What are the responsibilities and job description for the Wildland Fire and Resource Technician 4 position at State of Alaska?
The Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry & Fire Protection, is recruiting for a Wildland Fire & Resource Technician 4
***Now offering a 30% mission-critical incentive pay bonus***
What You Will Be Doing:
The State of Alaska Department of Natural Resource Division of Forestry Valdez / Copper River Area is a 21-million-acre expanse of land bordered by the high peaks of the Alaska Range in the north, Canada’s Yukon Territory to the east, the Gulf of Alaska and Chugach Mountain Range to the south, and to the west, a line winding through the Talkeetna Mountains.
A resident population of approximately 7,200 people lives in over a dozen recognized communities within these boundaries in what is also referred to as the Copper River Basin. Alaska Division of Forestry’s VCRA is tasked with protecting the lives and livelihoods, defending the values at risk, and otherwise mitigating the threat of wildland fire by means of aggressive initial attack, comprehensive planning, and coordinating efforts with stakeholders and cooperators. We are in search of the best combination of qualifications, commitment, and character to fill permanent-seasonal operational and dispatch positions. The Division of Forestry is looking for motivated individuals to join our team. This permanent seasonal position is staffed for up to 10 months annually to provide initial attack wildfire suppression for the State of Alaska with the possibility of fuels project work during the fall/winter months.
Mission and Values/Culture:
The Department of Natural Resources’ mission is to develop, conserve, and maximize the use of Alaska’s natural resources consistent with the public interest. Alaska Division of Forestry’s mission is one in the same, albeit with a specific direction to enhance Alaska’s forests to provide a sustainable supply of forest resources for Alaskans. The State is bound by statute to provide protection from wildland fire and other destructive agents, commensurate with the values at risk, on forested land that is owned privately, by the state, or by a municipality. Inherently, by the very nature and definition of wildland fire itself, it falls to the DNR’s Division of Forestry to provide the expertise for responsible management of fire’s role on the landscape and the public’s protection from its destructive potential. Through the implementation of its Wildland Fire and Aviation program, including the employment of Wildland Fire and Resource Technicians (WFRTs), the Division supplies a dedicated force of emergency responders, incident commanders, and aviation assets to serve Alaskans before, after, and most importantly, during the occurrence of wildland fire. WFRTs are the body—the operational implements—of the program. As permanent-seasonal firefighters, the techs primarily comprise crew personnel, staff engines, and helicopters, provide training to emergency-hire firefighters, interface with cooperators, serve as prevention officers, and provide project labor and leadership. A WFRT is a multi-disciplined, adaptable, and independent problem-solver despite rank, tier, or time in service. With safety held in the highest regard, the measure of success for a tech is one’s contribution to their team’s effectiveness and efficiency.
Benefits of Joining Our Team:
Through a letter of agreement, this position receives a 30% increase to the base salary rate. The salary posted on this recruitment reflects the increased rate. This position also receives a 25% increase in pay based on hazardous conditions through a hazard pay letter of agreement.
The WFRT 4 is a permanent career-seasonal position. As a permanent seasonal employee, your paycheck is just part of your total compensation. You will have access to a competitive benefits package that includes health insurance, retirement, and vacation benefits. Although this job can be arduous, it does include many rewards, including the opportunity to work in some of the most beautiful places in the country and create lifetime friendships.
The Working Environment You Can Expect:
- The Valdez / Copper River Area (VCRA) maintains its base of operations in a relatively central location of the protection area. At mile 110 on the Richardson Highway, just south of the Tazlina River near its confluence with the Copper, the base is found on a timbered gravel bench bearing evidence of geologic and archeological interest. Six miles to the north is Glennallen, the area’s commercial center with schools, grocery stores, banks, fuel, various government offices, and other services. The VCRA's initial attack base includes an administration building, a separate operations and training facility, a Heli-base/pilot lounge trailer, and a combined maintenance shop/supply cache.
- The core staff includes five WFRTs, two dispatchers, an administrative assistant, and a fire management officer. Additional personnel may be hired in nonpermanent and/or emergency (EFF) capacities as determined by budgetary allowances, weather indices, and the area Staffing and Action Guide.
