Forestry Technician I - Assistant County Ranger

State of North Carolina; Rutherford College (NC); On-site; USD 37,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Forest Service seeks a Forestry Technician I (S) to work with the County Ranger to deliver forestry services from Rutherfordton, NC. The role includes assisting landowners, promoting tree care, and contributing to wildfire protection efforts.

Work hours are typically 8–5 Mon-Fri with after-hours readiness during fire danger periods and emergencies; overnight travel may be required. Residency in Rutherford Co. is discussed at interview; a Ranger Training completion is required.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in forest management or environmental or natural science.
• Or high school diploma with two years of related forestry experience.
• Equivalent combination of training and experience may apply.

Responsibilities

• Assist with servicing landowner requests for forestry assistance.
• 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 skills

Written & verbal comms

Task organization

Team player

Calm under pressure

Education

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

Job description

Agency

Dept of Agriculture , Consumer Services

Division

North Carolina Forest Service

Job Classification Title

Forestry Technician I (S)

Position Number

60031849

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

*** This is a readvertisement. All previous applicants MUST reapply to be considered. ***

Please note: Job postings close at 11:59:59 p.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 and 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 the time of interview.

Duty Station Location: Rutherford Co. Office. 519 Airport Road, Rutherfordton, NC 28139

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

Click Here to Learn more about State Employee Benefits.

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.

* Note: When required, you must answer the question(s) for this position, or your application will be considered incomplete.

Questions regarding this posting? Contact 919-707-3201.

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.