FOREST RANGER - 42002772

State of Florida • GLEN ST MARY, FL

93d • $46,991 - $55,005 • Onsite

About The Position

The Forest Ranger works in forest fire prevention, detection, suppression, and presuppression; provides technical forestry services and information to landowners and wood-using industry representatives; assists with state lands management; and presents forestry educational programs. The position is on call, with days off assigned on a rotation basis, and may respond to emergencies, including natural disasters and other incidents requiring travel. Occasional to moderate travel is required. The incumbent must live within 30 miles of the assigned headquarters at 8791 US Hwy 90, Glen Saint Mary, Florida, throughout employment.

The position requires a valid driver license and a Class A Commercial Driver License within six months of appointment. The agency covers most of the cost of required CDL training and the initial test when completed at an agency-authorized training center. The incumbent must obtain a Certificate of Compliance as a Firefighter, including satisfactory completion of an approved firefighter training program, and must pass pre-employment and ongoing medical and physical fitness evaluations, as well as applicable drug and alcohol testing and background screening.

The role operates and maintains wildfire suppression and state lands equipment, supports investigations and emergency response, conducts public education and landowner assistance, and helps manage state lands and facilities. Special benefits for the position include a State of Florida Special Risk Retirement package and annual uniform and boot allotments.

Requirements

• High school graduation or equivalent and at least 18 years of age.
• Meet the statutory eligibility requirements, including specified criminal-history restrictions, good moral character, and submission of a fingerprint card with the required processing fee.
• Be in good physical condition as determined by a medical examination.
• Have been 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 A Commercial Driver License within six 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 receipt of the certificate.
• Live within 30 miles of the assigned headquarters at 8791 US Hwy 90, Glen Saint Mary, Florida, throughout employment.
• Pass a pre-employment drug test, comprehensive medical examination, and physical fitness test.
• Pass required post-employment reasonable-suspicion, post-accident, and random drug and alcohol testing, along with applicable Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse query requirements.
• Pass annual medical examinations, including pulmonary function and blood pressure, and annual physical fitness tests.
• Pass background screening, including fingerprinting.
• Complete all required fields in the Candidate Profile and provide verifiable responses to qualifying questions.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain equipment used to suppress wildfires, including truck-tractor/semi-trailer or truck-and-trailer combinations, engines, bulldozers, transports, and other fire suppression equipment.
• Investigate wildfire causes, gather evidence, interview witnesses, make recommendations to supervisors, and issue Notifications of Violations where appropriate.
• Detect fires through ground patrol or tower staffing; investigate smoke complaints; and conduct on-site inspections of burn authorizations.
• Present wildfire prevention programs in public forums and perform wildfire hazard mitigation work.
• Perform qualified roles within the Incident Command System, complete wildfire management reports, 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, seedling lifting and planting, and forestry and environmental education.
• 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 assist visitors in accessing services and recreation opportunities on state lands.
• Maintain state lands facilities such as trails, roads, campgrounds, boat ramps, and restrooms, and operate and maintain related equipment such as road graders, dump trucks, and loaders.
• Perform maintenance and construction 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 options, including health, life, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance
• Retirement plan options with 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