The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Gia Lai Province has just announced the recruitment of 69 forest protection staff to fill vacant positions.
In the short term, the department would allow staff on duty in remote areas to work near their families, provide a travel allowance and increase their bonuses.
The department also proposed provincial authorities consider raising salaries and improving working conditions for forest rangers to avoid mass resignations.
The resignation of forest protection officers has increased pressure on forest management boards in Gia Lai.
Bac An Khe Forest Protection Management Board protects more than 10,300 hectares of forest, spanning the four localities of An Khe, Mang Yang, K'Bang and Dak Po districts.
However, the board has only nine members. In the past two years, six of its employees have resigned.
Phan Thanh Hai, head of the management board, said many quit due to mounting pressures made worse by the fact they were unable to make ends meet on their low salaries.
Employee Ho Vinh Tuong, 33, said he now receives a monthly salary of VND4.4 million (USD186.35) while his two co-workers earned over VND3 million a month.
“We’re always dedicated. But with such low pay and inadequate remuneration, some others just couldn’t make it work and decided to find a new job,” he added.
Hoang Vinh Thuan, deputy head of Ia Meur Forest Protection Management Board, said the forest protection job means harsh living conditions and high stress.
Many forest protection staff also face threats from loggers.
