Wildland Fire & Resource Technician 4 - Aviation Foreman (PCN 10-9871)

State of Alaska•Soldotna, AK

46d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry & Fire Protection, is recruiting for a Wildland Fire & Resource Technician 4 in Soldotna, Alaska. The Division of Forestry is looking for motivated individuals to join our team of Wildland Fire and Resource Technicians. This permanent seasonal position is staffed 10 months annually (February 1st to November 30th) to provide initial attack wildfire suppression for the State of Alaska, with the possibility of fuels project work during the fall/winter months. The Alaska Division of Forestry, Kenai-Kodiak Area, proudly serves Alaskans through wildland fire suppression, management, and control. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual to join the team that protects millions of acres of our forests, our communities, and our natural resources. Individuals must be willing and capable of acting responsibly, leading firefighters, and performing strenuous work safely and productively. The experience gained as a Wildland Fire Resources Tech can form the foundation for a successful career in forestry and other natural resource professions. Applicants must be willing and capable of performing strenuous outdoor work, typically in challenging and dynamic conditions. This position is based out of the Soldotna Area office of the Kenai-Kodiak Area Office located at 42499 Sterling Hwy, Soldotna, Alaska. The Kenai Kodiak Area is comprised of 11+ million acres of Federal, Tribal, State, Borough, Municipal, and private land that make up the Kenai Peninsula and the island of Kodiak. 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 firefighter positions.

Requirements

Twelve months of wildland fire fighting or forestry field experience at the journey level. The required journey level experience is met by service as a Wildland Fire and Resource Technician 3 with the State of Alaska or the equivalent with another employer.
Red Card qualification under the National Incident Qualification System (see required job qualifications special note).
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' 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.
Must be currently Red Card qualified as ICT4 AND HMGB
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 your 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 of 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.

Responsibilities

Directly supervise 1 Foresty Technician I/II/III´s and more personnel based on fire danger at the Soldotna Area office. Incumbent will assign individuals, including self, to engine and helitack rotation and set schedules for these crews.
Operate emergency vehicles, including negotiating through traffic with red lights and siren; establish Unified Command, develop and implement strategy and tactics, and account for the safety of personnel.
Identify and correct unsafe working conditions or problems; report unsafe working conditions, problems, and the corrective action taken to the supervisor.
Provide oversight to the Area helitack program and provide oversight for lower-level technicians.
Coordinates with the Fire Program Aviation Officers on aviation issues to maintain initial-attack capabilities during periods of high fire danger.
Oversee the administration of the local helicopter contract.
Lead local helitack program, including fueling, pilot staffing, manifest, flight log, and load calculations
Ensure that Interagency Helicopter Operation Guide (IHOG) standards are followed and enforced.
Provide oversight for local fixed-wing aircraft, ramp, Kenai-Kodiak Tanker Base, and or helicopter base
Ensure adequate fuel supply and safe fueling operation
Manifest and calculate loads for transporting passengers and cargo.
May provide oversight for Aviation Operations and ensure all activities are safe and consistent with FAA, DNR, and Airport Policies.
Ensure that daily cost summaries and daily flight invoices for assigned aircraft and equipment are completed.

Benefits

Through a letter of agreement, this position receives a 30% increase in the base salary rate.
This position also receives a 25% increase in pay based on hazardous conditions through a hazard pay letter of agreement.
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