November 30, 2021 3:15 a.m.

A joint staffing program between the Oregon Department of Forestry and the Oregon Department of Transportation, known as “Fire and Ice”, is kicking off the winter season providing year-round work for employees through seasonal positions between the departments.

A release said since the 1980s, the program has retained experienced employees while providing opportunities in career advancement, leadership and relationship building.

ODOT Interim District 8 Manager Jeremiah Griffin said the program benefits everyone as they are able to keep experienced staff year-round between both agencies in highly specialized positions. Griffin said these positions respond to dangerous situations in extreme conditions no matter the season and its ideal to have consistency from season to season and year-to-year. The program gives ODOT needed staff, especially this year when the agency, like many others, is struggling to find enough employees to maintain roads at the level travelers expect. The release said it may take more time to clear roads so travelers should plan accordingly.

This winter, nine ODF firefighters are transitioning to ODOT as winter road maintenance specialists through “Fire and Ice”. Winter work with ODOT can vary from driving snow plows to operating equipment di-icing and sanding roadways. In the late spring, they will return to ODF at the start of the fire season to provide fire suppression support in Jackson and Josephine counties.

Acting ODF Southwest Oregon District Forester Tyler McCarty said, “While we’re continuing to work toward additional year-round positions, our partnership with ODOT and the ‘Fire and Ice’ program is an excellent opportunity to provide continuous work to our employees in a cost-effective way to the district, and ultimately, taxpayers”.