COUNTY FOREST RANGER

State of Arkansas; Hatfield (AR); On-site; USD 36,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team as a County Forest Ranger, where you will play a crucial role in protecting our forests and communities. This position involves supervising firefighting crews, managing emergency responses, and enforcing forestry laws. You'll be at the forefront of fire prevention and control, working closely with local agencies and the community. If you have a passion for forestry, strong leadership skills, and the ability to thrive in challenging environments, this is the perfect opportunity for you to make a significant impact while enjoying a fulfilling career in public service.

Qualifications

• High school diploma and three years of experience in forestry or law enforcement.
• Must obtain a valid Arkansas CDL within 6 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Supervise personnel and coordinate firefighting efforts.
• Prepare burn plans and act as the 'Burn Boss' during prescribed fires.
• Investigate fire incidents and compile management reports.

Skills

Supervisory Practices

Fire Prevention Techniques

Emergency Response Management

Forest Fire Laws

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Two-way Radio

Geographic Information Systems

Digital Cameras

Job description

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Position Number: 22088528
County: Polk
Posting End Date: Open Until Filled
Anticipated Starting Salary: $36,155
Forestry Division

Position Information

Class Code: B088C

Grade: GS06

FLSA Status: NON-EXEMPT

Salary Range: $36,155.00 - $57,668.00

Summary

The County Forest Ranger is responsible for supervising county personnel, controlling and suppressing forest fires, supervising forest management, fire prevention, and fire suppression activities, and for enforcing forestry related laws and regulations within an assigned area. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy.

Functions

1. Supervises a small technical staff by interviewing, recommending for hire/termination, training, assigning and reviewing work, counseling, and evaluating the performance of incumbents.
2. Assesses fire situations, plans methods of suppression, and organizes and supervises firefighting crews utilizing agency personnel, volunteer fire departments, and cooperator crews.
3. Prepares prescribed burn plans and acts as the "Burn Boss" on prescribed fires.
4. Investigates fire by obtaining witness statements, draws map of fire area, writes reports indicating fire size, location, manpower and equipment mobilized, hours necessary for fire suppression, and investigative findings.
5. Compiles data for forest management plans recommending forestry practices to enhance timber production, improve wildlife habitat, and meet the goals of the landowners.
6. Informs landowners of the availability of federal assistance programs.
7. Completes various administrative reports for supervisory review, including county personnel time sheets, purchases, equipment repair, and office utility invoices.
8. Acts as aerial observer in the detection of timber infested with insects and disease, marks infested area on aerial map and transfers to ground map, examines and flags infested areas, notifies landowners, and recommends control measures.
9. Acts as Incident Commander in emergency response, including fire suppression, directing aerial attack (water drops) and natural disasters.
10. Coordinates response activities with appropriate governmental agencies.
11. Oversees and assists in preventative maintenance and repair of agency vehicles, equipment, tools, and facilities.
12. Directs the inspection and inventory of volunteer fire department equipment obtained from federal excess property.
13. Presents fire prevention, forest management, and urban forestry programs to schools, civic groups, community leaders, and rural volunteer fire departments, utilizing audio-visual aids and costumes, writes media news articles, and mans fair booths to inform the public of forestry related activities and operations.
14. May conduct or assist in conducting volunteer fire department training, conduct inventory, and attend volunteer fire department meetings.
15. Performs other duties as assigned.

Dimensions

Exposure to extreme weather conditions, rough terrain, and potentially hazardous and/or dangerous conditions is required. May be required to work under extended subject-to-call status and extended work hours. Must reside within assigned area as a condition.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Knowledge of policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national forestry operations for the protection of people and property.
2. Knowledge of supervisory practices and principles.
3. Knowledge of forest fire laws and fire prevention techniques and tactics.
4. Knowledge of fire prevention, fire suppression, and fire control.
5. Knowledge of National Incident Management Systems.
6. Knowledge of relevant equipment, such as two-way radio, hand held data recorders, global position and geographic information systems, and digital cameras.
7. Knowledge of federal and state programs available to forest landowners, communities, and fire departments.
8. Ability to plan, organize, and oversee the work of others.
9. Ability to read and analyze information to form general rules or conclusions.
10. Ability to read and understand information and ideas.
11. Ability to communicate information and ideas orally and in writing.
12. Ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers.
13. Ability to organize and manage emergency responses to wildfires and natural disasters.

Minimum Qualifications

The formal education equivalent of a high school diploma; plus three years of experience as a forest ranger, law enforcement officer, or in a forestry related field, including one year of experience in a leadership capacity. Must obtain a valid Arkansas CDL within 6 months of hire. Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

Licenses

None

Preferred Qualifications:

• Forestry Division Residency policy: Forest Rangers and Foresters must reside within the county of their work station/counties of responsibility, or reside within a distance that will allow for the employees to arrive at the work station and be in route to the emergency within a thirty minute time period.
• Pass an annual physical standard and job retention training.
• To oversee and assist with vehicle and equipment maintenance and repair.
• Required to meet emergency response time standards during fire season.
• Frequent countywide travel is required.
• Frequent exposure to wooded areas and the weather is required.
• Exposure to smoke, fire, and debris while performing fire suppression duties is required.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.