Senior Forest Ranger Internal Agency

Eligibility and Minimum Requirements

Three (3) years of experience as a Forest Ranger with the Florida Forest Service, OR

Three (3) years of similar work experience with another public wildland firefighting forestry organization, OR

An associate’s degree in Forest Technology or Fire Science and one (1) year of experience as referenced above.

All applicants must hold a firefighter certificate of compliance (Certified Florida Wildland Firefighter). Completion of the certification program requires:

• High school graduate or equivalent and at least 18 years of age.
• No criminal convictions that would disqualify the applicant (misdemeand, felony, or dishonorable discharge).
• Submission of a fingerprint card with the current processing fee.
• Good moral character, as determined by the Division.
• Good physical condition, as determined by a medical examination.

Work in forest fire prevention, detection, suppression, and presuppression. Provide technical forestry services, information, and education to landowners and industry representatives. Assist in state lands management and present forestry educational programs.

Typical responsibilities include:

• Operation and maintenance of wildfire suppression equipment.
• Investigation of wildfire causes and gathering evidence.
• Wildfire detection through ground patrol or tower staffing.
• Public awareness and prevention program implementation.
• Participation in Incident Command System activities.
• Wildfire hazard mitigation work and related reports.
• Presuppression tasks such as plowing and burning assistance.
• Technical forestry assistance (timber inventory, tree seed collection, planting).
• State lands management activities (road construction, trail maintenance, etc.).
• Purchasing of materials for projects.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Must obtain a Class A Commercial Driver License with tanker endorsement within six (6) months of appointment. The Florida Forest Service will cover the majority of the associated costs.

Occasional to moderate travel is required. Position may respond to emergencies, including natural disasters.

Must live within thirty (30) miles of the headquarters at 7465 Pavilion Road, Bryceville, Florida.

Pre‑employment requirements: drug test and physical fitness test. Post‑employment requirements: random drug and alcohol testing, annual medical examination, and annual physical fitness test.

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 (health, life, dental, vision, supplemental); retirement plan options.

The State of Florida is an equal‑employment‑opportunity employer.

Candidates requiring reasonable accommodation must notify the hiring authority in advance.

Veterans’ preference is available and preferred. Documentation must be submitted with each application.

All positions in this class require possession of a valid driver license and a background screening, including fingerprinting.

Applicants must rely on their own personal knowledge. Use of artificial intelligence to answer qualifying questions may impact qualification.