Forest Ranger Jobs in Mississippi (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $30,000.00 - $40,990.07 Annually
Location : 51 - NEWTON COUNTY, MS
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 9389-0451-20260731N
Department: 0451 - FORESTRY COMMISSION
Opening Date: 08/03/2026
Closing Date: 8/17/2026 11:59 PM Central
Agency Minimum Salary: $30,000.00
Agency Maximum Salary: $40,990.07
About the Agency: Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC) has been a leader in the protection, management, and sustainability of the state's forests for 100 years. The MFC provides expert management, protection, and information needed to keep Mississippi's approximately 19.2 million acres of forestland healthy, productive, and prosperous. For additional information contact Brooke Hanna, Human Resource Director, shanna@mfc.ms.gov.
About the Position: This position is with the Mississippi Forestry Commission in Area 32 with duties and responsibilities in Lauderdale, Newton, and Scott Counties. This is routine work involved in serving as a member of a forest fire suppression crew in an assigned area of the state. The work involves working as a member of a crew in preventing and suppressing forest fires, maintenance of firefighting equipment, construction and maintenance of fire breaks, assisting in timber marking, loading and unloading firefighting equipment, using hand tools in suppressing fires, and maintaining work centers. The work is performed under the general direction of a Forester. Direct supervision may be delegated to a Forestry Technician or other superior.Examples of work performed in this classification include, but are not limited to, the following:Serves as a member on the fire control unit.Assists in loading and unloading tractors and other firefighting equipment.Assists in servicing equipment and making minor repairs.Serves as a member of a timber marking crew.Assists in the maintenance of work centers.Constructs and maintains fire breaks.Assists in plowing fire lines.Assists in improving timber stands and other resource management practices.Assists in information and education programs.Assists in locating tracts using a county road map and following central dispatch directions.Will learn to operate a bulldozer and transportPerforms related or similar duties as required or assigned.
What you'll need to be Successful: Integrity and Honesty: Demonstrates a sense of responsibility and commitment to the public trust through statements and actions. Models and demonstrates high standards of integrity, trust, openness, and respect for others. Demonstrates integrity by honoring commitments and promises. Demonstrates integrity by maintaining necessary confidentiality. Work Ethic: Is productive, diligent, conscientious, timely, and loyal. Conscientiously abides by the rules, regulations, and procedures governing work. Service Orientation: Demonstrates a commitment to quality public service through statements and actions.
Preferred Qualifications: Typically requires a High School Diploma or high school equivalency. Employees must obtain their Commercial Drivers License and pass a fitness exam within 90 days of employment. Agency preferred qualifications:A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required. Employees must possess or obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) within the first year of employment. Additionally, candidates must pass a walking fitness test and a pre-employment drug screening
No available description
Health/Prescription InsuranceEligible employees have the opportunity to participate in the state's health and prescription insurance program. Employees may select either single or family coverage with affordable co-payments. More detail can be found at Know Your Benefits.
Wellness Benefits
Employees are eligible for a wellness and health promotion program. This plan provides annual benefits for certain services with first-dollar coverage with no deductible.
Life Insurance
All eligible employees receive an actual term life insurance policy upon employment. The policy coverage is two times the employee's annual salary to a maximum of $100,000. More detail can be found at Life Insurance Choices.
Optional Insurances
Many agencies offer discounted premiums for dental, vision, and cancer insurance.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Many state agencies provide opportunity for employees to participate in pre-tax spending accounts. These accounts allow employees to withhold childcare expenses and unreimbursed medical expenses prior to application of state and federal taxes.
Paid Personal Leave and Sick LeaveFull-time employees receive paid time off for personal needs and for sick leave. Leave begins accruing after one month of employment and may be used as it is accrued. Employees earn approximately 18 days of personal leave annually and 12 days of sick leave annually.
Military Leave
In accordance with federal law, all employees serving in the armed forces or the military reserves are entitled to 15 days per year for military training.
Holidays
Employees receive up to 10 paid holidays to enjoy many of our nation's celebrations with family and friends.
Retirement Programs
The State of Mississippi provides all its employees a Defined Benefit/Defined Contribution Retirement Program. Employees become vested in the State's retirement system after 8 years of employment. Both you and your employing agency contribute toward your retirement. More detailed information regarding the State's retirement program can be found at http://www.pers.state.ms.us
Deferred Compensation
State agencies offer several opportunities for their employees to participate in a deferred compensation voluntary retirement savings plan. More information can be found at Deferred Compensation.
State Credit Union
All state employees are eligible to participate in the Mississippi Public Employees' Credit Union. This organization offers state employees special savings and borrowing plans. For more information about this program, call 601.948.8191.
Tuition Reimbursement
Many state agencies provide opportunities for their employees to achieve higher education through tuition reimbursement. Common programs include medical and nursing fields, accounting, and business/administrative fields.
Career Development and Training
The Mississippi State Personnel Board offers several management and administrative certification programs, as well as professional development courses to enhance employee value to the agency. Individual agencies also offer technical training and allow membership in professional organizations to employees in their specific fields of employment.
Promotional Opportunities
Employees who have completed 6 or more months of service are eligible for promotional opportunities within state government employment. Minimum qualifications must be met.
Career Ladders
Many job classifications provide career-ladder opportunities based upon attainment of competencies. These career ladders can increase an individual's salary, provided funds are available within the agency.
01
How many years of experience do you have? (Refer to the job posting for an explanation of related experience.)

• No experience
• 1 year of experience
• 2 years of experience
• 3 years of experience
• 4 years of experience
• 5 years of experience
• 6 years of experience
• 7 years of experience
• 8 years of experience
• 9 years of experience
• 10 years of experience
• More than 10 years

02
What is the highest level of education (or semester hours of college) you have completed in a relevant area? (Refer to job posting for an explanation of relevant education.)

• None
• GED or High School Equivalency Diploma / High School Diploma
• 30 semester hours
• Associate's Degree / 60 semester hours
• 90 semester hours
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Specialist Degree
• Doctorate Degree

03
Are you able to obtain a Commercial Drivers License and pass a fitness exam within 90 days of employment?

• Yes
• No

Required Question