Natural Resource Specialists 3 - State Aviation Coordinator

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Job Rotation/Developmental Opportunity – NRS3 State Aviation Coordinator.

ODF State Aviation Coordinator – Aviation Unit - Salem

“This rotational/developmental opportunity is limited to regular status employees. Limited duration and temporary employees are not eligible.”

The Aviation Unit Protection Division is seeking interest from employees for a job rotation as the State Aviation Coordinator to provide support to the State Aviation Manager and Field operations.

Approximate Timeframe: July 2026 through Jan 2027.

• This job rotation will be working for the Aviation Unit in a hybrid work schedule.
• Location will be determined upon hire.
• Work schedule is Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.
• Work Out of Class may be available for those who may currently be in a lower classification position than an NRS3. Those who are at or above the same NRS3 classification will remain in their current pay structure.

Brief Overview

• Serves as a statewide Aviation Program Coordinator responsible for planning, coordinating, and administering aviation resources that support wildfire suppression and emergency response operations.

• Leads aviation program development, aircraft coordination, contract administration, fiscal analysis, policy development, and interagency collaboration while ensuring compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, state and federal policies, and agency procedures.

• Provides technical leadership for the agency's Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) program, aviation strategic planning, procurement, and emergency aviation operations. Coordinates with federal, state, local, military, and private partners to strengthen interagency cooperation.

The successful person in this role should possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Strong organizational, planning, and project management skills.
• Proven ability to analyze operational, financial, and program data to support budget development, resource allocation, performance evaluation, and strategic decision-making.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to facilitate statewide workgroups, coordinate agency projects, build consensus, and provide guidance and technical expertise to agency personnel and cooperators.
• Knowledge of aviation program administration, including aircraft coordination, aviation resource ordering, contract administration, interagency agreements, aviation logistics, and wildfire aviation operations.
• Experience with procurement and contract administration processes, including evaluating contractor performance, interpreting contract terms, coordinating solicitations, and supporting vendor and financial processes.
• Knowledge of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations, FAA regulatory requirements, airspace coordination, and emerging aviation technologies is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate complex operational issues, develop practical recommendations, and implement process improvements that enhance statewide aviation program effectiveness.

Work out of Class: Work Out-of-Class may apply depending on qualifications.

NRS3 Minimum Qualifications

Three years of experience in any natural resource area/aviation experience demonstrating the capacity for the knowledge and skills for this position. At least one year of the experience must be at a technical or professional level performing activities in a natural resource or aviation programs, such as researching and analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities AND
A bachelor's degree in (any natural resource/aviation area ), OR

Three additional years of related experience.

Note: Driver’s License Check – This position requires the operation of a state vehicle for official State business. As part of the hiring process, the agency uses Advanced Reporting LLC to conduct all required DMV driving‑record checks. Advanced Reporting LLC will obtain and review the driving record for the top candidate to verify possession of a valid license and an acceptable driving record.

If you are interested in being considered for this position:

• Obtain supervisory approval.
• Create a one-page narrative (no more than one page) describing why you are interested in this position and the skills you can bring to it.
• Email your one-page narrative and supervisory approval communication to Neal Laugle by close of business on Friday, July 24th, 2026.

If you would like to talk through the position or have any questions, please contact Neal Laugle at Neal.D.Laugle@odf.oregon.gov, or by phone at 503-580-4942, or by Teams chat/video