Forest Ranger

JOB PURPOSE:

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Compliance & Enforcement Officer, the incumbent is responsible for enforcing the legislation of the Agency for the prevention, detection, control, and mitigation of illegal and impermissible activities on Forest Reserves, Forest Management areas, and all Crown Lands managed by the Agency in accordance with the provisions of the Forestry Act, the Forest Regulations, and other forest-related natural resources and environmental Acts and Regulations. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

Management/Administrative 

• Obtains from the Senior Enforcement & Compliance Officer, schedules and guidelines for undertaking duties assigned; 

Technical/Functional 

• Patrol Forest Reserves, Crown Lands managed by the Agency, Forest Management Areas (where applicable), National Parks, Watersheds, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Forest Management, Conservation, and Protected areas; 
• Monitors the activities of unauthorized persons on the Forest Reserves and Crown Lands managed by the Agency to prevent squatting and other illegal activities; 
• Removes or assists with the removal, from Forest Reserves and Crown Lands managed by the Agency, or persons intending to squat, before they are settled; 
• Investigates all offenses defined under the Forest Act and/or Forest Regulations that are detected and takes/follow up on the necessary remedial action to prevent degradation of the environment within the forested areas managed by the Agency; 
• Liaises closely with Forest Technicians within the Region/Zone to discuss matters of mutual interest; and liaising, also, with other Enforcement personnel employed by other Government agencies concerned with the conservation of the environment; 
• Interfaces with representatives of the local community within the Region to encourage, develop and maintain the community's interest in conserving and protecting the environment;
• Educates and informs the private forest owners on forestry and environmental matters;
• Support the efforts of Government agencies to protect the environment and the areas of Crown land which are forested in general; 
• Reports to the Senior Enforcement & Compliance Officer using the prescribed offense reporting forms, all illegal activities detected, and assists with subsequent investigation and follow-up actions to curtail and resolve the illegal activities as appropriate under the various Acts and Regulations. 
• Attends court hearings, as required, to give evidence in connection with offenses detected and/or investigated; 
• Patrols areas of assignment in accordance with patrolling plans, work plans, and itineraries provided and ensures that forest boundaries are kept open and boundary monuments remain intact; 
• Identifies and reports incidences of up-rooted monuments; and following up on replacements where appropriate; 
• Protecting threatened and endangered 
• Works with assigned personnel to clear blocked or establish new boundaries and to identify original boundaries during disputes; and 
• Any other duties that may be assigned from time to time. 

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

• Patrols are carried out within assigned locations in accordance with standards and agreed with timeframes; 
• Identified boundaries are clearly defined and observed; 
• Reports on illegal activities and follow-up actions are dealt with in an appropriate and timely manner; 
• Recommendations for criminal proceedings are in keeping with the relevant Acts and Regulations; 
• Appropriate notices are served using the required procedures; 
• Squatting is not entertained on Forest Reserves/Crown Lands. 

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Technical 

• Ability to use own instinct effectively; 
• Ability to effect enforcement skills and techniques; 
• Knowledge of forest survival skills; 
• Proficient knowledge of fire laws and regulations; 
• Proficient computer skills; 

Behavioural 

• Highly self-motivated; 
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written; 
• Ability to work well as a team; 
• Good moral character; 
• Ability to manage limited resources to achieve challenging output targets; Sound personal and professional integrity;
• Excellent customer orientation skills; 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Physically fit and strong, with sound navigational skills; 
• Undeterred by working during extreme weather conditions, on rough terrain, and in hazardous conditions. 
• May be required to use a motorcycle to travel, subject to licensing and training.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Associate Degree in Agriculture Sciences, Environmental Science, or related area
• Two (2) years of field experience 

OR 

• Any other acceptable combination of qualifications and experience 
• Possession of a license to operate motorcycles would be an asset. 

SPECIAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOBS

• Will be required to work in remote areas; 
• Will be required to travel island-wide regularly; 
• Will be required to traverse and patrol the forests; 
• May encounter dangerous and life-threatening situations; 
• May be required to work extended hours and on short notice; 
• May be required to work on weekends. 

We thank all persons who express an interest; however, only short-listed applicants will be contacted.