Natural Resource Specialist 1 (Astoria)

About the role

The Natural Resource Specialist 1 position supports the Astoria District’s reforestation program by planning, implementing, and tracking silvicultural and site-preparation activities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement young stand management activities such as tree planting, thinning, vegetation control, and stand surveys to support district reforestation goals.
• Identify and assess areas requiring reforestation or silvicultural treatment using maps, aerial imagery, and field surveys.
• Cook and conduct site-preparation operations, including slash burning, pile burning, excavator piling, and aerial herbicide applications, while maintaining all related equipment.
• Administer reforestation-related contracts by performing field inspections, preparing monthly reports, and recommending adjustments or actions as needed.
• Create and maintain accurate reforestation and silvicultural records, manage district data in ArcGIS/ArcPro and Excel, and monitor work for consistency with accepted standards.
• Support wildfire suppression, participate in public education activities, and serve as Astoria’s representative for equipment development projects.

Requirements

• Three years of experience in Forestry or a closely related natural resource field; OR a bachelor's degree in Forestry or a closely related natural resource field.
• Note: Driver’s License Check – This position requires the operation of a state vehicle for official State business.

Desired Skills

• A strong background in reforestation methods and young stand maintenance.
• An intermediate level of experience in computers and GIS.
• The ability to work efficiently in the field, primarily in an arduous work environment.
• The ability to be highly motivated working independently and efficiently on multiple tasks and issues.
• The ability to communicate verbally and in writing with a variety of people to answer questions and explain information.
• The ability to gather and analyze technical or scientific information and draw conclusions or make recommendations.
• The ability to effectively administer contracts to ensure contract compliance.
• A current Oregon Public Pesticide Applicator’s License with Forest and Right of Way Endorsements.

Benefits

Work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, flexible work schedules, competitive benefits packages and so much more.