WILDLAND FIRE & RESOURCE TECHNICIAN 3 / PREVENTION OFFICER (PCN 10-9526)

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

What You Will Be Doing

The Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection seeks a highly motivated individual to join the Mat-Su Area’s fire prevention office.  The Prevention Office’s primary directive is to decrease the number of human-caused wildfires in the Mat-Su Valley.  Under the direction of the Mat-Su Area Prevention Lead, the applicant will be asked to use historically proven prevention methods of education and enforcement, as well as innovate and think of new solutions. 

As a Fire Prevention Officer, the applicant would perform a wide range of duties, including public outreach, burn permitting, implementation of burn suspensions and closure, fire investigation, and initial attack firefighting. This position may assist with or lead complex wildland fire investigations (for criminal or civil prosecution) and assemble complete citation packages ready for court. This position serves as one of three Wildland Fire Prevention Officers. An arduous fitness level is required.   

Mission and Culture

The Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection, Mat-Su Area, proudly serves Alaskans through wildland fire suppression, forest management, and fire prevention. Joining this dedicated team means becoming part of a mission-driven organization that protects millions of acres of forests, communities, and natural resources. Our work demands individuals who are responsible, capable leaders, and prepared to perform strenuous outdoor tasks safely and effectively.

Prevention Officers must be highly adaptable, excelling in firefighting and public communication. This role develops versatile skills that build a foundation for careers in forestry, natural resource management, or the private sector. Candidates should be prepared for strenuous outdoor work and effective public engagement in both enforcement and educational contexts. We seek individuals committed to personal and professional growth.

Core Responsibilities 

• Initial Attack Firefighting: Use knowledge of wildland strategies and tactics to suppress fires. Be proficient as a firefighter at least at the FFT1/ITC5 level and be able to lead or fill in as necessary on an emerging incident.  
• Operational Preparedness and Training: Ensure readiness for fire response in body, mind, and equipment.  Continue learning and honing skills.  Help facilitate training for state, cooperator, and emergency fire personnel. 
• Fire Prevention and Investigation: Participate in prescribed burns and fuels treatment projects.  Secure fire origins and contribute to fire investigations for potential civil or criminal cases.  
• Enforcement and Compliance: Issue warnings and citations as per regulation. Conduct field inspections to ensure compliance with Alaska burn permits and recommend safety measures. 
• Public Education and Outreach: Help lead community outreach initiatives to educate the public on fire safety and risk reduction.   Be aware of current fire conditions and be able to express them.    

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 3 Prevention Officer is a permanent career-seasonal position. As a permanent career-seasonal position, you will have access to a competitive benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, and retirement and vacation benefits. Although this job is demanding, it has many rewards, including the opportunity for travel, training, and building diverse skillsets and relationships.

The Working Environment You Can Expect

This position is based out of the Mat-Su Area Office located at 101 Airport Road in Palmer, Alaska. Many of the duties performed in this job require considerable physical exertion, working outdoors in all terrain and weather conditions, working long hours, and working extended periods of time away from home. Duties include but are not limited to, the ability to carry up to 45 pounds, run, bend, twist, walk, and climb.  A work capacity test or "pack" test that measures the physical fitness of candidates is administered as part of the selection process. Candidates must pass at the "arduous" level for a firefighter position.  

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

• Exceptional Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication abilities, including public speaking, outreach, and adapting messaging to diverse audiences.
• Wildland Firefighting Expertise: Proficiency at the FFT1/ICT5 level or higher, with a solid understanding of suppression tactics, tools, and leadership in fire line operations.
• Investigation and Compliance: Interest in fire investigations and enforcement.  The ability to interpret and explain relevant State statutes and regulations. 
• Adaptability and Teamwork: Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team.  We seek creative problem-solvers, people willing to take ownership of projects, and those who will foster a positive and constructive work environment.   

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

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 the 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 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.

**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):

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

• Valid driver’s license.
• Resume.
• A copy of your two most recent performance evaluations or a letter 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 consists of the applicant successfully completing a 3-mile hike, carrying a 45-pound pack over level terrain in 45 minutes or less.  Note that this requirement is the bare minimum and an ongoing physical training regimen is recommended for success as a Wildland Fire and Resource Tech. 
• 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-area that require the absence from the duty station for 14 to 21 days; must fly in small fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters; and required to handle 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 or have a felony, you may not hold this position.
• Must be red card qualified as:

Firefighter 1 (FFT1) 

Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5)

In some circumstances, if the applicant can show that they have equivalent experience in a similar response agency (structure fire, military, etc.) and ability to obtain FFT1/ICT5, they may be considered.   At least 1 year of wildland fire experience would still be needed (or approved college credits).  There is no substitution for six months of experience at the developmental level, with service at or equivalent to a State of Alaska Wildfire and Resource Technician 2.  

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. 

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: Kristian Knutson 

Title: Fire Prevention Lead

Office Phone: 907-761-6305

Cell Phone: 907-244-4033

Email: kristian.knutson@alaska.gov

Salary : $30