Wildland Fire & Resource Technician 2/3 Flex (PCN 10-9514 & 10-9682)

Full Job Description

The Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry & Fire Protection, is recruiting for two Wildland Fire & Resource Technician 2/3 positions in Fairbanks, AK.

What You Will Be Doing:

• Ensure "10 Standard Firefighting Orders" and "18 Situations that Shout Watch Out" are implemented during suppression operations. Ensure safety issues are reported to the supervisor.
• Engage in fire suppression and fuels treatment activities as a member of an engine, helitack, or hand crew.
• Perform as an incident commander on initial and extended attack fires, provide accurate size-ups, and develop appropriate suppression strategies and tactics.
• Safely operate basic firefighting equipment, including chainsaws, hand tools, pumps, GPS, and radios.
• Assist or lead wildland fire training classes for state, cooperator, and emergency fire personnel.
• Be available for Alaska and Lower-48 fire assignments in remote and austere conditions for up to 14-21 days.
• Attend classroom and fireline training to advance fire management and professional development skills.

Mission and Values/Culture:

The Division of Forestry and Fire Protection's mission is to protect Alaskans' lives and property from wildfires and to manage Alaska's forest resources for maximum sustainable yield.

Fairbanks Area Forestry's fire suppression responsibilities encompass approximately 9 million acres in the central interior of Alaska, including the Fairbanks North Star and Denali Boroughs.

In many locations, FAF is the primary, and sometimes the only, fire department in response to wildfires.

Fairbanks Area's core structure is comprised of highly motivated firefighters who excel under adverse conditions, possess a strong, can-do work ethic, emphasize personal and professional integrity through continuous improvement, and are committed to building a team-focused wildland firefighter community.

Wildland Fire and Resource Technicians are on the front lines, ensuring Alaska meets its objectives of providing safe, competent, and community-focused wildfire protection and sustainable forest management for Alaska's diverse user groups.

Benefits of Joining Our Team:

Selected candidates will be part of a high-performing and community-oriented organization that provides tip-of-the-spear firefighting response to wildfires threatening Alaska's residents, communities, and infrastructure.

Individuals who are safety-minded, team-oriented, and thrive in a learning environment will have ample opportunities for upward mobility and training.

This position is especially attractive to those who enjoy working outdoors, traveling across Alaska and the Lower-48, are interested in a dynamic and challenge-filled first responder career path, and are committed to public service.

The work schedule is seasonal and can be flexible. However, commitment to the position and working long hours on short notice, even in remote field conditions, for extended periods, is expected and required.

The Working Environment You Can Expect:

Fairbanks Area Forestry resides along the banks of the Chena River in downtown Fairbanks, Alaska.

FAF's fire suppression organization is comprised of Type-6 & 7 engines, Helitack, Prevention, the White Mountain Type-2IA hand crew, EFF Type-2 hand crews, and dozer operations.

Personnel staff engines, helicopters, and hand crews daily and are ready to respond to wildfires not only within FAF's protection area, but across Alaska.

When not on fires, fire staff are regularly engaged in training and fuels mitigation projects that enhance strategic and tactical fire suppression options and strengthen community wildland fire protection.

A high level of physical fitness is required, and all initial attack personnel are expected to participate in daily physical training and complete the annual fitness testing.

Fairbanks is the hub of Interior Alaska, and there are multiple local outdoor recreational activities, including camping, boating, hiking, fishing, berry picking, and photography.

Fairbanks International Airport is located minutes away from FAF and is the primary departure point for exploring the far reaches of Alaska.

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.
• Interpersonal Skills: Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations; is sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences.
• Adaptability: Adjusts planned work by gathering relevant information and applying critical thinking to address multiple demands and competing priorities in a changing environment.
• Teamwork: Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.
• Physical Strength and Agility: Ability to bend, lift, climb, stand, and walk for long periods of time; ability to perform moderately heavy laboring work.

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

Requirements

Wildland Fire & Resource Technician 2- starting salary $28.07 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 $31.72 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).

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.)

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 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.

Applicants 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 requires 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.

Qualifications

** Please read the information below carefully. **

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

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:

• Copy of your most current Red Card.
• Copies of forestry/fire-related training certificates.

At the time of the interview, please ensure that you provide the following materials. Failure to do so may result in loss of consideration. Required documents include:

• Copy of a valid driver's license.
• Three professional references (names, emails, and phone numbers). Minimum of one from a current or former supervisor.
• Copies of your two most recent performance evaluations or letters of reference if evaluations are not available.

SPECIAL NOTICES

• WFRT-3 candidates shall be NWCG qualified as Firefighter Type-1 (FFT-1), Incident Commander Type- 5 (ICT-5), and Single Resource Boss: Crew Boss (CRWB), Engine Boss (ENGB), Helicopter Manager (HMGB), Firing Boss (FIRB), or Felling Boss (FELB).
• 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.
• Travel on helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft on a daily basis 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.
• Basic computer skills and ability to accurately complete administrative duties such as timesheets, cost coding, and travel.
• 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, both the title and the assigned pay range may be subject to 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 on how to apply can be found on the Workplace Alaska How to Apply webpage (link). 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) utilizes four proficiency levels to measure and describe an applicant’s level of competence in applying certain 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, you must fill out 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.

It is your responsibility to 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 is not a substitute for completing the application in its entirety. 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.

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 multiple vacancies. 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 STATEMENTThe 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.

Additional 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 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:

Gordon Amundson

Fire Management Officer

Phone: 907-451-2636

Email: gordan.amundson@alaska.gov