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Forestry Ranger Jobs in North Carolina (NOW HIRING)

District Ranger

Jackson, NC · On-site

$76K - $76K/yr

The NC Forest Service provides services to the 100 counties in North Carolina. The District Ranger (DR) is an administrative position that oversees fire/all-risk training, equipment readiness ...

Run inventory reports for the Pisgah Ranger Station and the Cradle of Forestry. Track report dates and use the inventory cheat sheet to prevent over-pulling. * Check inventory buckets before pulling ...

Run inventory reports for the Pisgah Ranger Station and the Cradle of Forestry. Track report dates and use the inventory cheat sheet to prevent over-pulling. * Check inventory buckets before pulling ...

Two of the three contractors will be assigned a duty station at the Pisgah Ranger District Administrative Site in Pisgah Forest, NC. The third position will be assigned a duty station of the ...

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Showing results 1-20

Forestry Ranger information

See North Carolina salary details

$35.9K

$50.5K

$66.8K

How much do forestry ranger jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for forestry ranger in North Carolina is $50,456.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,800.00 and $51,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a forestry ranger?

Forestry Rangers are professionals responsible for managing, protecting, and conserving forests and natural resources. They patrol forested areas to prevent illegal activities such as poaching and logging, respond to emergencies like wildfires, and educate the public about responsible land use. Forestry Rangers also collect data on wildlife and plant populations, assist in habitat restoration, and enforce environmental regulations to ensure the long-term health of forest ecosystems.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a forestry ranger?

To thrive as a Forestry Ranger, you need knowledge of environmental science, forest management practices, and relevant regulations, usually supported by a degree in forestry or a related field. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, GPS devices, and fire management certification is often required. Strong observation skills, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities help in monitoring forest health and engaging with the public. These skills ensure the protection of natural resources, safety, and successful stewardship of forested lands.

What challenges do forestry rangers face in their day-to-day work?

Forestry Rangers often encounter challenges such as managing large areas of land with limited resources, responding quickly to emergencies like wildfires or illegal activities, and balancing conservation efforts with public access. They must adapt to varying weather conditions and rugged terrains, which can be physically demanding. Additionally, effective communication and collaboration with local communities, law enforcement, and other agencies are essential to successfully carrying out their responsibilities.

What is the difference between Forestry Ranger vs Conservation Officer?

AspectForestry RangerConservation Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications in forestry or natural resource managementHigh school diploma; certifications in environmental science or conservation
Work EnvironmentForests, parks, and outdoor natural areasWildlife reserves, parks, and conservation sites
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, parks departmentsEnvironmental agencies, conservation organizations

Forestry Rangers primarily focus on managing forest resources, enforcing regulations, and ensuring public safety in natural areas. Conservation Officers also work in natural settings but often have broader responsibilities including wildlife protection, habitat preservation, and law enforcement related to environmental laws. Both roles require similar certifications and work outdoors, but their specific duties and focus areas differ.

How do you become a forestry ranger?

To become a forestry ranger, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring a bachelor's degree in forestry, environmental science, or a related field. Relevant skills include knowledge of conservation practices, proficiency with tools and equipment, and often the completion of certification programs such as first aid or firefighting. Gaining experience through internships or seasonal work can also improve job prospects, and physical fitness is usually required due to outdoor work conditions.
Infographic showing various Forestry Ranger job openings in North Carolina as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 7% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,456 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Assistant County Ranger

State of North Carolina

Rockingham, NC • On-site

$14 - $16.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


State Of North Carolina rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 83 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

