Forestry Technician I - Educational State Forest Ranger

nc; North Carolina; On-site; USD 37,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Forest Service seeks an Educational State Forest Ranger to educate the public, manage forest trails and support wildfire prevention. The role involves presenting programs, coordinating volunteers, and assisting in planning and maintenance tasks at the Stanley duty station.

Work hours are 8–5, Monday–Friday with occasional evenings, weekends, and travel within the state. Requires an NC driver's license and a background in forestry or environmental science.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in forest management or environmental/natural science or equivalent.
• High school diploma/GED with two years of forestry-related experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Knowledge of forest management, wildfire suppression, and GPS/GIS software.

Responsibilities

• Present forestry/environmental education programs to schools, civic groups, and the public.
• Teach and conduct environmental education workshops.
• Assist in design and development of education programs and materials.
• Coordinate volunteers, community service workers, and inmates.
• Design and maintain forest trails, picnic areas, buildings, and exhibits; perform routine janitorial duties.
• Enforce rules and regulations for the forest; participate in wildfire suppression efforts.
• Contribute to development and implementation of the forest management plan (prescribed burning, timber harvesting oversight, site prep, reforestation, wildlife management).
• May be involved in district and out-of-district projects.

Skills

Forest management knowledge

Wildfire suppression knowledge

GPS/GIS software knowledge

Written and verbal communication

Organizational skills

Team player with calm under pressure

Education

Associate degree in forest management or environmental/natural science

High school diploma or GED with 2 years related forestry experience

Job description

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 11:59:59 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, 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.

Educational State Forest Ranger duties

• Presentation of forestry/environmental education programs to schools, civic groups, and the general public


• Teach and environmental education workshops


• Rangers assist in the design and development of such programs


• Will often be working and coordinating volunteers, community service workers, and prison inmates


• Rangers also design layout and maintain forest trails, picnic areas, buildings, and exhibits, including routine janitorial duties


• They are responsible for enforcing rules and regulations applicable to the forest


• They assist in wildfire suppression efforts and may be a member of an Incident Management Team


• Will be involved in the development and implementation of the forest's management plan, including but not limited to prescribed burning, oversight in areas of timber harvesting, site preparation, reforestation, timber stand improvement, water quality, and wildlife


• Rangers can be involved with district and out-of-district projects as assigned

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

Duty Station Location: 200 Gobbler Way, Stanley, NC 28164

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.

Recruitment Range

$37,377 - $65,408

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

• 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

Minimum Education and Experience

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 is 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.