Wildland Fire and Resource Technician II/III (PCN 9775, 9681, 9684) – State of Alaska – Tok, AK

This position is open to Alaska Residents only

Department of Natural Resources

The division of Forestry is recruiting for several Wildland Fire and Resource Technician II/III Flex positions. The WFRT II/III will be working with and under the direction of the Suppression Foreman, the WFRT’s will be suppressing wildland fire in the role of engine, hand crew or helitack, crewmember utilizing hand tools, chainsaws, water pumps and hoses; cutting down and mitigating hazardous fuels to help protect communities from wildfires; and will participate in fire prevention activities. You will be developing knowledge, skills and abilities as needed to manage and suppress fires through regular physical fitness, attending fire course trainings and participate in simulations.

The Division of Forestry mission is to develop, conserve, and enhance Alaska’s forests to provide a sustainable supply of forest resources for Alaskans. The Goal of the Fire Program is to provide safe, cost effective, and efficient fire protection services and related fire and aviation management activities on State, private, municipal lands, and lands negotiated through agreement, commensurate with values at risk. The Tok Area WF&R technicians are a small capable team comprised of 7 personnel committed to exceptional service. In your role you will work as a crew member to actively engage in wildfire suppression, lead emergency firefighters in efforts to assure that lives, property, and natural resources are protected from fire, and develop the firefighting knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform at the journey level. We embrace the values of duty, respect and integrity and take pride in providing wildland fire protection and prevention services to the 8.5 million acres of the Tok area and beyond. As a member of the station, you will be included in numerous aspects of wildland fire suppression at your level with opportunity to grow your skills and develop your knowledge and qualifications.

Core Responsibilities:
Duties in all job class positions include fire suppression action, fire prevention activities, and hazardous fuel reduction work. Work is arduous in nature, requiring the use of hand and power tools. Other duties include but are not limited to fire gear/equipment preparation and maintenance, station maintenance and other duties as assigned

As a permanent seasonal wildland firefighter you enjoy benefits as increased training opportunities and assignments in remote Alaska while protecting communities and natural resources. Do you like arduous work in the out of doors? Do you enjoy being physically active and working as a part of a team. The qualifications that you earn are nationally recognized and provide for upward mobility. Your position includes health insurance, retirement, and vacation benefits.

This position is based out of the Initial Attack Operations Building on the Tok Forestry Station centrally located on the facility with views of the Alaska mountain range. Many of the duties performed in the 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 and /or climb. A work capacity or “pack” test is required and must be passed at the Arduous level for fire fighter positions.

Desired knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) and Competencies

We are seeking an individual with the following desired knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) and Competencies:

• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Ability and willingness to work in remote areas if necessary.
• Working knowledge of tools and equipment associated with wildland fire suppression.
• Literate use of computers and basic computer programs (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook)

Special Notice
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’s successful completion of 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 the area that requires 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.
This position requires the use or possession 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.

WFRT II

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 I 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 the required six months of 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 certification. 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

WFRT III

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 II 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 the 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 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**

At time of application, applicant must attach as separate documents (If unable to attach please fax or email the contact listed below):

• Red Card or IQS Master Record

• A copy of your last two (2) performance appraisals (if you are a current or former State of Alaska employee) or two (2) letters of recommendation from a former supervisor; and

• A valid Driver’s License.

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

• A list of three (3) professional references with current contact information, one (1) of which must be from a former or current supervisor; and

• A resume with complete job history, including the names and current telephone numbers of previous employers.

THIS RECRUITMENT IS FOR ALASKA RESIDENTS ONLY

This recruitment is open to Alaska Residents Only. Applicants must meet Alaska Residency Requirements in order to be considered for employment at this time. Non-Alaska residents need not apply.

APPLICATION NOTICE
You can ONLY apply for this position through the Workplace Alaska website. If you accessed this recruitment bulletin through a job search portal such as ALEXsys or any other database, you MUST use a Workplace Alaska login to successfully apply. Your application must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. Alaska Standard Time on the date of closing. Instructions on how to apply with Workplace Alaska may be found on the Workplace Alaska “How to Apply” webpage, found here: http://doa.alaska.gov/dop/workplace/howtoapply/

FIREARMS

FLEXIBLY STAFFED

This position is flexibly staffed. This vacancy may be filled at either the Wildland Fire & Resource Technician II or Wildland Fire & Resource Technician ] III level, depending on the applicant’s training and/or experience. The full range of salaries is listed above. Starting salary will be determined by the level the position is hired at. If filled at Level I, promotion to the Level II will occur upon successful completion of the probationary period and required training, as well as the applicant meeting the minimum qualifications of the higher job class.

NO COVER LETTER

A cover letter is NOT required for this position. Your complete application, including supplemental questions, will be used to 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 in the Education section of the application. If you have not obtained a degree, please indicate the number of units completed. Copies of transcripts are required to verify educational credentials if used to meet the minimum qualifications for a position. Transcripts can be attached at the time of application or provided at the time of interview.

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 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 name, your job title, dates of employment, and whether full-or part-time. Applications will be reviewed to determine if the responses are supported and minimum qualifications are clearly met. If they are not, the applicant may not advance to the interview and selection phase of the recruitment.

DRIVER’S LICENSE REQUIREMENT

Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license. An individual without a valid 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 a valid driver’s license. Proof of licensure will be required prior to reporting to duty.

MULTIPLE VACANCIES

This recruitment may be used for more than one (1) vacancy. The applicant pool acquired during this recruitment may be used for future vacancies for up to ninety (90) days after this recruitment closes. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply to each recruitment notice to ensure consideration for all vacancies.

For applicant password assistance please visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/OnlineApplication/User/ResetPassword

For specific information in reference to the position please contact the hiring manager at the following:

Name: Peter Talus

Title: Fire Management Officer

Phone: (907) 883-1400

Fax: (907) 883-5135

Email: [email protected]