FOREST RANGER - 42002688

State of Florida • Malabar, FL

5d • $46,991 - $55,005 • Onsite

About The Position

The Forest Ranger works for the Florida Forest Service within the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The position focuses on forest fire prevention, detection, suppression, and presuppression; technical forestry services and information for landowners and wood-using industry representatives; state lands management; and forestry education programs.

The incumbent operates and maintains wildfire suppression equipment and vehicles, investigates wildfire causes, conducts ground patrol or tower-based fire detection, investigates smoke complaints, inspects burn authorizations, carries out wildfire hazard mitigation, and responds to all-risk emergency incidents. The role also supports private landowners with presuppression plowing and burning, assists with forestry and environmental education, and participates in public lands management and maintenance. The position is on call, with days off on a rotation basis, and may require travel for emergencies. The employee must live within 30 miles of the Malabar headquarters throughout employment.

The incumbent must obtain a Class B Commercial Driver License within three months of appointment. The Florida Forest Service covers the majority of the cost of required CDL training and the initial test when taken at an agency-authorized training center. A Certificate of Compliance as a Firefighter is required for permanent status. Applicants receiving an offer must pass a drug test, comprehensive medical examination, and physical fitness test. Incumbents are subject to specified post-employment drug and alcohol testing, annual medical examinations, and annual physical fitness testing.

Requirements

• High school graduation or equivalent and at least 18 years of age.
• Must meet the statutory eligibility requirements, including specified criminal-history and military-discharge criteria, and have good moral character as determined by investigation.
• Submit a fingerprint card with the required processing fee for background screening.
• Be in good physical condition as determined by a medical examination.
• Be a non-user of tobacco or tobacco products for at least one year immediately preceding application, supported by a sworn affidavit.
• Possess a valid driver license.
• Obtain a Class B Commercial Driver License within three months of appointment.
• Obtain a Certificate of Compliance as a Firefighter, including satisfactory completion of a fire fighter training program approved by the Division; permanent status requires the certificate.
• Pass a pre-employment drug test, comprehensive medical examination, and physical fitness test.
• Pass applicable post-employment drug and alcohol testing and Clearinghouse query requirements, as well as annual medical and physical fitness examinations.
• Live within 30 miles of the headquarters at 2855 Valkaria Road, Malabar, Florida, throughout employment.
• Occasional to moderate travel is required; the position may require travel in response to emergencies.
• Be available on call; days off are on a rotation basis.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain engines, bulldozers, transports, and other equipment used to suppress wildfires.
• Investigate wildfire causes, gather evidence, interview witnesses, make recommendations to supervisors, and issue Notifications of Violations where appropriate.
• Conduct fire detection through ground patrol or tower staffing.
• Investigate smoke complaints and conduct on-site inspections of burn authorizations.
• Present fire prevention programs to increase public awareness of wildfires and wildfire damage.
• Perform wildfire hazard mitigation and serve in qualified capacities within the Incident Command System.
• Complete reports associated with wildfire management and respond to all-risk emergency incidents as required.
• Provide presuppression plowing and burning assistance to private landowners.
• Provide technical forestry assistance under the supervision of a Forest Area Supervisor or professional Forester, including timber inventory assistance, tree seed collection, and tree seedling lifting and planting.
• Provide forestry and environmental education information to the public and private forest landowners.
• Assist with public lands management, including tree planting, timber marking and inventory, prescribed burning, boundary maintenance, protection of threatened and endangered species, and wildfire protection.
• Monitor public use and help the public access services and recreation opportunities on state lands.
• Maintain public facilities on state lands, including trails, roads, campgrounds, boat ramps, and restrooms.
• Operate and maintain equipment for state lands management, such as road graders, dump trucks, and loaders.
• Perform maintenance and construction activities on fixed facilities and equipment, and purchase materials as needed.
• Perform other related work as assigned.

Benefits

• State of Florida Special Risk Retirement package
• Annual uniform allotment
• Annual boot allotment
• Annual and sick leave
• Nine paid holidays and one personal holiday each year
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition waivers

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED