About the job
The Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry & Fire Protection, is recruiting for a Wildland Forestry Technician 5 in Fairbanks.
What You Will Be Doing:
This position serves as the Assistant Fire Management Officer for the Fairbanks office of the AK Division of Forestry & Fire Protection. The incumbent will direct wildland fire preparedness, mitigation, prevention, and suppression activities at the area level and will provide oversight of the fuels, training, and Emergency Firefighter (EFF) programs in accordance with Alaska statutes and the Alaska Interagency Wildland Fire Management Plan.
Daily, the incumbent will:
Ensure that initial attack resources are trained, equipped, and ready to respond to new wildland fire incidents. Direct initial attack response. Serve as safety officer and duty officer for the local area.
Provide ongoing supervision to more than 40 full-time regular employees, with authority and responsibility to hire, train, assign work, and evaluate performance.
Attend planning meetings and coordinate with agency personnel, cooperators, and the public.
Benefits of Joining Our Team:
Selected candidates will join a high-performing, community-oriented organization that responds to wildfires threatening Alaska's residents, communities, and infrastructure. Safety-minded, team-oriented individuals who 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, travel across Alaska and the lower-48, are interested in a dynamic, challenge-filled first responder career path, and are committed to public service.
The Working Environment You Can Expect:
Fairbanks Area Forestry resides along the banks of the Chena River in downtown Fairbanks, Alaska. The 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 to complete annually required fitness testing.
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.
Red Card qualification under the National Incident Qualification System (see required job qualifications special note).
And Either
Twelve months of advanced level wildland fire fighting experience in the fire management program. This required experience includes work as a Wildland Fire and Resource Technician 4 with the State of Alaska or the equivalent with another employer.
Or
Twenty-four months of journey level experience in the fire program in fire suppression or in a support capacity. This required experience includes work as a Wildland Fire and Resource Technician 3 with the State of Alaska or the equivalent with another employer.
Or
Twenty-four months of journey level logistics dispatch experience. This required experience includes such work as Wildland Fire Dispatcher 2 with the State of Alaska or the equivalent with another employer.
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 in the recruitment bulletin. The specialty areas are within one of the following functions: fire operations, wildland fire prevention, and aviation support.
For positions assigned work in the field, 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 requires that the applicant complete a 3-mile hike carrying a 45-pound pack over level terrain in 45 minutes or less. For office positions that do not require field work, applicants are not required to pass an "Arduous" level Work Capacity test.
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.
** Please read the information below carefully. **
When you apply, please attach the following items as individual documents. If you cannot attach documents, please email the contact listed below:
Writing sample – see below for further instructions.
Copy of your most current Red Card.
If invited to interview, please bring the following materials. Failure to do so may result in loss of consideration. Required documents include:
Copy of your most current Red Card (if not previously provided).
Copies of forestry/fire related training certificates.
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.
Copy of valid driver's license.
SPECIAL NOTICES
Candidates shall have the ability to obtain NWCG qualifications of Incident Commander Type-3 and Division Supervisor.
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 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.
Writing Sample
A scenario-based writing sample is required for this position at the time of application. There are three scenarios; each response should be one to two paragraphs.
Please attach responses to your application before submitting it online; if you cannot attach them, email them to the contact number below. Failure to comply may result in non-consideration.
Scenario 1
Your Area anticipates needing additional EFF crews during the upcoming fire season. However, previous seasons revealed inconsistencies in crew readiness, supervisory experience, documentation, and the availability of qualified personnel.
You are responsible for overseeing improvements to the EFF program while maintaining the Area's existing operational commitments.
Interview question
How would you evaluate the program's current effectiveness, identify areas needing improvement, and develop a plan to strengthen EFF recruitment, training, supervision, and operational readiness? How would you determine whether your improvements were successful?
Scenario 2
One of your subordinate supervisors is a highly experienced firefighter with strong technical qualifications and a history of successful incident assignments.
However, the supervisor repeatedly fails to complete required administrative documentation, provides inconsistent direction to employees, and has received complaints concerning their communication style. Previous informal discussions have not resulted in sustained improvement.
Interview question
How would you address these performance concerns while recognizing the employee's operational strengths? Describe how you would establish expectations, provide support, document performance, and determine whether further corrective action is necessary.
Scenario 3
At the end of a demanding fire season, your Fire Management Officer requests an evaluation of the Area's overall performance.
Although initial attack operations were generally successful, several incidents exposed weaknesses in resource coordination, employee training, equipment readiness, and communication between operational groups. Budget limitations will prevent the Area from addressing every identified deficiency before the next fire season.
Interview question
How would you evaluate the Area's performance, determine which deficiencies present the greatest operational risks, and establish priorities for improvement? Explain how you would involve subordinate supervisors and employees, communicate your recommendations to leadership, and measure progress.
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, 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 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.
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.
Driver’s License Requirement
Applicants must possess a valid driver's license. Proof of licensure will be required prior to reporting to duty.
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.
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:
Gordon Amundson
Fire Management Officer
Phone: 907-451-2636
Email: gordon.amundson@alaska.gov