Forestry Technician I – Educational State Forest Ranger

Ncagr; North Carolina; Hybrid; USD 37,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

North Carolina Forest Service seeks a Forestry Technician I (S) to support forest management, education, and field operations from the Stanley duty station. Primary duties include field inspections, trail maintenance, and assisting with wildfire response under supervision.

The role requires good written and verbal communication, strong organization, and the ability to work with volunteers, rangers, and the public while complying with state regulations. Training provided by the employer.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in forest management or an environmental or natural science curriculum.
• High school diploma or GED with two years of related forestry experience.
• An equivalent combination of training and experience may qualify.

Responsibilities

• Present forestry/environmental education programs to schools and groups.
• Assist in designing and developing educational programs with rangers.
• Coordinate volunteers, community service workers, and inmates.
• Design forest trails, picnic areas, and exhibits; perform routine maintenance.
• Enforce forest rules and regulations.
• Assist in wildfire suppression and incident management team activities.

Skills

Forest management knowledge

Wildfire response understanding

Excellent written and verbal comms

Organize and prioritize tasks

Self-motivated and team player

Calm under stress

Education

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

High school diploma or GED + 2 years related forestry experience

Equivalent combination of training and experience

Tools

GPS/GIS software

Job description

Agency Dept of Agriculture , Consumer Services Division North Carolina Forest Service Job Classification Title Forestry Technician I (S) Position Number 65034081 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 11:59:59 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.

• 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 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 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;
• High school or General Educational Development (GED) diploma and two years of related experience in providing forestry services;
• 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.

• Eligible state employees are entitled to comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more.

Permanent, temporary, and time‑limited state government jobs can be found from the mountains to the coast.

State Application Resources/Frequently Asked Questions

Valuing Education and Experience The State of North Carolina values the knowledge and experience of our jobseekers and current state employees. Approximately 91 percent of state job classifications allow experience to be substituted for education or do not require a post‑secondary degree. Learn more about how you may qualify for a position through education or directly related experience, or a combination of both, with the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide.

All job postings close at 11:59pm the night before the End Date on the posting.