Biologist - Elliott State Research Forest

Are you an experienced Biologist interested in working at a world-class research forest? Apply to be our Biologist (Natural Resource Specialist 4) for the Elliott State Research Forest by November 4th, 2024! This position is eligible for a hybrid remote schedule and available as a Job Rotation for existing state employees. Non-state employees are encouraged to apply; the position is currently a Limited Duration position and is expected to become permanent.

Make a Difference for Oregon. The Department of State Lands (DSL) manages the lands that help fund our public schools and protects the state’s waterways and wetlands for the many benefits they provide. Our stewardship ensures vital natural and financial resources contribute to a vibrant, healthy Oregon now and forever. The DSL team makes a difference for Oregonians every day. As the Elliott State Research Forest Biologist, you will too.

At the State Land Board’s direction, DSL has been advancing a collaborative effort to transition the Elliott State Forest to a research forest and an internationally important center for forest science and management. We are now hiring a team of staff who will work with current DSL staff as well as external partners to stand up this new program for operational management of the Elliott State Research Forest.

The successful candidate for this position will advance wildlife and habitat management and conservation of the Elliott, under direction of the forest’s Manager, DSL Director, Board of Directors, and State Land Board.

This is a limited duration appointment and is represented by the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). This position is supported by existing limited duration legislative funding and is expected to become permanent.

We invite you to join us for an informational session to learn more about the Biologist position and the Elliott State Research Forest.

Here are the details for the information session:

• When: Monday, October 28th, 2024
• Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (PST)
• Format: Virtual session via Microsoft Teams (see details below)
• Purpose: This session is designed for individuals interested in learning more about the Forester role. The information session provides an opportunity to interact with our local staff, hiring manager, and recruiters as well as ask questions.

Please note that this session is not part of the interview process and is open to the public.

To join the session via your computer, mobile app, or room device, simply click on the link below:

Microsoft Teams  LINK Need help?

Meeting ID: 260 712 689 950       

Passcode: b2z6DL                           

We look forward to having you join us and to providing valuable information about this exciting opportunity. Thank you for your interest!

What’s in it for you?

• Serve as the lead Biologist as a central part of the new team to manage, research and report on fish and wildlife management and conservation in the Elliott.
• Receive 1-on-1 mentoring and support from natural resource experts.
• Join an organization with smart, driven, co-workers who care about Oregon’s economy, environment, and communities, and their co-workers.
• Gain full benefits with 95% to 99% of medical insurance premiums paid by the agency for full-time employees, including mental health coverage.
• Accrue 8 hours of sick leave and at least 8 hours of vacation leave per month, with your vacation leave accruals increasing every 5 years.
• Receive 11 paid holidays, 1 floating holiday, 3 personal business days and other employee benefits such as optional insurances and flexible spending plans.
• Automatically enroll into the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) after 6 months of full-time service.
• Earn the initial monthly salary range for this position starting at $5,746 - $8,831 for employees new to DSL; as a current PERS participating member, start at $6,143-$9,444.
• This position will receive a 6.55% Cost of Living Adjustment in early 2025.

This position will be located at our Shutter Creek Facility in North Bend and is eligible for hybrid remote work. The successful candidate is expected to be in office an average of three days per week, and able to telecommute two days per week. Offices are located at the Shutter Creek Facility in North Bend that is poised for transformation into a 49-acre operations hub for the Elliott State Research Forest, including laboratory, classroom, dormitory and office spaces in partnerships with local and Tribal entities. Preference may be given to applicants already located or willing to relocate within Coos or Douglas county.

Working Conditions:

Much of the work is in a hybrid office setting; fieldwork is a common and required part of the job, and occasional travel is an essential function of the position. DSL provides agency-maintained vehicles, reimbursement for field gear, and travel expenses for authorized, on-the-job travel and fieldwork. Overnight stays and/or extended work hours can be expected along with exposure to inclement weather and road conditions.

What you will be doing:

As the Biologist for the Elliott, you will advance forest management consistent with the forest’s foundational documents and Forest Management Plan, including the mission and management policies adopted by the State Land Board and the Habitat Conservation Plan. You will have the opportunity to:

• Develop, plan, and advance forest management, monitoring, habitat conservation and research activities consistent with the Elliott’s fish and wildlife conservation policies and commitments.
• Support contract administration for fish and wildlife-related forest management services.
• Collaborate with other staff in the development of or advancement of decisions on timber sales, road system management, reforestation and plantings, restoration projects, emergency response, and general forest management of public uses including potential closures.
• Represent agency as the forest’s fish and wildlife lead to the public and in working groups or meetings associated with creation and advancement of the Elliott.
• Engage in implementation and adaptive management decision-making and related committees associated with the Habitat Conservation Plan, Forest Management Plan, and other efforts.
• Act as the Department’s lead for advancing fish and wildlife-related monitoring efforts and commitments, habitat restoration, reporting, and partnership engagement in fish and wildlife monitoring, management, habitat restoration, and research.
• Develop, enter, and oversee interagency or other partner agreements with entities related to fish and wildlife and/or habitat management, conservation, or habitat restoration.
• Participate in program staff meetings, outreach activities and public meetings.