WITH all the talk about Goat Islands, Cockpit Country, forest reserves and protected areas in the public domain lately, we decided to feature a career in forestry this week. Meet 35-year-old mother of three Phiona Sinclair, a forest ranger employed to the Forestry Department.

Who is a forest ranger?

An authorised officer responsible for ensuring the prevention, detection and mitigation of illegal activities on forest reserves and lands managed by the Forestry Department in accordance with the Forest Act, 1996 and Forest Regulations, 2001.

What are your responsibilities as a forest ranger?

* Patrol lands managed by the Forestry Department in accordance with work plans and itineraries.

* Detect offences, carry out investigations and resolve illegal activities as appropriate under the legislation.

* Attend court hearings.

* Monitor the activities of unauthorised persons (squatters) on lands managed by the agency.

* Work in conjunction with other relevant Government entities to protect the island’s forest cover.

What is the value of the work that you do?

The work that I do leads to the preservation of the forest and its produce. These are vital to recurrent rainfall, reduced soil erosion, reduced emissions of carbon dioxide, sustaining biodiversity while providing authorised economic benefits to stakeholders.

Describe a typical day on the job.

I get to the assigned area very early in the morning, at about 7:00 am with my team members. Armed with our investigative tools, we conduct patrols, sometimes travelling several miles by foot or by vehicle. During the patrols, we look and listen for anything that would signal that an illegal activity is being or has been committed. Based on our findings, I make entries in my diary and commence subsequent investigative/prosecutorial actions against offenders if they are identified.

What are your regular work hours?

It varies depending on the assignment, but it’s generally between 7:30 am and 3:30 pm.

What do you enjoy most about the work that you do?

Catching the offender and bringing him/her to justice!

I also enjoy being in touch with nature and the fact that I am playing a role in protecting the natural environment for future generations.

What are the challenges that you face on the job?

* Getting peopleto comply with the legislation.

* The need for additional resources to carry out the tasks.

* Persuading the public to participate in protecting our forests.

* The wide expanse of areas that I am assigned to, which makes it difficult to patrol effectively at times.

What are the academic requirements for entry into the field?

Minimum requirements are:

* Associate degree in agriculture sciences or related area

* One year’s field experience

What other skills and / or competencies are required?

* An ability to exercise sound judgement

* High level of initiative

* An ability to build partnership in achieving operational goals

* Sound personal and professional integrity.

What is your academic background?

I have an associate degree in general agriculture from the College of Agriculture Science and Education and a certificate in supervisory management from the University of the West Indies.

What was it that prompted your entry into the field?

I have a natural inclination towards the protection of the natural environment and the enforcement of the laws that protect it.

How much can one earn as a forest ranger on an annual basis?

$902,578 – $1,128,220, plus applicable allowances.

Why would you advise anyone to get into the field?

I would encourage any young or able-bodied person to get into the field and gain a sense of pride and environmental appreciation. Be a part of Jamaica’s 2030 Vision: Preserve and maintain our forests: assist in reducing carbon dioxide emissions which lead to global warming and combat climate change.

Where did you work prior to this?

National Screwworm Eradication Programme, Ministry of Agriculture.

What other activities/projects are you involved in?

Interfacing with representatives of local forest management committees (LFMCs). LFMCs are community-based groups which encourage and provide a medium for the participation of individuals who depend on the forest for their livelihood in the protection and conservation of the nation’s forests.