Salary: $26.66 Hourly
Location : Fairbanks, AK
Job Type: Seasonal
Job Number: 48735
Department: Natural Resources
Division: Forestry & Fire Protection
Opening Date: 01/03/2025
Closing Date: 1/24/2025 5:00 PM Alaska
Position Open To: Alaska Residents Only
Bargaining Unit: General Government
Range: 14
Job DescriptionWhat You Will Be Doing- Assist in managing field crews in remote regions of Alaska to collect forestry, botanical, and geographic data for the Forest Inventory and Analysis program.
- Oversee daily operations, including aviation logistics, safety in remote landing zones, and data submissions.
- Using scientific protocols and field tools, ensure accurate data collection on tree growth, forest health, soils, and vegetation.
- Navigate challenging terrain using GPS, maps, and compasses while mentoring and supporting crew members in remote environments.
- Maintain data quality by troubleshooting, editing, and archiving field data, contributing to the sustainable management of Alaska's forests.
Mission and CultureThe Division of Forestry and Fire Protection manages Alaska's forests sustainably while leading wildland fire management, forest practices, and cooperative forestry programs statewide. Its influence extends across ownership boundaries through incident management, federal timber resource oversight, and timber inventory efforts. FIA Foresters support this mission by collaborating with the U.S. Forest Service to establish and inventory permanent research plots across Alaska using standardized national protocols.
Benefits of Joining Our TeamThis position is an integral part of a team comprised of state and federal professionals executing a large interagency forest inventory program across interior Alaska. The Interior Alaska Forest Inventory and Analysis program (FIA) covers the largest area of any FIA program in the country and provides the opportunity to work, monitor, and access some of the most remote areas in Alaska.
This position offers avenues to gain proficiency in aviation operations, backcountry navigation, and ecological field measurements. Training in wilderness medicine, as well as wildlife and firearms safety, is included. Additionally, this role provides valuable exposure to the diverse career opportunities available within the Division of Forestry and Fire Protection, offering a pathway for professional growth and advancement in natural resource management.
The Working Environment You Can ExpectFieldwork is conducted in remote and challenging conditions across Interior Alaska, with hazards including rugged terrain, aviation transport, bear encounters, and inclement weather. Employees must be physically fit, capable of carrying heavy packs, and prepared for off-trail hiking, as well as working in small aircraft, helicopters, boats, and tight quarters with constant background noise.
Who We Are Looking ForWe are interested in candidates who possess some or all of the following position-specific competencies:
- Field Operations Management: Experience in managing field data collection, logistics, and coordinating crew operations in remote and challenging environments. Ability to manage project timelines, track progress, and ensure completion of fieldwork in a timely and efficient manner.
- Technical Expertise and Data Management: Proficiency with field measurement tools (e.g., diameter tapes, laser hypsometers, clinometers, compasses) and personal data recorders. Knowledge of GIS, aerial imagery, and other spatial tools for monitoring and analyzing forest data. Ability to troubleshoot technical issues related to data collection devices and software.
- Helicopter Operations Management: In-depth knowledge of helicopter operations, including flight planning, coordination with pilots, and managing helicopter logistics. Ability to ensure safe and efficient loading/unloading of personnel and equipment in remote landing zones. Understanding of crew resource management techniques for aviation operations.
- Safety Leadership and Risk Management: Strong commitment to field safety, with the ability to identify hazards, conduct safety briefings, and ensure compliance with safety protocols. Experience managing field safety, including for helicopter, boat, ATV, and small aircraft operations.
- Communication and Collaboration: Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to effectively collaborate with internal and external teams, including foresters, technicians, and partners such as the U.S. Forest Service. Comfortable interacting with the public and addressing inquiries related to field operations.
- Problem Solving and Decision Making: Ability to make informed, timely decisions in complex field situations, balancing project needs with available resources. Critical thinking skills for interpreting field data, troubleshooting technical issues, and adapting to changing field conditions.
Click here to learn more about working for the Division of Forestry & Fire Protection.Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree from an accredited college in forestry, natural resources, or a closely related field that includes a minimum of 24 semester hours or 36 quarter hours in forestry or closely related curricula.
Substitution:
An Associate's degree that includes a minimum of 24 semester hours or 36 quarter hours in forestry, natural resources, or a closely related curricula from an accredited college and two years journey level experience in the technical aspects of forest management and practices such as fire prevention, fire suppression, timber sales, reforestation, or inventory will substitute for the required bachelor's degree. The required experience includes work such as a Natural Resource Technician 2, Wildland Fire and Resource Technician 3 or Wildland Fire Dispatcher 2 with the State of Alaska or the equivalent with another employer.
