Job Description

Posting number: 55644

Department: Natural Resources

Division: Forestry & Fire Protection

Job classification: Wildland Fire and Resource Technician 2

Posting type: Open

Categories: Fire & EMS, Forestry

Summary

The Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry & Fire Protection, is recruiting for a Wildland Forestry Technician 2/3 in Fairbanks, Alaska.

What You Will Be Doing:

White Mountain Fire Crew is recruiting Lead Crewmember positions based in Fairbanks, AK.

This is a crewmember position on a 20-person hand crew (Type 2 Initial Attack). Primary duties include fuels reduction (felling and removing hazardous trees, creating fuel breaks) and wildland fire suppression (line construction, scouting, chainsaw operation, water pump operations, structure protection, mop-up, and low-complexity firing). Lead Crewmembers will guide lower-level crewmembers and will be expected to assist with crew administrative tasks. All crew members must maintain readiness and be available throughout the fire season when not on assignment.

Mission and Values/Culture:

The mission of the Division of Forestry is to develop, conserve, and enhance Alaska’s forests to provide a sustainable supply of forest resources for Alaskans. The White Mountain Fire Crew supports this mission by helping protect Alaska’s wilderness areas, homes, and businesses from wildfires. White Mountain also works to build a strong and cohesive crew by providing hands-on training and helping crewmembers achieve greater knowledge, skills, and responsibilities

Benefits of Joining Our Team:

Through a letter of agreement, this position receives a 30% increase in 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.

By joining White Mountain, you will join a group of highly motivated firefighters. You will have opportunities to widen your experience as a firefighter by working in various fuel types and environments across Alaska and the lower 48. We will work with you to meet your wildland fire career goals by providing training and other career advancement and development opportunities.

The Working Environment You Can Expect:

White Mountain is based in Fairbanks, AK, and works in conjunction with Fairbanks Area Forestry. This position requires travel within Alaska and to other states. You will be required to live and work in remote locations, with shifts often lasting 16 hours a day and for periods of 14 to 21 days. Work will be carried out in all types of terrain and weather conditions.

We are looking for a candidate who possesses the following position-specific competencies.

• Fire Management: Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of fire management, including the characteristics, behavior, and ecology of fire; methodologies, strategies, and equipment used in prescribed fires; fire detection, prevention, and suppression strategies; and integration of fire with natural resource management.
• Accountability: Holds self and others accountable for measurable, high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results. Determines objectives, sets priorities, and delegates work. Accepts responsibility for own actions and decisions. Complies with established control systems and rules.
• Conscientiousness: Displays a high level of effort and commitment towards performing work; demonstrates responsible behavior.
• Flexibility: Is open to change and new information; adapts behavior or work methods in response to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles; effectively deals with uncertainty.
• 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.

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

Examples of duties

Wildland Fire & Resource Technician 2 - starting salary $28,91 per hour

Six months of trainee or entry-level wildland firefighting 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).

Wildland Fire & Resource Technician 3 - starting salary $32.67 per hour

Twelve months of wildland firefighting or forestry field experience, including at least six months 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.)

No substitution is allowed for the six months of developmental experience.

No substitution is allowed 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 this field has different specialty areas, recruitment and selection will be made from candidates who meet the experience and basic National Incident Qualification System training requirements listed in 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 on obtaining an Alaska driver's license. Proof of licensure is required before reporting to duty.
• Positions may require travel 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 small fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters; and handling hazardous materials.
• Some positions may require a commercial driver's license with appropriate endorsements.

Qualifications

** Please read the information below carefully. **

At the time of application, the applicant must attach the following items as individual documents; failure to provide the requested documentation may result in non-consideration. If you are unable to attach documents, please fax or email the contact listed below. Required documents include:

• Current/Latest Red Card
• Fire Certificates

If invited to interview, please bring the following materials. Failure to do so may result in loss of consideration. Required documents include:

• Passport (if available)
• Driver’s License
• item

SPECIAL NOTICES

• Requires frequent in- and out-of-state travel on assignments lasting 14-21 days.
• A valid driver's license is required to operate engines and vehicles.
• Daily travel on helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft may be required.
• Ability to perform in remote, hazardous, and arduous work environments requiring a high level of physical fitness and self-sufficiency with no lodging provided.
• Requires the use or possession of a firearm.
• Must be able to pass the Work Capacity Test at the "Arduous" level as defined in the 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.

Classification Study Notice

This position is currently under review as part of the Forest and Fire Management job class study. Therefore, the title and assigned pay range may change upon completion of the study.

Application Notice

You can ONLY apply for this position through the Workplace Alaska website or by submitting a paper application. Instructions for applying are available on the Workplace Alaska How to Apply webpage. Your application must be received 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 ability to apply 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, complete the Education section of the application. If you have not yet obtained a degree, please indicate the units you have 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 at foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the minimum qualifications listed above. If using this education to meet minimum qualification requirements, you must demonstrate that the credentials have been submitted to a private organization specializing in interpreting foreign educational credentials and that such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in standard U.S. education programs. Alternatively, an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution must report that the other institution's transcript is given full value or that full value is recognized in relevant subject areas aligned with the post-secondary institution's curricula. You must provide this 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 whether the minimum qualifications are met. If they are not, the applicant may not advance to the recruitment interview and selection phase.

Note: Attaching a resume does not substitute for completing the application in full. 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 indicate the union to which you belong 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 is required before 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.

Please ensure your application (through work history, training, education, licenses, certifications, etc.) supports/demonstrates that you possess the minimum required competencies for the job class.

EEO STATEMENT

The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities who require accommodation, auxiliary aids 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.

Supplemental information

If you choose to be contacted by email, please ensure that your email address is correct on your application and that your spam filter will permit emails from the governmentjobs.com domain.

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 password assistance, please visit the password reset page.

For specific information about this position, please get in touch with the hiring manager at the following:

Madeline Handley

Crew Boss/Superintendent

Phone: 907-687-9253

Email: Madeline.Handley@Alaska.Gov

Alternative Contact

Ernest Prax

Assistant Fire Management Officer

Phone: 907-451-2619

Email: ernest.prax@alaska.gov