http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Pages/index.aspx

Oregon Department of Forestry

Entry Level Wildland Fire Suppression Specialist

June - September 2021 • Forest Grove, OR

What I liked

Loved the work. The Forest Gove office has outstanding leadership and camaraderie, amazing environment to work in!

What I wish was different

Expect to do lots of busy work when not on patrol.

Advice

Come ready to learn, meet new friends, gain new experiences, and grow your professional/leadership skills.
Be the first to mark this as helpful

Wildland Firefighter

June - September 2021 • Veneta, OR

What I liked

The teamwork and skill building

What I wish was different

More training and more work time because it was such a great job.

Advice

Be prepared to work hard and make good friends
Be the first to mark this as helpful

Wildfire Prevention Specialist

June - September 2020 • Long Creek, OR

What I liked

Being from the city, it was nice to see the countryside for a few months, really getting to appreciate those backroads. While we were in fires, using our tools it was an incredible adrenaline rush, and during my time in Long Creek I met my current girlfriend.

What I wish was different

Almost every interaction I had with my coworkers. They said so many bigoted comments that I held my tongue for for fear of them harming me if they learned I was bisexual.

Advice

Unless you’re willing to put up with small town Eastern Oregon life and people, stay far away from this job.
Be the first to mark this as helpful

Wildland Firefighter

June 2017 - September 2019 • Grants Pass, OR

What I liked

As a wildland firefighter, I had the most miserable fun I have ever had. I always look forward to those 100+ hour weeks on fires.

What I wish was different

Advice

1 One person found this helpful

Wildland Firefighter

June 2016 - September 2018 • Grants Pass, OR

What I liked

Working outside, working hard for good pay, fun experiences and coworkers, and the rush of fighting fire

What I wish was different

Different crew placement and working with some different people

Advice

Do it while you’re young, its really fun
Be the first to mark this as helpful

Wildland Fire Supression Specialist Entry Level

June - September 2018 • Fossil, OR

What I liked

Working outdoors with great people, learning new skills, challenging myself physically and mentally.

What I wish was different

More off district assignments.

Advice

Make sure you are in good physical shape before starting this job, it is very physically demanding and requires a lot of hiking. Also being familiar with walking through the woods and working in the woods is important.
Be the first to mark this as helpful

Fire Fighter

June - September 2018 • Klamath Falls, OR

What I liked

Working in the woods, saving trees.

What I wish was different

More free time

Advice

Make sure you like to work a lot
Be the first to mark this as helpful

Wildland fire suppression specialist

June - September 2018 • Veneta, OR

What I liked

I really liked the hands-on experience and training Oregon Department of Forestry offers while on the job. Fighting fire is a very complex system of managing resources and tasks while staying safe at all times. With all the training I did on the job I was comfortable in any situation I was in.

What I wish was different

All wildland firefighters can relate to these, environmentalist won't understand, but I wish I had more fire experience. In the past years, I was on a type 2 hand crew and was always on large established fires, but after switching to ODF I worked as an engine boss on a type 4 or 6 engine. The work was generally more slow paced then what I was use too but when we were called to do initial attack on fires within Western Lane it was the most exciting experience ever.

Advice

If you're interested in fighting wildfires do not become complacent. Always keep your head up, expect the unexpected, and safety is everyone's top priority.
Be the first to mark this as helpful

Wildland Firefighter

June 2016 • John Day, OR

What I liked

I have been a seasonal wildland firefighter for 3 years now. I work on a Helitack Crew, which means we fight wildland fire through the use of an aircraft. Sometimes it doesn't even feel like a job. I get to fly in a helicopter, travel throughout the state, and continue to advance my knowledge in fire suppression. The work is down and dirty, but it is so worth it once the fire is contained and controlled.

What I wish was different

More opportunities to travel around the state!

Advice

This job is a great opportunity for college students because not only does it allow you the opportunity to further your education, but the connections you make with your coworkers are one of a kind. Some days you are completely exhausted and feel like you want to quit, but I promise you that someone will always be right behind you saying "You got this".
Be the first to mark this as helpful

Visitor Services and Photography

June 2018 • Tillamook, OR

What I liked

Gaining experience in forestry and spending time somewhere I enjoy!

What I wish was different

Being able to be there more often or trying different positions

Advice

Be open to anything and explore the surrounding areas
Be the first to mark this as helpful