Job Opportunities in United States

What You Will Be Doing
The Division of Forestry & Fire Protection is looking for motivated individuals to join our Wildland Fire and Resource Technicians team in Palmer. We are seeking highly motivated, competent, professional, and hard-working individuals. This permanent seasonal position is staffed for 6-8 months annually to provide initial attack wildfire suppression for the State of Alaska. This position may be filled at the 2 or 3 job class level, depending on the applicant's training 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 & Fire Protection, Mat-Su area, proudly serves Alaskans through wildland fire suppression, management, and fire prevention. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual to join the men and women who serve to protect millions of acres of our forests, our communities, and our natural resources. Individuals must be willing and capable of acting responsibly, leading firefighters, and performing strenuous outdoor work safely and productively. The experience gained as a Wildland Fire & Resource Technician can form the foundation for a successful career in forestry and other natural resource professions. Individuals must be willing and capable of performing strenuous outdoor work, typically in challenging and changing conditions.

Core Responsibilities
All job class levels require wildfire suppression action utilizing various resource types, including engines, helicopters, and hand crews. The work is arduous and requires the use of hand and power tools. Other duties include but are not limited to, fire prevention activities, hazardous fuel reduction work, 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 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.

The WFRT 2/3 flex is a permanent career-seasonal position. As a permanent career-seasonal position, your paycheck is just part of your total compensation, as you will have access to a competitive benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement, and vacation benefits. Although this job can be arduous, it does have many rewards, including the opportunity to work in some of the most beautiful places in the country. You’ll also find yourself creating friendships that last a lifetime.

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 away from home. Duties include but are not limited to, the ability to carry up to 45 pounds, run, bend, twist, walk, or climb. A work capacity test or "pack" test that measures candidates' physical fitness is administered as part of the selection process. Candidates are required to pass at the "arduous" level for a firefighter position.

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

• Wildland Fire & Resource Technician 2 – FFT1, IC5, HECM
• Wildland Fire & Resource Technician 3 – FFT1, IC5, HECM, and ENGB or HMGB
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Experience with maps, compass, GPS, and concepts related to basic land navigation
• Knowledge of tools and equipment associated with wildland fire suppression
• Desire and ability to seek self-improvement for the betterment of yourself, fellow employees, and the organization
• Ability and willingness to work 16-hour days for up to 21 days in remote areas of the State.

Minimum Qualifications

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 qualification 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).

Substitution (both at the 2 and 3 level):
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 or 4 quarter hours equals 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 (both at the 2 and 3 level):
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.

Additional Required Information

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):

• Resume.

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

• Red Card or IQS Master Record
• Copy of your last two performance evaluations of letters of recommendation from a former supervisor.
• Valid driver’s license.

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.
• Position may require travel both in and out-of-state for fire suppression assignments; must be on stand-by 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, 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.

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. Your responses will allow you to tell us about your experience and/or education. Your complete application, including supplemental questions, will help 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.

Multiple Vacancies
This recruitment may be used for more than one (1) vacancy. The Department of Natural Resources may use the applicant pool acquired during this recruitment for future vacancies for up to ninety (90) days after this recruitment closes.

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.

Contact Information

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:

The following information describes typical benefits available to employees of the State of Alaska. Actual benefits received may differ by bargaining unit or branch of government, position type, or be prorated for other than full time work.

For a quick breakdown of the insurance, health, and retirement benefits available for State Employees you can view an orientation video from Division of Retirement and Benefits. (Please note this video is specifically designed for new State Employees.)

Insurance Benefits

• Health insurance, which includes employer contributions toward medical/vision/dental
  • The following employee groups are under Alaska Care Benefits administered by the State: See https://drb.alaska.gov/help/plans.html for additional information.
    • AVTEC
    • Confidential
    • Correctional Officers
    • Marine Engineers
    • Mt. Edgecumbe Teachers
    • Supervisory
    • Unlicensed Vessel Personnel/Inland Boatman's Union
    • Exempt employees (not covered by collective bargaining)
  • The following employee groups are covered by Union health trusts. Contact the appropriate Union for additional information.
    • General Government
    • Labor, Trades and Crafts
    • Public Safety Employees Association
    • Masters, Mates & Pilots
• Employer paid Basic Life insurance with additional coverage available (amount depends on Bargaining Unit)

• Group-based insurance premiums for
  • Term life (employee, spouse or qualified same sex partner, and dependents)
  • Long-term and short-term disability
  • Accidental Death and Dismemberment
  • Long-term care (self and eligible family members)
  • Supplemental Survivor Benefits
• Employee-funded flexible spending accounts for tax savings on eligible health care or dependent care expenses

Retirement Benefits

• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Teachers' Retirement System (TRS)
• Matching employer contribution into a defined contribution program (new employees)
• Employer contribution into a defined benefit or defined contribution program (current employees)
• Contributions to the Alaska Supplemental Annuity Plan in lieu of contributions to Social Security
• Option to enroll in the Alaska Deferred Compensation Program
• Note: The Defined Contribution Plan, Supplemental Annuity Plan and Deferred Compensation Program offer a variety of investment options

Paid Leave & Other Benefits

• Personal leave with an accrual rate increase based on time served
• Twelve (12) paid holidays a year