Wildland Fire & Resource Technician 4 (PCN 10-9520)

State of Alaska • Fairbanks, AK

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry & Fire Protection, is recruiting a Wildland Fire & Resource Technician 4 to serve as Superintendent of the White Mountain Type-2 IA handcrew in Fairbanks, Alaska. The position leads the handcrew on remote, austere wildland fire assignments lasting 14–21 days in Alaska, Canada, and the Lower 48. The superintendent performs as an incident commander on initial and extended attack fires, provides accurate size-ups, and develops appropriate suppression strategies and tactics. The role helps protect Alaskans’ lives and property from wildfires and supports sustainable management of Alaska’s forest resources.

The position maintains safety practices, including LCES, the 10 Standard Firefighting Orders, and the 18 Situations that Shout Watch Out. It also includes administrative and financial duties, equipment operation, hazardous fuels mitigation, and delivering or assisting with training. The role requires a high level of physical fitness and the ability to work self-sufficiently in remote, hazardous, and arduous environments, sometimes without lodging. Travel may be required in and out of state, including assignments away from the duty station for 14–21 days, and may involve helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and hazardous materials. The position requires use or possession of a firearm.

Requirements

• Twelve months of wildland firefighting or forestry field experience at the journey level; this may be met by service as a Wildland Fire and Resource Technician 3 with the State of Alaska or equivalent experience with another employer.
• National Incident Qualification System (Red Card) qualification; this requirement cannot be substituted.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Ability to pass the Work Capacity Test at the arduous level: complete a 3-mile hike carrying a 45-pound pack over level terrain in 45 minutes or less.
• Valid Alaska driver's license required before reporting to duty. Applicants without one may apply if they meet the age and experience requirements, but an offer may be conditional on obtaining the license.
• Ability to travel in and out of state for fire assignments, be on standby or recall during fire season, and be away from the duty station for assignments lasting 14–21 days.
• Ability to fly in small fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters and handle hazardous materials when required.
• Ability to perform in remote, hazardous, and arduous environments with a high level of physical fitness and self-sufficiency, with no lodging provided.
• Willingness and ability to use or possess a firearm.
• Some positions may require a commercial driver's license with appropriate endorsements.

Nice To Haves

• Completed coursework from an accredited college or vocational technical school in forestry, fire science, or a closely related field may substitute for up to six months of the required field experience. For college coursework, 3 semester hours or 4 quarter hours equal one month of work experience; vocational technical school documentation must show college credit equivalency.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Superintendent of the White Mountain Type-2 IA handcrew on wildland fire assignments in Alaska, Canada, and the Lower 48.
• Act as an incident commander on initial and extended attack fires, provide accurate size-ups, and develop suppression strategies and tactics.
• Ensure LCES, the 10 Standard Firefighting Orders, and the 18 Situations that Shout Watch Out are implemented during wildland fire operations.
• Maintain accurate timekeeping, travel documentation, performance evaluations, and other administrative records.
• Assist with budget management, purchasing, and procurement.
• Safely operate firefighting equipment, including engines, chainsaws, hand tools, pumps, GPS, and radios.
• Assist in planning and implementing hazardous fuels mitigation projects.
• Assist with or lead wildland fire training classes for state, cooperator, and emergency fire personnel.
• Attend classroom and fireline training to advance fire management and professional development skills.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed