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Hourly Remote Forest Ranger Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Urban Forestry Work Environment: Field Based Compensation: $30-$40/hourly* Dudek's journey began in ... Adhere to all safety procedures while working near roadways, active onstruction sites, and remote ...

As-Needed Arborist - Oakland

Oakland, CA · On-site +1

$30 - $40/hr

Urban Forestry Work Environment: Field Based Compensation: $30-$40/hourly* Dudek's journey began in ... Adhere to all safety procedures while working near roadways, active construction sites, and remote ...

Urban Forestry Work Environment: Field Based Compensation: $30-$40/hourly* Dudek's journey began in ... Adhere to all safety procedures while working near roadways, active onstruction sites, and remote ...

As-Needed Arborist - Oakland

Oakland, CA · On-site +1

$30 - $40/hr

Urban Forestry Work Environment: Field Based Compensation: $30-$40/hourly* Dudek's journey began in ... Adhere to all safety procedures while working near roadways, active construction sites, and remote ...

Urban Forestry/Fire Work Environment: Remote Compensation: $60.00-65.00/hourly* Dudek's journey began in 1980 with a vision to serve Southern California's water and wastewater agencies. Today, we are ...

Urban Forestry/Fire Work Environment: Remote Compensation: $60.00-65.00/hourly* Dudek's journey began in 1980 with a vision to serve Southern California's water and wastewater agencies. Today, we are ...

Hourly Remote Forest Ranger information

What is an hourly remote forest ranger?

Hourly Remote Forest Rangers are professionals who monitor and protect forested areas while working remotely, usually through digital tools such as cameras, drones, satellite imagery, and communication systems. Instead of patrolling forests in person, they observe and report on forest health, signs of wildfire, illegal activities, and wildlife behavior from a remote location. Their work helps support conservation efforts, enforce regulations, and ensure the safety of natural resources while allowing for flexible, hourly employment. This role is increasingly important as technology enables more efficient monitoring of vast and often inaccessible forest regions. Remote forest rangers may also assist with data collection and environmental research.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an hourly remote forest ranger?

To thrive as an Hourly Remote Forest Ranger, you need knowledge of forestry practices, environmental science, and land management, typically supported by a relevant degree or field experience. Familiarity with GIS mapping tools, remote monitoring systems, and communication devices is often required. Strong observation skills, self-motivation, and effective communication are essential soft skills for working independently and responding to emergencies. These abilities ensure effective stewardship of natural resources and protect public safety in remote forested areas.

What are the typical challenges faced by an hourly remote forest ranger, and how can they be addressed?

Hourly remote forest rangers often face challenges such as limited in-person supervision, maintaining clear communication with team members, and working in isolated or rugged environments. Managing time effectively and staying self-motivated are crucial, as tasks like monitoring wildlife, reporting hazards, and performing virtual check-ins require strong organizational skills. Utilizing reliable communication tools and regularly updating supervisors helps address these challenges, while collaborating with other remote rangers and local agencies can provide additional support.

What is the difference between Hourly Remote Forest Ranger vs Hourly Remote Park Interpreter?

AspectHourly Remote Forest RangerHourly Remote Park Interpreter
CredentialsForest Service certifications, environmental knowledgeInterpretation certifications, environmental education background
Work EnvironmentRemote, outdoor, field-basedRemote, educational, virtual presentations
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, conservation organizationsNational parks, museums, educational institutions
Search & Comparison IntentJobs focused on conservation, outdoor workJobs centered on education, public engagement

The Hourly Remote Forest Ranger and Hourly Remote Park Interpreter roles share environmental knowledge requirements but differ mainly in work environment and focus. Forest Rangers are more field-based and conservation-oriented, while Park Interpreters focus on educational outreach remotely. Both roles serve in the outdoor or educational sectors, but their primary duties and certifications vary accordingly.

What are popular job titles related to Hourly Remote Forest Ranger jobs in California?

For Hourly Remote Forest Ranger jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Hourly Remote Forest Ranger jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Hourly Remote Forest Ranger jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Hourly Remote Forest Ranger jobs?

Cities in California with the most Hourly Remote Forest Ranger job openings:

Wildland Firefighter Fire Management Officer (DZAFMO High Complexity)

Acton, CA • On-site, Remote

Forest Service
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

$67K - $94K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


USDA Forest Service rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 120 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

