Wildland Fire and Resource Technician Flex 1-2-3

***Now offering a 30% mission-critical incentive pay bonus***

What You Will Be Doing

Division of Forestry seeks motivated individuals to join our Wildland Fire and Resource Technicians team. This permanent seasonal position is staffed for 4-5 months annually to provide initial attack wildfire suppression for the State of Alaska. There may be opportunities for additional fuels mitigation work outside of fire season.   This position may be filled at either a 1, 2, or 3 job class level depending on the applicant’s training and/or experience. Starting salary will be determined by the level at which the position is hired. Please select the level for which you qualify in the supplemental questions. This posting may be used to fill more than one position.  

Mission and Culture

The Alaska Division of Forestry, Kenai-Kodiak Area, proudly serves Alaskans through wildland fire suppression, management, and control. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual to join the team protecting millions of acres of our forests, communities, and natural resources.  Individuals must be willing and capable of acting responsibly, leading firefighters, and performing strenuous work safely and productively.  The experience gained as a Wildland Fire Resources Tech can form the foundation for a successful career in forestry and other natural resource professions.  Applicants must be willing and capable of performing strenuous outdoor work, typically in challenging and dynamic conditions. 

Core Responsibilities 

Duties in all job class positions include fire suppression action, fire prevention activities, and hazardous fuel reduction work. This work is arduous in nature and requires the use of hand and power tools. Other duties include, but are not limited to, fire gear/equipment preparation and maintenance, station maintenance, and other duties as assigned.

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 1/2/3 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

This position is based out of the Soldotna station of the Kenai-Kodiak Area Office located at 42499 Sterling Hwy Soldotna, AK 99669. The Kenai Kodiak Area is comprised of 11 million acres of Federal, Tribal, State, Borough, Municipal, and private land that make up the Kenai Peninsula and the island of Kodiak.   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 fire fighter positions.

The knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies needed to be successful in this position include:

• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Ability and willingness to work in remote areas if necessary.
• Working knowledge of helicopter, wildland engine tactics, and aerial retardant delivery.
• Literate use of computers and basic computer programs (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook)

Job Class Qualifications 

Wildland Fire & Resource Technician 2

Qualified as FAL 3 AND:

• FFT1 or ICT5 or ENOP or FAL2

Wildland Fire & Resource Technician 3  

Option 1 Qualified as ICT4 AND:

• ENGB or CRWB 

                            AND

• HECM or HELR

Option 2  Qualified as 2 Single Resource Boss, one being ENGB or CRWB AND:

• Additional Single Resource Boss Trainee 

                                 AND

• HECM or HELR

Click here to learn more about working for the Division of Forestry & Fire Protection.

Wildland Fire and Resource Technician 1 - starting salary $23.50 per hour

Must be eighteen years of age.  

Wildland Fire & Resource Technician 2 - starting salary $26.46 per hour

Six 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. 

And red card qualifications under the National Incident Qualification System (see required job qualifications special note).

Wildland Fire & Resource Technician 3 - starting salary $29.90 per hour

Twelve 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. 

And Red 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 3 

Completed 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 qualifying under this option may receive a job offer conditional upon the 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; availability for assignments in and out of the area that requires 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.

**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):

• Copy of Current or most recent Red Card (within the last 4 years).
• List of two professional references, at least one from a current or former supervisor.

If selected for an interview, the applicant must provide the following:

• Copy of valid driver’s license OR ability to obtain valid license prior to reporting to duty
• Copy of any forestry and or fire-related certificates; and
• Copies of your two most recent performance evaluations or letters of reference if evaluations are unavailable.

SPECIAL NOTICES

• Applicants 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 involves the applicant successfully completing 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 standby 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 of 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.  

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. 

Flexible Staffing 

This position is flexibly staffed. The level of the job offer will be based on the selected candidate’s eligibility. If hired at the lower level, you will be promoted to the higher-level job class after completing the training plan and meeting the minimum qualifications.  

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, 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.

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:   Howard Kent 

Title: Fire Management Officer   

Phone: 907-260-4200   

Fax: 907-260-4205  

Email: howard.kent@alaska.gov

Salary : $24 - $30