Forester 2/3 (PCN 10-9894)

State of Alaska • Fairbanks, AK

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (DOF), is recruiting a Forester 2/3 – Resource Forester for the Northern Region in Fairbanks. The position supports the Forestry Branch as assigned by the Northern Region Forester and Deputy Director, and works with DOF Area offices in Fairbanks, Delta Junction, Tok, and Glenallen. It serves as a regional resource for implementation and enforcement of the Alaska Forest Resources & Practices Act (FRPA), including compliance and reporting. The role also supports development of regional timber markets and responsible forest management that provides a sustainable supply of forest resources for Alaskans.

The position involves frequent field travel in Interior Alaska, including travel by small fixed-wing aircraft, helicopter, boat, and ATV. Fieldwork may be arduous and take place in rugged terrain and inclement or adverse weather, with potential aviation and wildlife hazards. The incumbent may be assigned fire suppression work, placed on standby or recall status during fire season, and required to travel away from the duty station for 14 to 21 days. Assignments may be in or out of state and may involve handling hazardous materials. The position requires the ability and willingness to fly in small aircraft and helicopters and travel by small boat. It requires a valid driver's license and use or possession of a firearm or ammunition.

The position may be filled at the Forester 2 or Forester 3 level. Forester 2 has a stated starting salary of $2,436.85 bi-weekly, and Forester 3 has a stated starting salary of $2,807.25 bi-weekly. Applicants must be Alaska residents. The Division's mission is to develop, conserve, and enhance Alaska's forests for a sustainable supply of forest resources. The posting describes opportunities to advance in forest management, learn from agency professionals and industry leaders, and develop as a leader in a productive workplace.

Requirements

• Alaska residency; the position is open to Alaska residents only.
• Valid driver's license; proof of licensure is required before reporting to duty.
• Forester 2: bachelor's degree from an accredited college in forestry, natural resources, or a closely related field, including at least 24 semester or 36 quarter hours in forestry or closely related curricula, and either one year of professional entry-level forestry experience or three years of journey-level technical experience in fire or forest resources management. Stated education, experience, vocational-technical certification, and qualifying NWCG certification substitutions may apply.
• Forester 3: bachelor's degree from an accredited college in forestry, natural resources, or a closely related field, including at least 24 semester or 36 quarter hours in forestry or closely related curricula, and one year of professional journey-level experience in forestry, natural resources, or a closely related field. Stated education, experience, vocational-technical certification, and qualifying NWCG certification substitutions may apply.
• Knowledge of silviculture, forest ecology, forest use and management, harvesting, inventories, regeneration, sustainability, conservation, and the effects of disturbances on timberland resources.
• Ability to use computers, software applications, databases, and automated systems to accomplish work.
• Ability to bend, lift, climb, stand, and walk for long periods and perform moderately heavy labor.
• Ability to determine objectives and priorities, accept responsibility for actions and decisions, comply with rules and control systems, and deliver timely, high-quality, cost-effective results.
• Knowledge of applicable standards and guidelines.
• Ability and willingness to travel frequently in inclement weather by ATV, boat, small fixed-wing aircraft, and helicopter, and to work in arduous field conditions and rugged terrain.
• Availability for extended travel away from the duty location, including assignments lasting 14 to 21 days, and possible standby or recall during fire season.
• Ability to handle hazardous materials when assigned.
• The position requires use or possession of a firearm or ammunition; federal restrictions apply to individuals convicted of qualifying misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence.
• Applicants invited to interview must bring a valid Alaska driver's license, contact details for three professional references including at least one former supervisor, and educational transcripts if applicable.
• Where foreign education is used to meet qualifications, the applicant must provide evidence of an acceptable credential evaluation or recognition by an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution.
• NWCG Red Card qualification is required for most positions; some positions may require a commercial driver's license with appropriate endorsements.

Nice To Haves

• NWCG Red Card qualification with fitness test is preferred.
• Opportunity to build on professional forestry experience and develop as a leader is presented as an advantage of joining the team.

Responsibilities

• Support the Forestry Branch as assigned by the Northern Region Forester and Deputy Director.
• Serve as a regional resource for FRPA compliance and reporting.
• Work with DOF Area offices in Fairbanks, Delta Junction, Tok, and Glenallen.
• Support implementation and enforcement of the Alaska Forest Resources & Practices Act.
• Contribute to responsible forest management and development of regional timber markets.
• Be available for fire suppression assignments, including standby or recall during fire season, and travel as assigned.

Benefits

• Opportunity to advance a career in forest management.
• Opportunity to learn from agency professionals and industry leaders.
• Opportunities to develop as a leader.
• Work that supports local timber and firewood demand, timber jobs, and the local economy.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level