Job Description

Position Title

Oregon State Forester

Location

Salem, Oregon

Overview

Forester serves as the chief executive officer and provides strategic leadership and oversight for all department operations, programs, and policies. Appointed by the Governor, the State Forester is responsible for implementing Oregons forestry laws, advising the Governor and legislature on forestry issues, and ensuring that the states forest resources are managed sustainably for present and future generations.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Strategy
  
  
  • Provide vision and executive direction for the Oregon Department of Forestry and its diverse statewide programs.
  • Develop and implement long?term strategic goals for forest protection, management, and sustainability.
  • Foster collaboration among local, state, federal, tribal, and private partners.
  
  
  
• Forest Management & Protection
  • Oversee policies and operations for wildfire prevention, detection, and suppression.
  • Ensure responsible stewardship of state forestlands through sustainable forest management and conservation practices.
  • Balance ecological, economic, and social values in forest management decisions.
  
  
  
• Advisory & Policy Role
  • Advise the Governor, Legislature, and Board of Forestry on matters related to forest policy, management, and resource use.
  • Represent Oregon on intergovernmental boards, commissions, and national forestry initiatives.
  • Support and communicate the states commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice.
  
  
  
• Operational & Fiscal Management
  • Direct ODFs statewide workforce and manage the agencys multi?million?dollar budget.
  • Promote operational efficiency, fiscal responsibility, and transparent governance.
  • Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
  
  
  
• Public Engagement & Communication
  • Serve as the public face of the agency and a spokesperson for Oregons forest policy.
  • Engage with communities, industry stakeholders, and the public to build trust and support for ODFs mission.
  • Champion education, outreach, and partnerships that strengthen Oregons forest stewardship.
  
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated executive?level leadership experience in forestry, natural resources, environmental policy, or a closely related field.
• Proven experience managing large, complex organizations with significant budgets and diverse stakeholder interests.
• Strong understanding of forest management, wildfire policy, conservation practices, and natural resource governance.
• Ability to develop policy, lead strategic planning, and engage effectively with state, federal, and tribal partners.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.
• Commitment to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in forestry and public service.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in forestry, natural resource management, environmental science, public administration, or a related discipline.
• Experience with legislative processes, governmental budgeting, and interagency collaboration.
• Familiarity with Oregons forest ecosystems, public land laws, and state?level resource management policies.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Vision & Systems Thinking
• Public Service Leadership
• Policy & Regulatory Expertise
• Collaboration & Partnership Building
• Equity & Inclusive Leadership
• Fiscal and Organizational Stewardship
• Crisis & Incident Management (e.g., wildfire response)

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