JOB
The Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry & Fire Protection, is recruiting for a Wildland Fire & Resource Technician 1/2/3 in Fairbanks, Alaska.What You Will Be Doing: Ensure "10 Standard Firefighting Orders" and "18 Situations that Shout Watch Out" are implemented during suppression operations. Ensure safety issues are reported to the supervisor.Engage in fire suppression and fuels treatment activities as a member of an engine, helitack, or hand crew.Perform as an incident commander on initial and extended attack fires, provide accurate size-ups, and develop appropriate suppression strategies and tactics.Safely operate basic firefighting equipment such as chainsaws, hand tools, pumps, GPS, and radios.Assist or lead wildland fire training classes for state, cooperator, and emergency fire
personnel.Be available for Alaska and Lower-48 fire assignments in remote and austere conditions for up to 14-21 days.Attend classroom and fire line training to advance fire management and professional development skills.Mission and Values/Culture: The Division of Forestry and Fire Protection's mission is to protect Alaskans' lives and property from wildfires and to manage Alaska's forest resources for maximum sustainable yield. Fairbanks Area Forestry's fire suppression responsibilities encompass approximately 9 million acres in the central interior of Alaska, including the Fairbanks North Star and Denali Boroughs. In many locations, FAF is the primary, and sometimes the only, fire department response to wildfires.Fairbanks Area's core structure is comprised of highly motivated firefighters who excel under adverse conditions, possess a strong, can-do work ethic, emphasize personal and professional integrity through continuous improvement, and are committed to building a team-focused wildland firefighter community.Benefits of Joining Our Team: Selected candidates will be part of a high-performing and community-oriented organization that provides tip-of-the-spear firefighting response to wildfires threatening Alaska's residents, communities, and infrastructure. Individuals who are safety-minded, team-oriented, and thrive in a learning environment will have ample opportunities for upward mobility and training.This position is especially attractive to those who enjoy working outdoors, traveling across Alaska and the Lower-48, are interested in a dynamic and challenge-filled first responder career path, and are committed to public service.The work schedule is seasonal and can be flexible. However, commitment to the position and working long hours on short notice, even in remote field conditions, for extended periods, is expected and required.The Working Environment You Can Expect: Fairbanks Area Forestry resides along the banks of the Chena River in downtown Fairbanks, Alaska. FAF's fire suppression organization is comprised of Type-6 & 7 engines, Helitack, Prevention, the White Mountain Type-2IA hand crew, EFF Type-2 hand crews, and dozer operations. Personnel staff engines, helicopters, and hand crews daily, and are ready to respond to wildfires not only within FAF's protection area, but across Alaska.When not on fires, fire staff are regularly engaged in training and fuels mitigation projects that enhance strategic and tactical fire suppression options and strengthen community wildland fire protection.A high level of physical fitness is required, and all initial attack personnel are expected to participate in daily physical training and complete the annual fitness testing.Fairbanks is the hub of Interior Alaska, and there are multiple local outdoor recreational activities, including camping, boating, hiking, fishing, berry picking, and photography. Fairbanks International Airport is located minutes away from FAF and is the primary departure point for exploring the far reaches of Alaska.We are looking for a candidate who possesses the following position-specific competencies. Fire Management: Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of fire management, including the characteristics, behavior, and ecology of fire; methodologies, strategies, and equipment used in prescribed fires; fire detection, prevention, and suppression strategies; and integration of fire with natural resource management.Interpersonal Skills: Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations; is sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences.Adaptability: Adjusts planned work by gathering relevant information and applying critical thinking to address multiple demands and competing priorities in a changing environment. Teamwork: Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.Physical Strength and Agility: Ability to bend, lift, climb, stand, and walk for long periods of time; ability to perform moderately heavy laboring
work.Click here to learn more about working for the Division of Forestry & Fire Protection.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Wildland Fire and Resource Technician 1 - starting salary $24.93 per hourMust be eighteen years of age. Wildland Fire & Resource Technician 2 - starting salary $28.07 per hourSix months of trainee or entry-level wildland fire fighting or forestry field experience. The required experience is met by service as a Wildland Fire and Resource Technician 1 with the State of Alaska or the equivalent with another employer.AndRed Card qualification under the National Incident Qualification System (see required job qualifications special note).Wildland Fire & Resource Technician 3- starting salary $31.72 per hourTwelve months of wildland fire fighting or forestry field experience, of which at least six months was at the developmental level. The required developmental experience is met by service as a Wildland Fire and Resource Technician 2 with the State of Alaska or the equivalent with another employer.AndRed Card qualification under the National Incident Qualification System (see required job qualifications special note).Education substitution applies to the Wildland Fire & Resource Technicians 2 and 3Completed coursework from an accredited college or vocational-technical school in forestry, fire science, or a closely related field may substitute for six months of general field experience. (For college 3 semester hours or 4 quarter hours equal one month of work experience. Transcripts or a letter from a vocational-technical school must indicate a college credit equivalency for the completed coursework. For example, at Alaska Vocational Technical Center: Forest Ecology = 3 semester credits; Forest Regeneration = 2 semester credits; Timber Harvesting and Sale Administration = 4 semester credits; and Wildland Fire Management = 3 semester credits.)There is no substitution for the six months of developmental experience. There is no substitution for the National Incident Qualification System (Red Card) qualifications. Special Notes: Applicants must be at least eighteen years of age.Most positions require National Incident Qualification System certifications. Because there are different specialty areas in this field, recruitment and selection will be made from among those candidates who meet the experience and the basic National Incident Qualification System training requirements specifically listed within the recruitment bulletin. The specialty areas are within one of the following functions: fire operations, wildland fire prevention, and aviation support.Applicant must pass the Work Capacity Test at the "Arduous" level as defined in Federal Publication PMS 307, Work Capacity Test Administrator's Guide. This test requires that the applicant complete a 3-mile hike carrying a 45-pound pack over level terrain in 45 minutes or less.Applicant must possess an Alaska driver's license. An individual without an Alaska driver's license who meets the minimum age and experience requirements may apply for the vacancy. An applicant who qualifies under this option may receive a job offer conditional upon obtaining an Alaska driver's license. Proof of licensure will be required prior to reporting to duty.Positions may require travel in and out of state for fire suppression assignments; standby or recall status during the fire season; availability for assignments in and out of the area that require absence from the duty station for 14 to 21 days; flying in small fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters; and handling hazardous materials.Some positions may require a commercial driver's license with appropriate endorsements.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
If you choose to be contacted by email, please ensure that your email address is correct on your application and that your spam filter will permit emails from the
governmentjobs.com domain.Workplace Alaska Application Questions & AssistanceQuestions regarding application submission or system operation errors should be directed to the Workplace Alaska hotline at 1-800-587-0430 (toll-free) or (907) 465-4095 if you are in the Juneau area. Requests for information may also be emailed to
recruitment.services@alaska.gov.For assistance with your password, please visit the password reset page.For specific information about this position, please get in touch with the hiring manager at the following: Ernest PraxAssistant Fire Management OfficerPhone: 907-451-2619Email:
ernest.prax@alaska.gov