Wildland Fire & Resource Technician 4 - Area Operations Lead (PCN 10-9875)

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

What You Will Be Doing

The Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry & Fire Protection, is seeking a highly motivated individual to assume the position of a Division of Forestry & Fire Protection Wildland Fire & Resource Technician 4 (Operations Lead) located in McGrath, Alaska. Under the direction of the Southwest Area Assistant Fire Management Officer, the Operations Lead will provide day-to-day front-line supervision and structure for both Division firefighting personnel and an exclusive use helicopter crew.  This position is responsible for the direct oversight and safe operations of the area Helibase, Helicopter, and Helitack Firefighters. 

This position will direct lower-level technicians and crew members in wildland fire suppression actions with an emphasis on helicopter operations as well as fire engine operations, water pump use, fire line construction, and safe operations while working around firefighting aircraft and heavy equipment.  This position may also lead fuels reduction projects which include prescribed fire, brush removal, pile burning, and hazard tree falling.   Other duties may include training, administrative functions, and directing arduous work.

Mission and Culture

The Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection Southwest Area proudly serves Alaskans through wildland fire suppression, management, and control. The Southwest Area is a high-reliability organization providing fire protection and management for over 88 million acres. Our protection area’s primary mission is safe and successful remote incident management and suppression.

Duty, Respect, and Integrity are Division values, and our top priority remains the protection of life, property, and the safety of the public and firefighters.

The Operations Lead is vital to the success of our priorities and mission.  This position directly supervises firefighters and aircraft during incident responses, resource activities, and during periods of low fire activity.  The Wildland Fire and Resource Technician 4 coordinates with Area Fire Managers and supervises the safe implementation of area strategies, tactics, and objectives. 

This position is also expected to train, develop, and mentor subordinate employees. Individuals must be willing and capable of leading firefighters, working extended shifts, and performing strenuous outdoor work safely and productively.

Core Responsibilities 

Under direction, responsibilities are as follows:

• Provides direction, coordination, leadership, and evaluation of the Southwest Area helitack staff. This position assists the Assistant Fire Management Officer in fire preparedness and has primary responsibilities for the initial attack readiness of the Area Helitack Program and any contract Helicopters assigned to the Area.
• Directly supervises Wildland Fire and Resource Technician 3’s (WFRT 3’s), who are responsible for the initial attack of wildland and urban-interface fires, including helitack operations, engine operations, and Area Type 2 hand crews.
• Based on Area and incident needs, this position may supervise emergency firefighters to support preparedness, suppression, and fuels reduction activities. This is a fireline leadership position and will be required to act decisively, identifying response needs in a dynamic fire environment. 
• Provides daily confirmation of fire readiness for both the Area Exclusive-Use helicopter and the assigned helitack crew.
• Serve as Helicopter Manager and Initial Attack Incident Commander. May serve as an Area Duty Officer or Area AFMO when delegated those responsibilities. 
• Provide accurate daily input to AFMO to coordinate and confirm staffing needs, equipment availability, aircraft availability, and extended staffing.

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.

Southwest Area wildland firefighting operations based out of the McGrath Fire Base offer some of the most unique and challenging firefighting conditions in the country.   Due to the roadless nature of the response area, emergency incidents are almost entirely managed from remote field conditions.  Initial Attack Wildland Firefighting in Southwest Alaska is the most challenging, dynamic, and rewarding employment experience still available to wildland firefighters.  Incumbents will join a high-reliability, productive, friendly, and Alaska-tough team.   Training, travel, extended hours, and career advancement opportunities are all components of the Lead Operations position.

The Working Environment You Can Expect

The McGrath Fire Base is in Southwest Alaska along the upper reaches of the Kuskokwim River.  The Fire Base, like all Southwest Communities, is not connected to any interstate road systems and is only accessible by Aircraft or Boats.  The incumbent will be provided with rustic individual housing (no bathroom/kitchen area) with access to bathing/laundry facilities.  Employees have the option to eat all meals at the dining facility located on the Fire Base.   The base was built in the fashion of a summer camp, and available amenities are limited.

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

• Strong background in helicopter operations and safety regulations. Familiarity with IHOG, Helicopter Flight Manuals, Federal Aviation Regulations and Performances, and 310-1 position qualifications.
• Proficient in delivering aerial size-up and initial attack suppression operations in both urban interface and remote settings.
• Strong Leadership and Communication skills and the ability to determine work priorities, allocate work, train and/or supervise, and evaluate the work of subordinate fire staff.
• As part of the selection process, a work capacity test or "pack test” that measures candidates' physical fitness is administered. Candidates are required to pass at the "arduous" level for a fire position.

• NWCG Qualified as Helicopter Manager
• NWCG Qualified as Crew Boss 
• NWCG Qualified as Incident Commander Type 4
• Ability and willingness to obtain qualification as a Helibase manager and Taskforce Leader

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

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.

**NOTE: PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY**

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

• Resume
• A list of two professional references with current contact information, with at least one (1) being a current or former supervisor.
• A copy of any forestry and/or fire-related training certificates or IQS Master record and current Incident Qualifications Card.
• 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’s 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.
• Position may require travel both in and out-of-state for fire suppression assignments; must be on standby or recall status during the fire season; must be available for assignments in and out of the area that require 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.

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: Seth Ross

Title: Fire Management Officer

Phone: 907-521-7052

Email: seth.ross@alaska.gov 

Salary : $47