FOREST RANGER I
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 activities related to Arkansas forestlands. It involves hands-on fieldwork, operation and maintenance of specialized equipment, and collaboration with senior forestry personnel to protect state forests. The position responds to wildfires, natural disasters, and other emergencies; helps maintain forest health and habitats; and educates landowners, schools, and visitors about fire prevention and responsible forestry. Forest Rangers must meet an annual physical-fitness standard, complete required training, and live within the county of their assigned workstation or within a distance that permits them to reach the workstation and begin responding to an emergency within 30 minutes. A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) must be obtained within 12 months of hire.
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.
- Must pass an annual physical-fitness standard and complete required training.
- Must reside within the county of the workstation or within a distance that allows arrival at the workstation and dispatch toward an emergency within 30 minutes.
- Must 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 sound decisions in emergencies, identify fire risks and environmental hazards, follow detailed safety and operational procedures, and communicate effectively with team members, supervisors, and the public.
- 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 and working in remote locations and challenging environments.
- Ability to work in extreme weather, rough terrain, and potentially hazardous or dangerous conditions.
- May be required to work under extended subject-to-call status and extended work hours.
- Other job-related education and/or experience may substitute for some or all basic requirements, except certification or licensure requirements, subject to approval by the Qualifications Review Committee.
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, and habitat restoration projects.
- Help monitor forest health by 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 with 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
