
• Skill reviewing and revising natural resource agreements or contracts.

What's in it for you:

This is a fantastic opportunity to support millions of visitors connecting with the best state park system in America. You will work with a team of supportive, talented and highly motivated professionals. And, you’ll receive a fantastic benefits packaging including:

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans for the employee and qualified family members
• Paid sick leave, vacation, personal leave and 10 paid holidays per year
• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP).

LINK TO OFFICIAL STATE APPLICATION (required)

https://oregon.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/SOR_External_Career_Site/job/Salem--OPRD--Central-Office/Central-Forester---NRS4_REQ-88439