What are the responsibilities and job description for the Natural Resources Technician 2 - FIA Crew Member position at State of Alaska?
What You Will Be Doing
The Division of Forestry and Fire Protection is recruiting several Natural Resource Technician 2’s to join the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program. Natural Resource Technician 2’s are “FIA Crew Members” and are tasked with collecting a large variety of forest health measurements. This position is an integral part of a team comprised of state and federal professionals to execute a large interagency forest inventory program across interior Alaska. The Interior Alaska Forest Inventory and Analysis program (FIA) covers the largest area of any FIA program in the country and affords the opportunity to work, monitor, and access some of the most remote areas in Alaska.
Mission and Culture
The mission of the Division of Forestry and Fire Protection is to develop, conserve, and enhance Alaska's forests to provide a sustainable supply of forest resources for Alaskans. We are leaders in wildland fire management, forest management, forest practices, and cooperative forestry programs across the state. Our influence crosses ownership boundaries through leadership of all-risk incident management teams, management of federal timber resources under the Good Neighbor Authority, inventory of statewide timber resources, and up-to-date best management practices that apply to all commercial forests.
FIA Crew Members will have the opportunity to contribute to this mission, by working in cooperation with the US Forest Service, to collect data on a standardized national protocol to inventory and establish permanent research plots throughout our State.
Core Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Natural Resource Technician 3/FIA Crew Leader, this position assists with field inventory data collection in support of forest management operations throughout the State. The incumbent will travel via helicopter/boat/ATV/truck daily and work as part of a 2–4-person crew directed by a field crew leader to collect forestry and forest health monitoring data on inventory plots throughout the state. Additional duties will be assisting in safe helicopter operations, data processing, backcountry navigation, and mission planning. Technicians will spend large amounts of time traveling and will be expected to live and work in remote and austere environments.
Benefits of Joining Our Team
This position is an integral part of a team comprised of state and federal professionals executing a large interagency forest inventory program across interior Alaska. The Interior Alaska Forest Inventory and Analysis program (FIA) covers the largest area of any FIA program in the country and affords the opportunity to work, monitor, and access some of Alaska's most remote areas.
This position offers an avenue to gain proficiency in aviation operations, backcountry navigation, and ecological field measurements. Training in wilderness medicine, as well as wildlife and firearms safety, is included.
The Working Environment You Can Expect
The position is based in Fairbanks, AK. Field work is conducted in extremely remote areas of Interior Alaska. Field conditions are often arduous, and days are extremely long. Hazards encountered include rugged terrain, working around aviation transport, stream crossings, and bear encounters. Work may be performed in inclement weather (e.g., cold, rain, snow), on steep, slippery, and/or brushy slopes, and in the presence of biting insects. Significant amounts of off-trail hiking are required. Employees must carry a 45lb pack daily, with pack weights sometimes exceeding 60 lbs if bivy and flight gear need to be carried. Excellent physical conditioning is an absolute must. Crews may travel in small aircraft, helicopters, boats, and ATVs, carry a firearm for bear protection, and live in cramped quarters with nearly continuous background noise (e.g., generators, engines).
We are looking for individuals with the following demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities:
- Experience working in the backcountry and living in camp settings
- Backcountry navigation and travel skills
- Application of basic scientific principles to data collection
- Exceptional physical conditioning
- Familiarity with Alaska flora is a plus
- Knowledge of forest mensuration techniques and tools is a plus
- Work-related helicopter experience is a plus
Click here to learn more about working for the Division of Forestry & Fire Protection.
Minimum Qualifications
Six months of experience at the entry level performing technical functions of natural resource management equivalent to a Natural Resource Technician 1, Forest Technician 3 or Environmental Technician 1 with the State of Alaska.
OR
Six months of clerical work experience equivalent to an Administrative Clerk 3 or Recorder 1 with the State of Alaska.
OR
16 semester hours or 24 quarter hours of college course work from an accredited institution.
OR
Any combination of the above where 3 semester hours or 4 quarter hours is equivalent to one month of experience.
Additional Required Information
**NOTE: PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY**
At the time of application, the applicant must attach as individual documents the following items (If unable to attach documents, please fax or email the contact listed below):
- Two professional references with current contact information, one of which must be from a former or current supervisor.
- Copy of any forestry, aviation, first-aid, and/or fire-related training certificates.
SPECIAL NOTICES
- This position requires frequent travel within the state, 5-15 days at a time.
- This position requires the incumbent to carry and use firearms for wildlife protection.
- This position requires excellent physical conditioning.
Application Notice
You can ONLY apply for this position through the Workplace Alaska website or a hardcopy application. Instructions on how to apply with Workplace Alaska may be found on the Workplace Alaska “How to Apply" page. Your application must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. Alaska Standard Time on the closing date.