161st of 300 rated public sector bodies


Job description

Summary
These positions are located in Region 5, USDA Forest Service units.
These positions serve as the District/Zone Assistant Fire Management Officer on a high complexity Ranger District/Zone or Grassland Unit.
For additional information about the duties of this position, please contact Brian Grabowski at brian.grabowski@usda.gov
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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  • Duties listed are at full performance grade GS-09 grade level.
  • Performs fire prevention, preparedness, detection, resource rehabilitation, mobilization, prescribed fire, aviation operations, and training programs.
  • May conduct field reconnaissance of proposed prescribed burn units.
  • Assists in developing and revising interagency annual operating plans, annual budget requests, the fire management plan and operating procedures pertaining to wildland fire suppression and prescribed fire.
  • Provides oversight and management for fire facilities within the zone/area.
  • Plans the work to be accomplished by the unit, assigns work to employees, and establishes production or quality standards for the unit's work.
  • Responsible for the on-the-job safety and health of all employees supervised.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service or exempt.
  • Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
  • Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
  • Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
  • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify.
  • Must be 18 years of age.
  • This is a drug testing designated position. You will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. Appointment is based on a negative result. This announcement constitutes 30 days advance notice.
  • Must pass the Work Capacity Test for certain Interagency Fire Program Management or Fire Program Management positions.
  • Subject to one year supervisory/managerial probationary period unless prior service is creditable. New USDA supervisors must successfully complete all components of the required training program before the end of their probationary period.
  • Secondary Coverage: Prior wildland firefighting experience is required.
  • Willing to live/work in remote locations (volatile/unpredictable).
  • Some Fire positions may have Conditions of Employment such as: a valid state driver's license; a commercial driver's license (CDL); pre-appointment and random drug testing; or a physical or medical examination.
  • There may be additional Conditions of Employment not listed here, however applicants will be notified of any specific requirements at the time a tentative job offer is made.
  • As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications
In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GW-08: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GW-7 grade level in federal service or equivalent.
Examples of specialized experience may include: Assisted in the development of fire control plans and documentation relating to fire pre-suppression, prevention, detection, and suppression tactics and strategies; Prepared fuels hazard and wildland fire risk assessments; Assisted in the coordination and execution of wildland fire suppression and prescribed burning operations.
For the GW-09: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GW-8 grade level in federal service or equivalent.
Examples of specialized experience may include: Assisted in management of a broad range of fire programs such as preparedness, prevention, prescribed burning, monitoring, and hazardous fuels reduction; Assisted in writing and executing wildland fire management plans, prescribed burn plans, and preparedness plans; Assisted in determining annual pre-suppression and suppression needs.
Selective Placement Factors
Successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Division Group Supervisor (DIVS) and Secondary NWCG Core Requirement of Incident Commander Type 3 (ICT3) or Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2)
-OR-
Successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Air Support Group Supervisor (ASGS) and Secondary NWCG Core Requirement of Incident Commander Type 3 (ICT3).
Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) and Forest Service - Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) qualifications must be met by the time of selection. Most recent IQCS master record and/or signed Agency Certified task book must be attached to your application. If you are selected, you may be required to submit an updated IQCS master record or signed Agency Certified task book as proof of attainment of IFPM requirements prior to a final verbal offer.
In order to be considered for this position, copies of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record (or equivalent training documents) which contain documented proof of the certification or attainment of the IFPM Selective Placement Factor for this position MUST be attached to your application. Red cards are not acceptable documentation. Currency Requirement: Required to maintain currency once hired into the position. Currency of NWCG qualifications is not required for selection. If not currently qualified, the applicant must provide documented evidence that they have been fully qualified in the past, and are able to regain currency within one year of being hired. Failure to provide this documentation will result in disqualification.
This position has been identified as (HIGH) Complexity under the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) or Forest Service Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) and is subject to selective placement factor requirements contained in the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard and Guide when filling this vacancy. IFPM or FS-FPM selective placement factors are made up of a primary and secondary National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) core Incident Management Qualifications and Required Training. The applicant must possess these qualifications at the applicable complexity level to be considered eligible for this position.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a secondary firefighter position under 5 USC 8336 (CSRS) and 8412(d) (FERS). Prior wildland firefighting experience is required. There is no age limit for entry into secondary positions. Firefighter retirement coverage of the incumbent depends upon his or her individual work history.
WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the ARDUOUS, MODERATE, or LIGHT level is a condition of employment.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Education
There is no substitution of education for specialized experience.
Additional information
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors.
These are permanent positions with varying tours of duty and may include weekend work. Some positions may have irregular and protracted hours of work. Tours of duty include full-time or less than full time (guaranteed minimum 13 pay periods full-time employment).
The duty station for this position will be at one of the duty locations listed in this announcement. Salary range as shown is the locality pay Rest of U.S. (RUS). Pay rates vary by location. Please visit the Office of Personnel Management's website for additional information on pay rates.
Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. Final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at time of job offer.
The Forest Service may use certain incentives and hiring flexibilities, currently offered by the Federal government, to attract highly qualified candidates. Additional Information is available on the OPM Website.
Selectee will be responsible for tax obligations related to payments for moving expenses - 2017 Tax Cuts and Job Act, Public Law 115-97. Questions should be directed to the Travel Help Desk, 877-372-7248, Option 1, or email SM.FS.asc_tos@usda.gov
Subject to one-year supervisory/managerial probationary period (unless prior service is creditable). New USDA supervisors must successfully complete all components of the required new supervisory training program before the end of their probationary period.
PROMOTION POTENTIAL: If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is neither implied or guaranteed.
Positions filled from this announcement may be a bargaining or a non-bargaining unit position represented by either NFFE, AFGE or NAGE.
Government housing and daycare facilities may be available.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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