FOREST RANGER I

About the position

The Forest Ranger I position is responsible for forest propagation, fire prevention and suppression, and timber management within the Arkansas Department of Agriculture's Forestry Division. This role involves ensuring compliance with state and federal laws while actively engaging in wildfire suppression activities and promoting fire prevention education in the community.

Responsibilities

• Locate fire sites using legal land descriptions or directions.
• Perform wildfire suppression activities, including the construction of fire lines.
• Inspect and secure fire lines by removing limbs, snags, and brush as needed.
• Operate dozers and plows to construct fire lines.
• Collect information to determine timber/soil type, seedling planting rate, seedling survival rate, property boundaries, and insect and disease infestation.
• Perform preventative maintenance and repair of agency vehicles, fire suppression equipment, tools, and facilities.
• Present fire prevention programs to elementary schools, civic groups, and rural volunteer fire departments using audio-visual aids and costumes.
• Collect geographic information system data for forest management programs using GPS and handheld data equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Formal education equivalent to a high school diploma.
• Six months of experience in tractor/truck operations and maintenance.
• Must obtain a commercial driver license (CDL).
• Must be 21 years of age.
• Pass an annual physical standard and job retention training as a condition of employment.

Nice-to-haves

• General computer skills preferred.

Benefits

• Anticipated starting salary of $32,405 with a salary range of $32,405.00 - $51,686.00.