- Although every permanent staff member has a detailed position description with clearly stated duties and responsibilities, challenging oneself to do more with less is a requirement and contributes much to the cohesiveness and effectiveness of this small team.
- Most at-risk values are found within the highway corridors and are designated as critical or full suppression priorities. Large tracts of white and black spruce are almost always found abutting property receiving the critical and full classifications.
- Local weather patterns are unique and directly related to the Copper River Basin’s proximity to the Gulf of Alaska and surrounding high mountainous terrain.
We are looking for a candidate who possesses the following position-specific competencies.
- Decision Making: Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals.
- Integrity/Honesty: Contributes to maintaining the integrity of the organization; displays high standards of ethical conduct and understands the impact of violating these standards on an organization, self, and others; is trustworthy.
- 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.
- Stress Tolerance: Deals calmly and effectively with high-stress situations (for example, tight deadlines, hostile individuals, emergency situations, and dangerous situations).
- Technical Competence: Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on the job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues.
Click here to learn more about working for the Division of Forestry & Fire Protection.
Minimum Qualifications
Twelve months of wildland fire fighting or forestry field experience at the journey level. The required journey level experience is met by service as a Wildland Fire and Resource Technician 3 with the State of Alaska or the equivalent with another employer.
And
Red Card qualification under the National Incident Qualification System (see required job qualifications special note).
Substitution:
Completed coursework from an accredited college or vocational technical school in forestry, fire science, or a closely related field may substitute for up to six months of the required 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 National Incident Qualification System (Red Card) qualifications.
Special Note:
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 be able to pass the Work Capacity Test at the "Arduous" level as defined in Federal Publication PMS 307, Work Capacity Test Administrator' 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 qualifying under this option may receive a job offer conditional upon acquisition of an Alaska driver's license. Proof of licensure will be required prior to reporting to duty.
Positions may require travel both in and out-of-state for fire suppression assignments; stand-by or recall status during the fire season; must be available for assignments in and out of the area that requires the 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.
Additional Required Information
** Please read the below information 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):
- Current or most recent Red Card or Master Training Record. Must be Red Card Qualified as an ICT4 and STL.
At the time of the interview, please ensure that you provide the following materials:
- Driver’s license.
- List of two professional references, at least one from a current or former supervisor.
SPECIAL NOTICES
- Many of the duties performed in the job require considerable physical exertion, working outdoors in all terrain and weather conditions, working long hours, and working extended periods away from home. Duties include but are not limited to the ability to carry up to 45 pounds, run, bend, twist, walk, and/or climb. A work capacity or “pack” test is required and must be passed at the Arduous level for firefighter positions. This test consists of the applicant’s successful completion of a 3-mile hike carrying a 45-pound pack over level terrain in 45 minutes or less.
- Position may require travel both in and out-of-state for fire suppression assignments; must be on stand-by or recall status during fire season; must be available for assignments in and out of the area that requires the absence from the duty station for 14 to 21 days; must fly in small fixed wing aircraft or helicopters; and handling hazardous materials. Overnight travel may be required and extended outdoor fieldwork may be necessary to perform the duties of this position.
- This position requires the use or possession a firearm or ammunition. In accordance with the federal Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997 (PL104-208), if you have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, you may not hold this position.
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.
Supplemental Questions
For your application to be evaluated, you must answer the Supplemental Questions. The State of Alaska (SOA) uses four proficiency levels to measure and describe an applicant’s level of competence in applying certain behaviors, knowledge, skills, and abilities to accomplish a specific task. The four proficiency levels are Mastery, Fluency, Literacy, and Discovery. You must rate your proficiency level for each competency listed in the supplemental questions.
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.
Driver’s License Requirement
Applicants must possess a valid driver's license. Proof of licensure will be required prior to reporting to duty.
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 should call 1-800-587-0430 or (907) 465-4095 in Juneau or TTY: Alaska Relay 711 or 1-800-770-8973 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.
Please be sure to check your junk folder for any messages that may be sent to you about this recruitment.
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:
Mike Trimmer
Fire Management Officer
Phone: 907-202-2350
Email: mike.trimmer@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
