Forestry Technician I – Assistant County Ranger

Agriculture & Consumer Services; Brunswick (GA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is seeking a Forestry Technician I to assist with landowner forestry services and urban tree programs. You will help promote forestry education through partnerships with schools, clubs, and community organizations while supporting wildfire suppression planning and resource protection.

The role includes field responsibilities, after-hours readiness, and potential overnight travel.

Qualifications

• Education requirements include an associate degree or equivalent experience; a high school/GED with related forestry experience may qualify.
• Driver’s license required within 90 days of hire.
• Knowledge of forest management and wildfire response is essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist with landowner forestry service requests.
• Support programs promoting trees and tree care in urban settings.
• Promote forestry education with partners, schools and clubs.
• Contribute to wildfire suppression planning and resource protection.
• Respond to emergencies and support field operations.

Skills

Forest management knowledge

Wildfire suppression

GPS/GIS software

Excellent written and verbal skills

Organize and prioritize tasks

Team player and calm under stress

Education

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

High school diploma or GED with two years related experience

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 60031991 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

Please note: Job postings close at 11:59:59p.m. the night before the listed Posting End Date above. “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 post. 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: 1159 Green Swamp Rd, Supply, NC28462

This position requires the successful completion of employer provided Ranger Training. 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

Any employment offer may be less than the maximum of the range due to salary equity with similarly situated employees or the selected candidate's related education and experience.

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.

Applicants seeking veteran's/National Guard preference should submit a copy of their Form DD-214, NGB23A (RPAS), DD256 or NGB22. 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.

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.

To learn more about the benefits of being a North Carolina state employee, visit the N.C. Office of State Human Resources' website.