Senior Forest Ranger Internal Agency

Position Overview

The Florida Forest Service is seeking a qualified Forest Ranger to prevent, detect, and suppress wildfires, provide technical forestry services, and support state land management. The role involves operating firefighting equipment, investigating wildfire causes, educating the public, and maintaining state lands.

• Operate and maintain wildfire suppression equipment such as truck‑tractor/semi‑trailer combinations, engines, bulldozers, and other firefighting apparatus.
• Investigate wildfire causes, gather evidence, conduct interviews, and issue notifications of violations.
• Perform wildfire detection through ground patrol or tower staffing and investigate smoke complaints.
• Serve as a public educator on wildfire prevention and hazardous materials.
• Provide presuppression support, including plowing and controlled burns, on private landowners’ properties.
• Assist in timber inventory, tree seed collection, planting seedlings, and environmental education for landowners.
• Maintain public facilities such as trails, roads, campgrounds, and boat ramps on state lands.
• Coordinate and support Incident Command System activities during emergencies.
• Perform routine maintenance, construction, and procurement of materials for fixed facilities and equipment.
• Respond to all‑risk emergency incidents as required.

• Three (3) years of experience as a Forest Ranger with the Florida Forest Service, or three (3) years of comparable experience in a public wildland firefighting or forestry organization, or an associate’s degree in Forest Technology or Fire Science with one (1) year of relevant experience.
• Firefighter Certificate of Compliance (Certified Florida Wildland Firefighter) obtained from an approved training program.
• High school graduate or equivalent and at least 18 years of age.
• Valid driver’s license (all positions require a driver’s license).
• Class A Commercial Driver License with tanker endorsement (CDL) obtained within six (6) months of appointment; the agency will cover the majority of the CDL training cost.
• Good moral character, good physical condition, and acceptance of required background, fingerprinting, and drug testing.
• Residency within thirty (30) miles of the assigned headquarters at 618 Plantation Road, Perry, Florida.
• Availability for occasional to moderate travel and on‑call duty, including emergency response activities.

• Pass pre‑employment drug and physical fitness tests, and continue mandatory post‑employment testing and annual medical examinations.
• Complete limitless mandatory training and maintain compliance with all state fire and safety regulations.

• State of Florida Special Risk Retirement package
• Annual Uniform Allotment
• Annual Boot Allotment
• Annual and sick leave benefits
• Nine paid holidays and one personal holiday each year
• State group insurance coverage options (health, life, dental, vision and supplemental insurance)
• Retirement plan options with employer contributions

Florida Law, 110.211 F.S., establishes the State of Florida as an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services values and supports employment of individuals with disabilities. Veterans claiming the pertinent preference should provide required documentation by the closing of the vacancy.

Perry, FL, 32347