Education
If post-secondary education is required to meet the minimum qualifications, you must fill out the Education section of the application. If you have not obtained a degree, please indicate the units completed. Copies of transcripts are required to verify educational credentials if used to meet the minimum qualifications for a position.
Special Instructions for Foreign Education
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the minimum qualifications listed above. If utilizing this education, you must show that the education credentials have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and that such education has been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs; or an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution reports the other institution as one whose transcript is given full value, or full value is given in subject areas applicable to the curricula at the post-secondary institution. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.
Work Experience
If using work experience not already documented in your application, also provide the employer’s name, job title, employment dates, and whether full or part-time. Applications will be reviewed to determine whether the responses are supported and minimum qualifications are clearly met. If they are not, the applicant may not advance to the recruitment interview and selection phase.
Note: Attaching a resume is not an alternative to filling out the application entirely. Noting, "see resume" or any similar response on any portion of your application may lead to a determination that your application is incomplete and removal from consideration for this job posting.
Bargaining Unit
If you are a current state employee, please mark the union you are a member of at the time of application. Do not complete this question if you are not a current state employee.
Multiple Vacancies
This recruitment may be used for more than one (1) vacancy. The Department of Natural Resources may use the applicant pool acquired during this recruitment for future vacancies for up to ninety (90) days after this recruitment closes.
Firearms
This position requires the use or possession of a firearm or ammunition. In accordance with the federal Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997 (PL 104-208), if you have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, you may not hold this position.
A "misdemeanor crime of domestic violence" is an offense that is (1) a misdemeanor under Federal or state law and (2) has, as an element, the use or attempted use of physical force or the threatened use of a deadly weapon, committed by a current or former spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabiting with or has cohabited with the victim as a spouse, parent, or guardian, or by a person similarly situated to a spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim.
If you have ever been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, do NOT apply for this position.
EEO Statement
The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities who require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats, please call 1-800-587-0430 or 465-4095 in Juneau or (907) 465-3412 (TTY) or correspond with the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations at P. O. Box 110201, Juneau, AK 99811-0201. The State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer.
Contact Information
Workplace Alaska Application Questions & Assistance
Questions 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 reset password page.
For specific information about this position, please get in touch with the hiring manager at the following:
Name: Chris Ferguson
Title: Forester 2, FIA Assistant Coordinator
Phone: 907-317-3663
Email: chris.ferguson@alaska.gov
Careers with the State of Alaska offer MANY benefits
The following information describes typical benefits available to employees of the State of Alaska. Actual benefits received may differ by bargaining unit or branch of government, position type, or be prorated for other than full time work.
For a quick breakdown of the insurance, health, and retirement benefits available for State Employees you can view an orientation video from Division of Retirement and Benefits. (Please note this video is specifically designed for new State Employees.)
Insurance Benefits
- Health insurance, which includes employer contributions toward medical/vision/dental
- The following employee groups are under AlaskaCare Benefits administered by the State: See https://drb.alaska.gov/help/plans.html for additional information.
- AVTEC
- Confidential
- Correctional Officers
- Marine Engineers
- Mt. Edgecumbe Teachers
- Supervisory
- Unlicensed Vessel Personnel/Inland Boatman's Union
- Exempt employees (not covered by collective bargaining)
- The following employee groups are covered by Union health trusts. Contact the appropriate Union for additional information.
- General Government
- Labor, Trades and Crafts
- Public Safety Employees Association
- Masters, Mates & Pilots
- The following employee groups are under AlaskaCare Benefits administered by the State: See https://drb.alaska.gov/help/plans.html for additional information.
- Employer paid Basic Life insurance with additional coverage available (amount depends on Bargaining Unit)
Optional Insurance Benefits
- Group-based insurance premiums for
- Term life (employee, spouse or qualified same sex partner, and dependents)
- Long-term and short-term disability
- Accidental Death and Dismemberment
- Long-term care (self and eligible family members)
- Supplemental Survivor Benefits
- Employee-funded flexible spending accounts for tax savings on eligible health care or dependent care expenses
Retirement Benefits
- Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Teachers' Retirement System (TRS)
- Matching employer contribution into a defined contribution program (new employees)
- Employer contribution into a defined benefit or defined contribution program (current employees)
- Contributions to the Alaska Supplemental Annuity Plan in lieu of contributions to Social Security
- Option to enroll in the Alaska Deferred Compensation Program
- Note: The Defined Contribution Plan, Supplemental Annuity Plan and Deferred Compensation Program offer a variety of investment options
See https://drb.alaska.gov/retiree/ for additional information
Paid Leave & Other Benefits- Personal leave with an accrual rate increase based on time served
- Twelve (12) paid holidays a year
