There aren’t too many people who can say they make a living doing what they love. Nicholas Seibel can. And does.

The new Zigzag National Forest District ranger gets to spend his days working in the great outdoors. On Mt. Hood. The mountain he loves.

“My passion in life is the outdoors and in nature,” Seibel said. “That got me looking into opportunities in the forest service after I retired from the military.”

His enthusiasm for the next chapter in his life is transparent. After 24 years in the U.S. Air Force, the active 43-year-old was ready for a new challenge.

In the Mt. Hood National Forest he has found a new career that matches his skill set, learned on the job during humanitarian and disaster relief missions. It turns out that his proven abilities as a team builder and strong leader in the Air Force are wanted in the woods as well.

Seibel served as a combat controller in the U.S. Air Force. He deployed to combat zones seven times, providing support to both air and ground forces in numerous high-risk missions, including Afghanistan, Iraq and Beirut.

Seibel has extensive experience in emergency management, including leading task forces during national emergencies such as hurricanes Harvey and Irma. As a member of Oregon Air National Guard, Seibel has come to know Mt. Hood well, leading and participating in search and recovery missions to locate and rescue lost or injured hikers.

Seibel began his new career at the Zigzag Forest Ranger District on May 8. The Zigzag Ranger District spans 250,000 acres on the west side of the Forest, including busy campgrounds and trails, ski areas, and summer cabins. The district also includes most of Bull Run Watershed, which provides drinking water to about a million Oregonians.

“We’re just getting ready for the summer season,” Seibel said. “With the amount of snow that we’ve had this year, it’s putting our backs against the wall getting the campsites ready so people can recreate.”
Seibel manages a staff of about 50 employees, half of whom are seasonal workers of all ages. He has spent much of his first weeks on the job getting to know his staff as well as other leaders in the Mt. Hood community.

He recently attended a wildland fire prevention and preparation conference hosted by Timberline Lodge that reportedly drew 250 representatives of local fire districts, forest rangers and businesses. Seibel said the gathering gave him an excellent opportunity to introduce himself to the community.

Seibel lives in West Linn with his wife, son, and their three dogs. The Seibel family enjoys spending time together in the great outdoors, and they frequently explore Mt. Hood skiing, hiking and camping. Not to mention going 4-wheeling off-road on one of the many trails the mountain has to offer.

“As someone who has always had a deep love and appreciation for the outdoors, I am thrilled to join the Zigzag Ranger District and Mt. Hood community,” said Seibel. “The opportunity to be a part of a team that stewards the natural beauty of this stunning mountainous region while supporting outdoor recreation is inspiring and fulfilling.”

Seibel succeeds previous District Ranger Bill Westbrook, who retired in late winter after 16 years in Zigzag.
Mt. Hood National Forest Supervisor Meta Loftsgaarden speaks highly of Seibel.

“Zigzag Ranger District is receiving national attention and investment for Forest Service priorities,”

Loftsgaarden said. “Nick has a wealth of experience leading and collaborating with teams during complex projects. He’s the right person to help lead the implementation of these key priorities for both the Forest and our communities.”