FOREST RANGER I

State of Arkansas; Camden (AR); On-site; USD 43,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture seeks a Forest Ranger I to protect state forests through wildfire prevention, suppression, and public education. This entry level role involves hands‑on fieldwork, operating equipment, and coordination with senior forestry personnel to maintain healthy timberlands.

Residency within the area is required, with a CDL within 12 months of hire. Work may occur in remote, challenging conditions as part of a state forestry team.

Qualifications

• At least six months of experience in forestry, fire suppression, land management, or a related field.
• Must pass an annual physical‑fitness standard and required training.
• reside within the assigned area as a condition of employment.
• Six months of tractor/truck operations and maintenance experience.
• CDL possession or within 12 months of hire is required.

Responsibilities

• Perform wildfire suppression using pumps, tools, and equipment.
• Conduct controlled burns and maintain firebreaks to reduce risk.
• Monitor fire‑prone areas and report hazards to supervisors.
• Operate firefighting equipment, vehicles, and safety gear in the field.
• Support in tree planting, reforestation, and habitat restoration.
• Assist in monitoring forest health for pests and diseases.
• Educate landowners, schools, and visitors on fire prevention.
• Assist in enforcing forestry laws and inspecting for violations.
• Respond to wildfires and emergencies in coordination with agencies.
• Be part of fire response teams and disaster relief operations.

Skills

Fire suppression knowledge

Forestry management

Equipment operation

Emergency decision making

Public education

Safety procedures

Education

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

Tools

Firefighting tools

Chainsaws

Light utility vehicles

Job description

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Position Number: 22088497
County: Ouchita
Anticipated Starting Salary: $47,397
Department of Agriculture

As the largest industry in Arkansas, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture and forestry to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation. The Department is organized into five Divisions: Forestry Division, Livestock and Poultry Division, Natural Resources Division, Plant Industries Division, and Shared Services Division.

Position Information

Job Series: Agriculture Law Enforcement – Career Path

The Forest Ranger I is an entry-level position responsible for wildfire prevention and suppression, timber management, public education, and law enforcement support related to Arkansas’s forestlands. This position involves hands‑on fieldwork, operating specialized equipment, and working closely with senior forestry personnel to protect state forests.

Primary Responsibilities

Perform wildfire suppression efforts using water pumps, hand tools, and heavy equipment. Conduct controlled burns and firebreak maintenance to reduce wildfire risks. Monitor fire‑prone areas and report hazardous conditions to supervisors. Maintain and operate firefighting equipment, vehicles, and safety gear for field operations. Participate in tree planting, reforestation projects, and habitat restoration. Assist in monitoring forest health, including identifying pests, diseases, and invasive species. Educate landowners, schools, and visitors on fire prevention and responsible forestry practices. Assist in monitoring for illegal logging, arson, and fire law violations. Support law enfor­cement in conducting inspections and investigations of forestry‑related infractions. Report any observed violations of fire bans, timber harvesting laws, and state forestry regulations. Respond to wildfires, natural disasters, and other emergency situations as needed. Work in coordination with state and federal agencies for emergency preparedness and response efforts. Serve on fire response teams and disaster relief operations.

Knowledge and Skills

Basic understanding of wildfire suppression techniques and forestry management. Ability to operate and maintain firefighting tools, chainsaws, and light utility vehicles. Willingness to learn fire prevention strategies, land management principles, and environmental conservation techniques. Familiarity with Arkansas forestry laws and fire safety regulations. Ability to make quick and sound decisions in emergency situations. Strong observational skills to identify fire risks and potential environmental hazards. Ability to follow detailed safety and operational procedures. Ability to effectively communicate with team members, supervisors, and the public. Strong listening and comprehension skills to follow orders and safety guidelines. Ability to work as part of a coordinated fire suppression and conservation team. Willingness to follow directions from senior forestry personnel and adjust to changing conditions. Dependability in responding to emergencies, working in remote locations, and adapting to challenging work environments. Ability to work under extreme weather conditions, rough terrain, and potentially hazardous and/or dangerous conditions. May be required to work under extended subject‑to‑call status and extended work hours.

Minimum Qualifications

At least six months of experience in forestry, fire suppression, land management, or a related field.

Must pass an annual physical‑fitness standard, required training, and reside within the assigned area as a condition of employment.

Six months of experience in tractor/truck operations and maintenance.

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.

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.

Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee’s demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.

Licensure/Certifications

Must possess Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) within twelve (12) months of hire. 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.

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.