Wildland Fire & Resource Technician 2/3 - Initial Attack (PCN 10-9470)

State of Alaska•Delta Junction, AK

33d•$27 - $31

About The Position

The Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry & Fire Protection, is recruiting for a Wildland Fire & Resource Technician 2/3 Flex in Delta Junction, Alaska. What You Will Be Doing: You will be working with and under the direction of the Suppression Foreman, suppressing wildland fire in the role of engine, hand crew, or helitack crew member, utilizing hand tools, chainsaws, water pumps, and hoses; cutting down and mitigating hazardous fuels to help protect communities from wildfires; and participating in fire prevention activities. You will develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to manage and suppress fires through regular physical fitness, attending fire course trainings, and participating in simulations. 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 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 at short notice and 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 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. 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.

Requirements

Applicants must be at least eighteen years of age.
Most positions require National Incident Qualification System certifications.
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'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.
Applicant must possess an Alaska driver's license.
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.
WFRT-3 candidates must be NWCG qualified as Firefighter Type-1 (FFT-1) and Incident Commander Type-5 (ICT-5)
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 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 the ability to accurately complete administrative duties such as timesheets, cost coding, and travel.

Responsibilities

Suppressing wildland fire in the role of engine, hand crew, or helitack crew member, utilizing hand tools, chainsaws, water pumps, and hoses
Cutting down and mitigating hazardous fuels to help protect communities from wildfires
Participating in fire prevention activities
Develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to manage and suppress fires through regular physical fitness, attending fire course trainings, and participating in simulations.

Benefits

Health insurance, which includes employer contributions toward medical/vision/dental
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
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
Personal leave with an accrual rate increase based on time served
Twelve (12) paid holidays a year