36th of 50 rated states


Job description

Agency
Dept of Agriculture , Consumer Services
Division
North Carolina Forest Service
Job Classification Title
Forestry Technician I (S)
Position Number
60032030
Grade
NC07
About Us
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides services that promote and improve agriculture, agribusiness, and forests; protect consumers and businesses; and conserve farmland and natural resources for the prosperity of all North Carolinians. The Department employs approximately 2,000 employees.
Description of Work
Job postings close at 11:59:59 p.m. the night before the listed Posting End Date above.
***This is a readvertisement. All previous applicants MUST reapply to be considered.***
If there are no qualified candidates remaining in the applicant pool who meet the minimum education and experience or knowledge, skills and abilities required for the position then, an applicant who does not meet the minimum requirements may be considered for hire as a trainee. Salary for a trainee may be set lower than the classification salary range and recruitment range that is listed in the posting. The salary is adjusted as the trainee obtains the additional education and experience to fully meet the position qualifications as outlined in the classification specification.
The North Carolina Forest Service is a team of professionals who provide forest protection, emergency response, resource management and environmental education to the residents and landowners of North Carolina through a variety of programs. The NC Forest Service provides services to the 100 counties in North Carolina.
The Assistant County Ranger works with the County Ranger to provide services.
Position requires:
• Assist with servicing landowner requests for forestry assistance
• Assist with programs to promote the importance of trees and tree care in the urban setting
• Provide and promote forestry education through interaction with forestry partners, schools, civic groups and school organizations such as Tree Farm, National Wild Turkey Federation, FFA and 4-H
• Promote the protection of the State's natural resources through development of wildfire suppression planning
• Respond in times of emergency such as wildland fires and natural disasters
Work hours are typically 8-5 M-F. Extended times of readiness will involve evening, holiday, and/or weekend work. Must be available after working hours during fire danger periods and times of emergency response.
Overnight travel will be required.
Residency requirements discussed at time of interview.
Duty Station Location:
150 Justice Center Drive, Reidsville, NC 27320
This position requires the successful completion of employer provided Ranger Training.
Official NC Forest Service uniform and a State-owned vehicle will be provided to support everyday job responsibilities.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences
Recruitment Range: $37,377 - $65,408
  • Knowledge of forest management, wildfire suppression or use of GPS/GIS software
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to organize and prioritize tasks to accomplish goals
  • Must be self-motivated, a team player, and able to remain calm under stress

Click Here to Learn more about State Employee Benefits.
Any employment offer may be less than the maximum of the range due to salary equity with similarly situated employees or the selected candidate's related education and experience.
Please follow the instructions to apply online. It is important that your application includes all your relevant education and experience. Text or attached resumes ARE NOT accepted as a substitution for a completed application. Applicants seeking veteran's/National Guard preference should submit a copy of their Form DD-214, NGB 23A (RPAS), DD256 or NGB 22.
All Law Enforcement positions, aviation safety-sensitive positions, and positions requiring a Pilot's License or a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) shall be subject to pre-employment drug testing. All positions requiring a Commercial Driver's License shall also be subject to pre-employment DMV physicals. Selected applicants must obtain a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) medical certificate prior to employment. If a CDL is listed as a preference and the selected applicant has a CDL at the time of hire, then the CDL will become a requirement for the position.
* Note: When required, you must answer the question(s) for this position, or your application will be considered incomplete. *
Questions regarding this posting? Contact 919-707-3201.
Minimum Education and Experience
Some state job postings say you can qualify by an "equivalent combination of education and experience." If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.
Associate's degree in forest management or an environmental or natural science curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution; or High school or General Educational Development (GED) diploma and two years of related experience in providing forestry services; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Necessary Special Qualification:
Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license required within 90 days of hire.
EEO Statement
The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.
Recruiter:
Lori Lynnette Reed
Recruiter Email: agr.workday@ncagr.gov

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About State of North Carolina

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of North Carolina is not a traditional company, but rather the governmental body serving the state. From its base in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA, this body provides a broad variety of public services, ranging from education and healthcare to taxation and conservation. Originally established when the region first became a state in 1789, the government of North Carolina has been dedicated to the service of its residents ever since. Its website, nc.gov, provides a portal through which the public can access information and services. The core mission of the body is to ensure the welfare, safety, and prosperity of North Carolina's citizens.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1789