FWS - Visitor Services Assistant - Tillamook Forest Center (CSWS)

This position is only open to current Pacific University Students

Location: Off Campus at Tillamook Forest Center in Tillamook, OR - free transportation provided via employee shuttle from Oregon Department of Forestry office in Forest Grove

Wage: $16.80/hr

Length of employment: 2026-27 academic year

Purpose of Position:

The mission of the Oregon Department of Forestry is to serve the people of Oregon by protecting, managing, and promoting stewardship of Oregon's forests to enhance environmental, economic, and community sustainability.

Our vision includes a workforce that reflects the diversity and values of Oregonians in a safe, inclusive, and supportive workplace that values all employees and allows them to reach their full potential in providing excellent customer service. The Tillamook Forest Center aims to provide high-quality opportunities for the public to build a deeper connection with Oregon's forests through experience and exploration.

Students will learn about the historic Tillamook Burn, the public spirit behind the monumental reforestation effort that left a permanent mark on Oregon history, and how it shaped sustainable forest management today.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

This position's primary role is to staff the information desk serving as the first point of contact for most visitors. This position makes an important first impression, aiming to provide excellent customer service.

Work at the information desk includes providing assistance to visitors who are shopping in the gift shop, answering questions, providing directions and recreation recommendations to trails and campsites, and providing information about the history and management of the Tillamook State Forest in an engaging and friendly way.

Responsibilities include:

• greeting visitors
• providing trail guides and maps
• ringing up sales
• making announcements
• answering the phone
• providing information about the history and management of the Tillamook State Forest
• assisting with upkeep of the information desk and sales area

Work may also include the development of communication tools and resources that help the public better understand the forest and its resources. This position will perform light maintenance of building, exhibits and grounds, with supervision, as necessary.

Students work all-day either on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday (one student per day) from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm at the center. Free transportation (shuttle van) from Oregon Department of Forestry office in Forest Grove to the Center provided daily departing at 7:20 am and returning at approximately 5:15 pm.

Competencies to Practice:

• Active Citizenship & Community Engagement
• Analytical & Critical Thinking
• Applied Problem Solving
• Career Management
• Engaging Diversity
• Oral & Written Communication
• Teamwork and Leadership

Supervisor / Recruiter: Contact Pacific Opportunity Hub (workandservice@pacificu.edu) to be connected with on-site supervisor

Desired:

• Working toward a Natural Resource-related or Education-related degree.
• Experience working with the public.
• Computer skills, customer service skills, natural resource communication skills, and cash handling/POS system.