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Forest Ranger 1

Job Description

As a Forest Ranger 1 you would fight wildfires in New York State and nationally; perform search, rescue and emergency incident management; handle compliance inspections on a variety of Department of Environmental Conservation resource use permits; and guarantee the care, custody and control of State lands. Forest Rangers perform a wide variety of duties including: educating the public concerning the proper use of public lands and resources; visiting schools, fire companies and clubs to promote resource protection; teaching prepared courses to other agencies, volunteer groups and fire companies concerning search and rescue, fire suppression, wilderness safety and etiquette, and natural resource care.

As a Forest Ranger 1, you would be a sworn police officer, authorized to enforce New York State Laws, Rules and Regulations. Pursuant to conditions prescribed by the Commissioner of Environmental Conservation you would be required to carry firearms for the express purpose of enhancing your safety and effectiveness in performing your duties. As a Forest Ranger 1, you would work in an assigned patrol area. Upon appointment, you would be required to maintain headquarters within the assigned patrol area.

Job Qualifications

In order to qualify for a Forest Ranger 1 position, the candidate must possess a bachelor's or higher level degree including or supplemented by 30 semester credit hours in environmental/life science*;

OR

An associate's or higher level degree in forestry, forest technology, forest management, natural resources management, forest recreation, forest engineering, or environmental engineering;

OR

An associate's or higher level degree including or supplemented by 18 semester credit hours in environmental/life science*;

AND one of the following:

  1. two years of qualifying technical/professional work experience in the natural resources management field;
OR
  1. two years of active United States military service with an honorable discharge.

Definition

* For the purpose of this examination, environmental/life science includes: forestry, forest management, forest recreation, forest resources technology, forest fire management, forest engineering, environmental engineering, environmental education, fish or wildlife biology, fish or wildlife management, and environmental science. It does not include physics, geology, chemistry, engineering except as noted, mathematics, human/medical biology or social sciences.

Examples of experience that will not qualify as forestry experience are: lawn mowing, landscaping, tree and brush trimming, pesticide application, sawing firewood, farm hand and other types of experience that are categorized as laborer or maintenance work in a garden shop, park or forestry setting.

Additional Requirements

  • Physical/Medical - Candidates must be physically strong and active. Candidates must be able to pass a qualifying medical examination and a physical agility test prior to consideration for appointment.
  • Character - Because of the duties of this position, a thorough character investigation will be made of successful candidates.
  • License Requirement - Candidates must possess a valid license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State at the time of appointment.
  • Residency - Forest Rangers work in assigned Ranger Districts. Upon appointment, the candidates will be required to reside within the position's district.

Salary

A hiring rate of $44,933 is effective as of April 1, 2005. Due to on-going negotiations, the hiring rate is subject to increase.

These positions exist in the Department of Environmental Conservation at numerous locations throughout the State.

Promotional Opportunities

Forest Ranger 1 is the entry level job title in the Forest Ranger series. Promotional opportunities are available through competitive examination and satisfactory service.

Application Procedures

The position of Forest Ranger 1 is filled through the use of eligible lists resulting from a written examination administered by the Department of Civil Service. For additional information on Civil Service Examinations, see the offsite links to "Civil Service Exam Announcements," "Civil Service Exam Notification," and "Civil Service FAQ's" on the right side of this page.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Is An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer