Forest Ranger II

Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry•Augusta, GA

13h•$28 - $38

About The Position

This is investigative and protective services work in the detection, prevention, pre-suppression, and suppression of wildfires and the enforcement of forestry, environmental and conservation laws.

Requirements

An Associates Degree which includes 15 hours of natural science (e.g., fire science, criminal justice, emergency management, forestry, biology, geology, oceanography) -OR- an acceptable equivalent two (2) year combination of directly related education, training, and/or experience.
Be at least 21 years old by the time of appointment to the Maine Criminal Justice Academy -OR- can be only 20 years old and have completed an associate degree or 60 credit hours of post-secondary education.
Be able to successfully pass the Maine Criminal Justice Academy’s Physical Fitness Test (PFT) at the Maine Forest Ranger percentile hiring standards or have had passed at those standards in the past two (2) years.
Applicant must have no criminal or extensive motor vehicle record.
Proof of age (e.g., legible copy of birth certificate or driver’s license) and a copy of your college transcripts / diploma(s) or equivalent MUST accompany your application.
Have or be able to obtain a valid Maine Class C motor vehicle operator’s license
Successful completion of all required training must be met by all employees prior to attaining permanent status in this class.
Be willing to locate anywhere within the State of Maine.

Responsibilities

Patrols and inspects assigned areas observing activities, checking recreational areas, and wood operations; noting road conditions; posting signs; conducting fire investigations; and issuing fire permits.
Contacts and advises town fire wardens, landowners, mill owners, social organizations, industry, government groups, and others.
Trains firefighting personnel, attends firefighting training, and repairs/checks firefighting equipment.
Fights fires and supervises firefighting crews.
Provides wildland fire training to fire departments, hotshots, schools, industry, and other groups.
Inspects logging operations for compliance with the state’s fire, environmental, and conservation laws.
Enforces statutes, prosecutes violators, writes case reports, and testifies in court.

Benefits

Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays , 12 days of sick leave , and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 annual value), depending on salary.
Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%.
Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes at least 19.81% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program.
Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave . Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act .
Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.