SENIOR FOREST RANGER

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: To engage in the performance of forest fire prevention, pre-suppression and suppression duties; to assist in the enforcement of a variety of state conservation laws and regulations; to implement plans, training schedules and work schedules as directed by a superior; and to do related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Receives general instructions from a superior for work assignments with considerable latitude for the exercise of initiative and independent judgment; work is reviewed for conformance to the applications of laws, rules, regulations and policies.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: May supervise the work of civilian firefighters and divisional personnel assigned to assist.
 

To engage in the performance of forest fire prevention, pre-suppression and suppression duties.

To assist in the enforcement of a variety of state conservation laws and regulations.

To implement plans, training schedules and work schedules as directed by a superior.

To patrol the forest areas of the state in a fully equipped and specialized forest fire patrol truck, and to detect fire hazards, forest fires, and provide the initial response to on-going fires.

To operate forest fire suppression units such as patrol trucks and fire trucks.

To transport, via backpack, portable pumps, and set up and operate the same.

To investigate the causes of forest fires and prepare written reports as to the causes and extent of fires, and to create digital maps showing extent of forest fire damage.

To cooperate in the investigation, detection and apprehension of persons responsible for starting or causing forest fires, and to testify in court as an expert witness for the state.

 To operate the division radio equipment according to established procedures and perform emergency minor repairs in order to keep the radio equipment functioning during emergencies.  

To participate in programs of wildfire prevention education in local schools and other venues.

To train local municipal and volunteer firefighters in the techniques of fire prevention education.

To develop necessary training aids using computer software for presentations and creation of outreach materials.  

To record forest fire weather data readings utilizing sophisticated equipment such as: wet and dry bulb thermometers, psychrometer, precipitation gauges and wind gauges.

 To participate in continuous in-service training programs including, but not limited to, wildfire behavior, fire size-up, suppression methods and wildfire organization.

 To participate in advanced first aid and cardio pulmonary resuscitation courses on a continuing basis in order to remain current in the techniques of emergency first aid and rescue functions for the benefit of the public and fellow workers.

 To assist in the construction, repair and/or maintenance of buildings, including fire towers.

To perform repairs and maintenance tasks relating to the inspection and repair of specialized firefighting equipment.

To participate in the maintenance of an annual inventory of the Division's forest firefighting equipment that is on loan, by law, to volunteer fire companies, and to periodically inspect the same for use, maintenance or wear.

To provide support to the DEM Division of Law Enforcement involving a variety of state laws and regulations pertaining to the protection and conservation of the natural resources of the state, by seeking voluntary compliance, reporting and providing detailed written reports.
 To prepare detailed reports of work activities as required.

To assist and participate in conservation meetings and exhibits.

To receive specialized training through the Northeast Forest Fire Protection Commission, and to participate in fighting wild land fires in other states during declared emergencies involving the cooperating states.

To locate, clear and identify forest boundaries in state management areas using maps, surveying instruments and GPS units.

To apply herbicide to the side of access roads in management areas to reduce fire hazards.

To operate chain saws, brush cutters, and other mechanical equipment to keep fire access roads open on a routine or emergency basis.

To watch from an observation tower to detect smoke and/or fire.            

To obtain an azimuth or bearing on the location of the fire by use of a compass or transit; to triangulate/intersect bearings with another tower or terrain feature to determine the precise location of the fire and dispatch equipment.

To cooperate with local fire companies and other officials in reporting fires and related activities.

To assist other Division programs in carrying out the provisions of the USDA Cooperative Forestry Programs and the State Forest Land Classification Law by assisting in surveys, monitoring, mapping, and compliance with best management practices. To do related work as required.
 


 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND CAPACITIES: A working knowledge of the principles, practices, methods and skills involving forest fire prevention, pre-suppression and suppression; a working knowledge of wildland firefighting methods; a working knowledge of conservation enforcement laws, regulations and policies; a working knowledge of general methods and equipment used in forest conservation programs; a working knowledge of the use of pesticides; the ability to investigate and make reports, as to the causes of, and responsibility for conservation violations; the ability to detect, locate and orient forest fires using maps and a compass; the ability to collect data including GPS points and create digital files; the ability to apply herbicide to the side of access roads in management areas to reduce fire hazards; the ability to build and establish effective working relationships with the general public and cooperating fire-fighting organizations; the ability to supervise and review the work of others engaged in performing duties related to such functions; the ability to prepare and make written and oral reports regarding activities; the ability to engage in continuous active field work under extreme weather conditions, which require physical stamina; the ability to use organizational skills in order to prioritize and execute multiple important tasks; the ability to utilize oral and written communication skills, to effectively convey ideas and solutions to resolve problems and facilitate improvements; and related capacities and abilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Education: Such as may have been gained through: Possession of an Associate's degree in forestry or other related natural resource sciences, with courses in Fire Science; and Experience: Such as may have been gained through: Employment on a NWCG Wildland Fire Hand crew; a NWCG Wildland, Fire Engine Crew, or other employment involving the successful handling of complex wildfire incidents; employment involving the performance of general tasks in the field of forestry or conservation; experience as a trained member of a volunteer fire department. Or, any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the above education and experience. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: At the time of appointment (or as specified) and continually thereafter: 1. Must have successfully completed the NWCG Basic Wildland Firefighting and Wildfire Behavior (S-130-S190) course 2. Must be physically qualified to perform assigned duties as evidenced by a physician's certificate and successful completion of the NWCG Work Capacity Test (Pack Test). Individuals who possess a current valid NWCG Red Card need not take an additional test. 3. In accordance with RIGL 42-28.3-1 no person shall be appointed temporary, probationary or permanent until they shall have been evaluated and tested by a certified psychologist specified by the Director of the Department of Environmental Management and receive a satisfactory rating. The psychologist shall provide a report in writing of his/her evaluation together with pertinent recommendations for the guidance of the appointing authority. 4. Must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license. 5. Within six (6) months, must possess a Rhode Island Hoisting License (Restricted) issued by the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training. 6. Must meet qualification requirements for commission with special enforcement powers as may be prescribed and delegated by the Director of the Department of Environmental Management.PREFERED QUALIFICATION
Qualified NWCG Single Resource Boss level position of Crew Boss (CRWB), Engine Boss (ENGB), Heavy Equipment Boss (HEQB), Felling Boss (FELB), or Firing Boss (FIRB).

The descriptions below identify the specific officer designations and assigned roles within the Forest Fire Program, as described in the State Fire Plan, to meet the training, equipment, prevention, or fire science functions of the program. These designations also require participation in the NFFPC working teams of the same assigned function, which is included in the list of illustrative examples of work performed.

Fire Science Officer
The FSO is in charge of various hazard monitoring and planning functions within the Forest Fire Program. The FSO is responsible for the compilation of monthly, daily, annual reports and maintaining the fire weather and occurrence data base. The FSO is responsible for the maintenance of weather stations, as well as the updating of fire data. Hazard assessment and mitigation is led by the Fire Science Officer who is responsible for collecting data, data analysis, identifying priorities and conducting post assessments. The FSO assists in project implementation by mapping, conducting pre- and post-assessments on hazard mitigation projects and uses this information to develop priority projects and work areas and to assist in the implementation of BMPs. The FSO also assists the Prevention Officer in setting of objectives, creating plans, coordinating of projects, and implementing treatments.