(1) The Governor shall appoint a State Forester subject to Senate confirmation under ORS 171.562 and 171.565. The forester shall be the chief executive officer of the State Forestry Department and shall act as the secretary of the State Board of Forestry. The forester shall serve a term of four years at the pleasure of the Governor and shall be eligible for reappointment.
(2)(a) With the approval of the board and subject to applicable provisions of the State Personnel Relations Law, the State Forester may appoint a Deputy State Forester, assistant state foresters and other employees of the department.
(b) The State Forester must have organizational management experience and either of the following:
(A) Executive experience and expertise overseeing forest and wildfire management on western forestlands; or
(B) Operational experience and expertise overseeing forest and wildfire management on western forestlands.
(c) During the State Forester’s absence or disability, all authority shall be exercised by the Deputy State Forester.
(3)(a) The State Forester shall receive a salary as provided by law or, if not so provided, as prescribed by the Governor.
(b) In addition to salary, but subject to any applicable law regulating travel and other expenses of state officers and employees, the State Forester, the Deputy State Forester and assistant state foresters shall be reimbursed for actual and necessary travel and other expenses incurred by the State Forester, the Deputy State Forester and assistant state foresters in the performance of official duties.