FOREST RANGER I

State of Arkansas•Waldron, AR

2d•$47,397 - $70,148•Onsite

About The Position

The Forest Ranger I is an entry-level position with the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division. The role supports wildfire prevention and suppression, timber management, public education, and law enforcement efforts related to Arkansas forestlands. It involves hands-on fieldwork, use and maintenance of specialized equipment, and coordination with senior forestry personnel and other agencies to protect forests and respond to emergencies. The position is based in Scott County, and employees must reside within their assigned county or within a distance that allows them to reach the work station and proceed to an emergency within 30 minutes. The position requires at least six months of experience in forestry, fire suppression, land management, or a related field, as well as six months of experience in tractor or truck operations and maintenance. Employees must meet an annual physical-fitness standard and complete required training. A Commercial Driver’s License must be obtained within 12 months of hire. Extended subject-to-call status and extended work hours may be required, and the work may involve extreme weather, rough terrain, remote locations, and hazardous conditions.

Requirements

At least six months of experience in forestry, fire suppression, land management, or a related field.
Six months of experience in tractor or truck operations and maintenance.
Pass an annual physical-fitness standard and complete required training.
Reside within the assigned area as a condition of employment: within the county of the work station or close enough to reach the station and be en route to an emergency within 30 minutes.
Obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) within 12 months of hire.
Basic understanding of wildfire suppression techniques and forestry management.
Ability to operate and maintain firefighting tools, chainsaws, and light utility vehicles.
Familiarity with Arkansas forestry laws and fire safety regulations.
Ability to make quick, sound decisions in emergency situations and identify fire risks and environmental hazards.
Ability to follow detailed safety and operational procedures and communicate effectively with team members, supervisors, and the public.
Strong listening and comprehension skills to follow orders and safety guidelines.
Ability to work as part of a coordinated fire suppression and conservation team, follow directions from senior forestry personnel, and adapt to changing conditions.
Dependability in responding to emergencies, working in remote locations, and adapting to challenging environments.
Ability to work under extreme weather conditions, on rough terrain, and in potentially hazardous or dangerous conditions.
May be required to work extended subject-to-call status and extended work hours.

Responsibilities

Perform wildfire suppression using water pumps, hand tools, and heavy equipment.
Conduct controlled burns and maintain firebreaks to reduce wildfire risks.
Monitor fire-prone areas and report hazardous conditions to supervisors.
Maintain and operate firefighting equipment, vehicles, and safety gear for field operations.
Participate in tree planting, reforestation projects, and habitat restoration.
Assist with monitoring forest health, including identifying pests, diseases, and invasive species.
Educate landowners, schools, and visitors about fire prevention and responsible forestry practices.
Assist in monitoring for illegal logging, arson, and fire law violations.
Support law enforcement in inspections and investigations of forestry-related infractions.
Report observed violations of fire bans, timber harvesting laws, and state forestry regulations.
Respond to wildfires, natural disasters, and other emergency situations as needed.
Coordinate with state and federal agencies on emergency preparedness and response.
Serve on fire response teams and disaster relief operations.