Assistant County Ranger

State of North Carolina - Agriculture & Consumer Services; North Carolina; On-site; USD 37,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Forest Service seeks a Forestry Technician I (S) to support county ranger teams. The role assists landowners with forestry requests, supports urban forestry education with partners and schools, and promotes wildfire prevention through planning.

Typical hours are 8–5, with potential evenings and travel; residency details are discussed during interview. Salary range listed with state benefits and opportunities for advancement.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in forest management or environmental/natural sciences.
• High school diploma or GED with two years of related forestry experience.
• Equivalent combination of training and experience may qualify.

Responsibilities

• Assist with servicing landowner requests for forestry assistance
• Assist with programs to promote trees and tree care in the urban setting
• Provide and promote forestry education through interaction with forestry partners, schools, civic groups and school organizations such as Tree Farm, National Wild Turkey Federation, FFA and 4-H
• Promote the protection of the State’s natural resources through development of wildfire suppression planning
• Respond in times of emergency such as wildland fires and natural disasters

Skills

Forest management

Wildfire suppression

GPS GIS software

Written communication

Verbal communication

Task organization

Team player

Calm under pressure

Education

Associate’s degree in forest management or environmental/natural sciences

High school diploma or GED

Equivalent combination of training and experience

Job description

Agency Dept of Agriculture , Consumer Services Division North Carolina Forest Service

Job Classification Title Forestry Technician I (S) Position Number 60032161 Grade NC07

About Us

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides services that promote and improve agriculture, agribusiness, and forests; protect consumers and businesses; and conserve farmland and natural resources for the prosperity of all North Carolinians. The Department employs approximately 2,000 employees.

Description of Work

Job postings close at 11:59:59 p.m. the night before the listed Posting End Date above. ***This is a readvertisement. All previous applicants MUST reapply to be considered.*** If there are no qualified candidates remaining in the applicant pool who meet the minimum education and experience or knowledge, skills and abilities required for the position then, an applicant who does not meet the minimum requirements may be considered for hire as a trainee. Salary for a trainee may be set lower than the classification salary range and recruitment range that is listed in the posting. The salary is adjusted as the trainee obtains the additional education and experience to fully meet the position qualifications as outlined in the classification specification. The North Carolina Forest Service is a team of professionals who provide forest protection, emergency response, resource management and environmental education to the residents and landowners of North Carolina through a variety of programs. The NC Forest Service provides services to the 100 counties in North Carolina. The Assistant County Ranger works with the County Ranger to provide services.

Position requires

• Assist with servicing landowner requests for forestry assistance
• Assist with programs to promote the importance of trees and tree care in the urban setting
• Provide and promote forestry education through interaction with forestry partners, schools, civic groups and school organizations such as Tree Farm, National Wild Turkey Federation, FFA and 4-H
• Promote the protection of the State’s natural resources through development of wildfire suppression planning
• Respond in times of emergency such as wildland fires and natural disasters

Work hours are typically 8-5 M-F. Extended times of readiness will involve evening, holiday, and/or weekend work. Must be available after working hours during fire danger periods and times of emergency response. Overnight travel will be required. Residency requirements discussed at time of interview.

Duty Station Location: 1313 West Wall Street, Wadesboro, NC 28170

Official NC Forest Service uniform and a State-owned vehicle will be provided to support everyday job responsibilities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Recruitment Range: $37,377 - $65,408

Knowledge of forest management, wildfire suppression or use of GPS/GIS software. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to organize and prioritize tasks to accomplish goals. Must be self-motivated, a team player, and able to remain calm under stress.

All Law Enforcement positions, aviation safety-sensitive positions, and positions requiring a Pilot's License or a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) shall be subject to pre-employment drug testing. All positions requiring a Commercial Driver's License shall also be subject to pre-employment DMV physicals. Selected applicants must obtain a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) medical certificate prior to employment. If a CDL is listed as a preference and the selected applicant has a CDL at the time of hire, then the CDL will become a requirement for the position.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details. Associate’s degree in forest management or an environmental or natural science curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution; or High school or General Educational Development (GED) diploma and two years of related experience in providing forestry services; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Necessary Special Qualification: Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license required within 90 days of hire.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

State Application Resources/Frequently Asked Questions

Valuing Education and Experience. Approximately 91 percent of state job classifications allow experience to be substituted for education or do not require a post-secondary degree. Learn more about how you may qualify for a position through education or directly related experience, or a combination of both, with the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide. All job postings close at 11:59pm the night before the End Date on the posting. Questions regarding this posting? Contact 919-707-3201. Permanent, temporary, and time-limited state government jobs can be found from the mountains to the coast. To learn more about the benefits of being a North Carolina state employee, visit the N.C. Office of State Human Resources' website.