Job Description

Initial Posting Date:

05/15/2026

Application Deadline:

05/28/2026

Agency:

Forestry Department

Salary Range:

$4,519 - $6,276

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Natural Resource Specialist 1 - Recreation Specialist

Opportunity Awaits, Apply Today!

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 mission of the Recreation, Education, and Interpretation Program is to create lasting and diverse outdoor recreational, interpretive, and educational experiences that inspire visitors to enjoy, respect, and connect with Oregon’s State Forests. Specifically, the Recreation Section oversees and operates recreation facilities (campgrounds, trailheads, OHV staging areas, and day-use areas) for the enjoyment of the public and to enhance their connection to working forestland.

The Recreation Specialist will Implement technical and operational tasks associated with operating and maintaining recreational facilities within an assigned geographic area of State Forest land in the Northwest Oregon Area. Such tasks include planning, coordinating, and performing basic facility maintenance work, providing public use regulation and forest education information to recreational users, guiding daily volunteer activities, and carrying out a wide range of recreation management activities.

Minimum Qualifications:

A bachelor's degree in forestry or a closely related natural resource program

OR
Three years of experience in forestry or a closely related natural resource program

Note: 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.

​ Desired Skills:

• Experience maintaining and operating recreation facilities such as campgrounds, trailheads, day-use areas, OHV staging areas, or similar public-use facilities.
• Practical maintenance and construction skills, including carpentry, painting, general building maintenance, and repair work.
• Knowledge of trail layout, construction, maintenance, and basic trail bridge development in forest or natural resource settings.
• Experience working with volunteers, camp hosts, youth crews, seasonal staff, or partner organizations, including coordinating projects and providing day-to-day guidance.
• Strong communication and public service skills, including the ability to positively interact with a wide variety of forest visitors and recreation users.
• Ability to work independently in remote field settings, prioritize tasks, and adapt to changing operational needs and weather conditions.

How to Apply:

Cover letter and resume are both required - Failure to submit the required cover letter or resume will remove your application from consideration. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.

• The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.
• Please ensure the work history in your applicant profile is up to date Fill out the application or attach a resume.
• Please contact the recruiter under the ‘Additional Details” section if you have any questions about how to fill out the fields of experience or to attach a document. Your submitted experience fields or attached resume must include dates (MM/YYYY) for each employer.
• After you submit your application, please respond to the public records request authorization and gender identity questionnaire. This screen will come after you submit and will complete the process. If you are a current State of Oregon employee, the tasks will come to your Workday inbox.
• Current State of Oregon employees – You must apply through your employee Workday account.

Salary determination:

• Per the Pay Equity Law passed in 2017, a pay equity analysis for starting salary will be conducted to determine what pay step the successful candidate will be offered. The analysis will be based on the submitted materials and the time of application. No other documents will be accepted after submission of application. Please include any relevant information and materials if you wish to be compensated accordingly.

Additional Details:

• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur. This position is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
• For questions about this position, please contact Hiring Manager: Ben.J.Burns@ODF.Oregon.Gov
• The Oregon Department of Forestry does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODF will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.
• Veterans - Eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. After you have applied you will be sent a task in your Workday account to provide your veteran documentation at that time. For further information, please see the following website: Veterans Resources
• Relocation assistance may be available per agency policy 40.055.10 for current or recalled employees or 40.055.20 for new employees. Please discuss details with the hiring manager during the recruitment process.
• If you have questions about the job announcement, or need an alternate format to apply, please contact: kathie.a.brostrom@odf.oregon.gov

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ODF is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or any other class protected by state or federal laws in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring, and employment practices.