Wildland Fire & Resource Technician 2/3 Flex (PCN 10-9509 +6)

 
The Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection is seeking a motivated candidate to fill the role of an Initial Attack Wildland Fire and Resource Technician in Fairbanks (FAF). We are seeking a highly motivated, competent, professional, hard-working individual who can spend long periods of time in remote locations in harsh working conditions while working very long shifts. An ideal candidate will have a strong work ethic, will always put safety first, and be able to effectively communicate with cooperators, citizens, and fellow employees in a calm and professional manner under stressful conditions. An ideal candidate will also be highly flexible and coachable and can overcome the difficult challenges firefighting in Alaska presents while maintaining composure to promote a positive and professional view of the individual and agency. Ideal candidates will be qualified as FFT1/ICT5 with a valid Red Card with an Arduous fitness rating. Ample opportunity for training and upward mobility will be provided for highly motivated individuals.
 
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. FAF is responsible for suppressing wildland and urban interface fires on over 8.5 million acres of land in the Central Interior of Alaska and is often a very busy area during the summer months. FAF’s protection area extends from the Chatanika River drainage in the north to the community of Cantwell in the south and from the Kantishna River in the west to the Yukon Charley Rivers National Preserve in the east and fires are suppressed using a variety of apparatus, including helicopters and engines. The area and agency values resilience, a strong work ethic, and an ability to seek self-improvement on a daily basis to promote a positive view of the employee, fellow employees, and the agency. The employee will work in a fun-filled environment with like-minded individuals who enjoy the outdoors and understand the importance of suppressing wildfires and assisting with fuel mitigation projects. Health/life insurance benefits and retirement are provided.  
 
Core Responsibilities 
The core responsibilities of the position include the suppression of wildfires on a variety of resource types, including engines, helicopters, and hand crews. An ideal candidate will have a highly functioning knowledge of suppression tools, including hand tools, pumps, chainsaws, and fundamentals of aerial apparatus and the proper application for each. An ideal candidate will be able to function in any position, ranging from crewmember to Incident Commander, in harsh and remote working conditions at a moment’s notice. An ideal candidate will also be a positive role model for less experienced firefighters while remaining coachable and will possess strong communication skills to interact with cooperators, fellow employees, and the general public. An ideal candidate will also be a functioning crew member in fuels mitigation projects to help future suppression activities, as these projects have historically proven to be highly beneficial to suppression activities.
 
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.
 
A selected candidate will be a member of a highly functioning and close-knit organization that values work ethic and flexibility. An individual who shows initiative and competence in their duties will have ample opportunity for upward mobility and training, paving the way for a rewarding career in fire protection. The area does a great job of being flexible, providing opportunities for training assignments, and allowing individuals to travel across the state and nation when fire activity is low. You will get to see many areas of the state and spend vast amounts of time outdoors traveling in a variety of methods, including engines, helicopters, fixed-wing, and on foot. The work schedule can be somewhat flexible, but the position is highly critical to success during times of high fire danger, and a commitment to long hours and work schedule in remote locations is required.
 
The Working Environment You Can Expect
The base is located in Fairbanks, situated on a peaceful and beautiful stretch of the Chena River, and across the street from restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations, and many other amenities. Fairbanks is the second largest city in Alaska and is the main hub of the Interior. There is an international airport and road access south to Anchorage and to the east to the Canadian Border. It is nearby the White Mountains, where there is ample opportunity for fishing and hunting. The area staffs 7 Type 6 engines as well as a Type 2 Exclusive Use Helicopter, multiple Type 2 hand crews, and a Type 2IA crew (White Mountain). On a daily basis, an individual may travel by helicopter anywhere in the area, including the Alaska Range near Healy or the White Mountains. Once at a fire, an individual can expect to remain engaged for 14-21 days, working 16-24 hour shifts on active fires with no cell service, and will be expected to cook and clean for themselves while respecting the environment. Long work hours in an arduous and difficult environment are expected, and a strong commitment to suppression objectives is a requirement, including committing up to 14 continuous days with no days off. When fire danger is low, you can expect to work on fuels mitigation projects, which entails operating hand tools and chainsaws for 8-12 hours a day to construct fuel breaks or reduce fuel loading to assist in future suppression operations and protection of life and property. Physical fitness is also very important and there will be time assigned daily, as available, to maintain physical fitness as well as an annually required physical fitness test.
 
Ideal candidates will possess the following skills, knowledge, and abilities:

• Functioning knowledge of safe and effective wildland fire suppression activities, including operation of hand tools, pumps, engines, chainsaws, radios, and GPS.
• Ability to commit to long-duration incidents in a highly strenuous and difficult work environment for 16-24 hour days for up to 21 days with no cell service.
• Ability to seek self-improvement for the betterment of the organization, self, fellow employees, and citizens by remaining flexible and coachable in a highly functioning professional manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with fellow employees, cooperators, and civilians while being fit for duty on a daily basis.
• Ability to be a strong role model and assist in training lower-level EFF and WFRT employees as well as educating the general public and cooperators on suppression activities through NWCG courses, simulations, and general advisement in both electronic and in-person formats.

Wildland Fire & Resource Technician 2 - starting salary $27.24 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 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 the required six months of 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.
 
Wildland Fire & Resource Technician 3 - starting salary $30.79 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).
 
Substitution:
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 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 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 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. 
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):

• A copy of your most current Red Card and any fire-related training certificates, and/or IQS/IQCS record.

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

• Three professional references. Names, emails, phone numbers, and performance evaluations.
• A copy of your driver's license/passport.
• Any fire-related training certificates.

SPECIAL NOTICES

• This position requires frequent travel in and out of state and assignments lasting 14-21 days, working 16-24 hour shifts.
• Ability to perform in a remote, hazardous, and arduous work environment, including smoke, insects, and animals, while maintaining physical fitness and composure with no lodging provided.
• Travel on helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft may be required daily, and a valid driver’s license is required to operate engines and vehicles.

 
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
A cover letter is NOT required for this position. This recruitment utilizes a supplemental questionnaire as part of the application process. The questions may be a mix of written, yes/no, multiple-choice, and select-all-that-apply. The responses you provide will allow you to tell us about your experience and/or education. Your complete application, including supplemental questions, will be used to determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment and selection process. 
 
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.
 
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For specific information about this position, please get in touch with the hiring manager at the following:
 

Salary : $27 - $31