Natural Resource Specialist 1 - Interpretive Specialist

Initial Posting Date:

09/02/2025

Application Deadline:

09/12/2025

Agency:

Forestry Department

Salary Range:

$4,409 - $6,123

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Natural Resource Specialist 1 - Interpretive Specialist

Job Description:

Unleash Your Inner Storyteller: Become a Tillamook Forest Center Interpretive Specialist!

Do you dream of connecting people with all the benefits Oregon’s State Forests provide?

Our Mission – To serve the people of Oregon by protecting, managing, and promoting stewardship of Oregon's forests to enhance environmental, economic, and community sustainability.

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 Tillamook Forest Center is seeking a passionate, innovative Interpretive Specialist to join our team and help visitors discover the meaning of the incredible Oregon State Forests. This isn’t just a job; it’s a chance to ignite curiosity, foster appreciation, and inspire forest stewardship in visitors of all ages.

What You'll Do:

• Weave compelling narratives: Deliver engaging interpretive programs, guided walks, and educational activities that bring state forests' stories to life. This position is primarily responsible for delivering engaging, Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) standards-based, thematic, interpretive programs and student-centered education programs (forestry field trips) that increase the participant’s understanding of ecology, natural processes, forestry, cultural influences, history and management of the Tillamook State Forest and the Oregon Department of Forestry. You’ll assist with the development of specific elements of programs and interpretation tools including displays and newsletter contributions.

• Connect visitors to the past and present: Share the natural wonders, ecological and economic importance, and cultural significance of our state forests, helping visitors form intellectual and emotional connections with these resources. This position will lead programs and conduct informal interpretation at the Tillamook Forest Center and in other locations.

• Inspire a sustainable forestry ethic: Promote responsible enjoyment and stewardship of Oregon’s State Forests. State Forest ecosystems provide many benefits to people including timber, food, clean air and water, recreation, habitat, regional biodiversity, carbon storage, and more.

• Go beyond the ordinary: Innovate and utilize diverse communication and delivery techniques, embracing new media and creative approaches to reach a wide range of audiences to provide excellent public service. You’ll provide informal (dialogic) interpretation to engage visitors through roving and stations. This includes forest and center orientation, promoting and providing interpretive offerings, conducting resource protection outreach, and participation in special events.

• Work with diverse groups: Initiate conversation, lead and interact with various visitor groups, including school children, community organizations, and the public. During program sessions and interactions with the public, you will be responsible for ensuring a safe, quality experience for participants and visitors, coordinating any necessary program logistics, and assessing overall effectiveness of activities. Quality customer service and teamwork are essential parts of the job. Customer service may extend to assistance with nearby recreation sites.

Who You Are:

• A natural communicator: You possess strong public speaking and interpersonal skills, effortlessly initiating conversation, engaging, and captivating diverse audiences.

• A lifelong learner and researcher: You enjoy delving into the history, ecology, and cultural aspects of forest resources, continuously expanding your knowledge.

• A creative and adaptable individual: You can deliver programs for various ages and learning styles, adjusting your approach as needed.

• A team player and independent worker: You thrive both collaborating with colleagues and taking initiative on your own.

• Physically fit and comfortable outdoors: You are ready to explore varied terrains and weather conditions – including lots of rain! - to share the beauty of our forests.

• Bonus points if you have: A background in natural or cultural resource management, environmental education, history, or related fields.

Why This Role is for You:

• Make a tangible difference: Contribute directly to promoting responsible stewardship of Oregon’s State Forests for a balance of values.

• Work in the region’s largest forest-based learning center: Spend your days in the awarded Tillamook Forest Center, built specifically for interpretation and environmental education. Lead groups in the outdoor classroom of the forest trail system around the center.

• Enjoy a rewarding and engaging career: Experience the satisfaction of helping visitors create lasting memories and deeper understandings of their surroundings.

• Develop valuable skills: Hone your communication, research, program delivery, and leadership abilities.

Minimum Qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree in forestry or any natural resource area.

OR

Three years of experience in Forestry or any natural resource program area and level of responsibility.

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.

This position requires a criminal background check.

Desired Skills:

If you have these skills and attributes, let us know in your application materials! It's how we will choose whom to move forward! You do not need to have all these qualities to be eligible for this position. We may also use transferable skills, experience, and education to help us decide who will move forward.

• Interpersonal skills to work effectively in a publicly oriented job, initiating conversation with and greeting visitors, presenting programs, and positively representing Oregon Department of Forestry.

• Demonstrated experience in cultivating a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive environment.

• Working knowledge of the concepts and principles of interpretation; working knowledge of natural systems and ecological processes, or forestry.

• Ability to implement audience-appropriate interpretation and education programs.

• Interaction with others, teamwork.

• Strong oral and written communication skills with staff, volunteers, public, and partners.

• Ability to meet deadlines, take feedback, organizing and accomplishing work, reliable; practices prioritization skills, follow through.

• Attention to detail in all work.

• Strong writing skills and reading comprehension.

• Ability to stay focused and on tasks in a busy, multi-faceted environment.

• Proven adaptability and flexibility.

• Strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities.

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.

• Please ensure the work history in your applicant profile is up to date.

• Current State of Oregon employees – You must apply through your employee Workday account.

Additional Details:

• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies. This position is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

• If you have questions about this position, please contact Hiring Manager: Denise Berkshire, 503-815-6817

• Agency does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, all applicants will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. 

• Veterans - If you are an eligible veteran and you meet the qualifications, veterans' preference points will be added to your score. 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.

• If you have questions about the job announcement, or need an alternate format to apply, please contact: Kathie.a.brostrom@odf.oregon.gov.

ODF is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of 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.