Substitution:
Certification from an accredited vocational technical school in forestry, natural resource management or a closely related field and three years of journey level experience in the technical aspects of forest management and practices such as fire prevention, fire suppression, timber sales, reforestation, or inventory may substitute for the required bachelor's degree. This experience includes work such as a Natural Resource Technician 2, Wildland Fire and Resource Technician 3 or Wildland Fire Dispatcher 2 with the State of Alaska or the equivalent with another employer.
Certification via NWCG (National Wildfire Coordinating Group) Incident Qualification Card (AKA 'red card') within the preceding three (3) years in any of the following will substitute for the required education:
1. Single Resource (CRWB, HEQB, HEMG, ENGB, FELB), or
2. Field Observer (FOBS)
For NWCG Incident Qualification Card certification information see: National Incident Management System (NIMS).
Special Note: Closely related curricula and work experience includes fields such as: geosciences, geography, natural resources, environmental sciences, soils, hydrology, wildlife habitat management, forest engineering, remote sensing, vegetation classification, natural resource bio-metrics and wildland fire control.
One year of work experience equals 12 months of seasonal work.
Positions may require travel both in and out-of-state for fire suppression assignments; may be on stand-by or recall status during the fire season; may be assigned work in and out of the area that requires the absence from the duty station for 14 to 21 days; may fly in small fixed wing aircraft or helicopters and handle hazardous materials.
Most positions require "Red Card" qualification under the Incident Command System.
Some positions may require a commercial driver's license with appropriate endorsements.
Additional Required Information**NOTE: PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY**THIS RECRUITMENT IS FOR ALASKA RESIDENTS ONLYThis recruitment is open to Alaska Residents only. Applicants
must meet Alaska Residency Requirements to be considered for employment at this time.
If selected for an interview, the applicant must provide the following:
- Two professional references.
- Valid Alaska driver's license.
- Copy of any forestry, aviation, or fire-related training certificates.
SPECIAL NOTICES- This position requires the incumbent to carry and use firearms for Wildlife protection
- This position requires frequent travel within the state via fixed & rotor wing aircraft, ATVs, and watercraft.
Application NoticeYou can ONLY apply for this position through the Workplace Alaska website or a hardcopy application. Instructions on how to apply with Workplace Alaska may be found on the Workplace Alaska "How to Apply" page. Your application must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. Alaska Standard Time on the closing date.
EducationIf post-secondary education is required to meet the minimum qualifications, you must fill out the Education section of the application. If you have not obtained a degree, please indicate the units completed. Copies of transcripts are required to verify educational credentials if used to meet the minimum qualifications for a position.
Special Instructions for Foreign EducationEducation 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 the 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 ExperienceIf using work experience not already documented in your application, also provide the employer's name, job title, employment dates, and whether full or part-time. Applications will be reviewed to determine whether the responses are supported and minimum qualifications are clearly met. If they are not, the applicant may not advance to the recruitment interview and selection phase.
Note: Attaching a resume is not an alternative to filling out the application entirely. Noting, "see resume" or any similar response on any portion of your application may lead to a determination that your application is incomplete and removal from consideration for this job posting.
Bargaining UnitIf you are a
current state employee, please mark the union you are a member of at the time of application. Do not complete this question if you are
not a current state employee. Driver's License RequirementApplicants must possess a valid driver's license. Proof of licensure will be required prior to reporting to duty.
FirearmsThis position requires the use or possession of a firearm or ammunition. In accordance with the federal Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997 (PL 104-208), if you have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, you may not hold this position.
A "misdemeanor crime of domestic violence" is an offense that is (1) a misdemeanor under Federal or state law and (2) has, as an element, the use or attempted use of physical force or the threatened use of a deadly weapon, committed by a current or former spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabiting with or has cohabited with the victim as a spouse, parent, or guardian, or by a person similarly situated to a spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim.
If you have ever been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, do NOT apply for this position.EEO StatementThe State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities who require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats, please call 1-800-587-0430 or 465-4095 in Juneau or (907) 465-3412 (TTY) or correspond with the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations at P. O. Box 110201, Juneau, AK 99811-0201. The State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer.
Contact InformationWorkplace Alaska Application Questions & AssistanceQuestions regarding application submission or system operation errors should be directed to the Workplace Alaska hotline at 1-800-587-0430 (toll-free) or (907) 465-4095 if you are in the Juneau area. Requests for information may also be emailed to
For assistance with your password, please visit .
For specific information about this position, please get in touch with the hiring manager at the following:David Rhodes FIA Project Coordinator (Forester 3) Phone: 716-907-7932
Email: dave.rhodes2@alaska.gov
Careers with the State of Alaska offer MANY benefitsThe following information describes
typical benefits available to employees of the State of Alaska. Actual benefits received may differ by bargaining unit or branch of government, position type, or be prorated for other than full time work.
For a quick breakdown of the insurance, health, and retirement benefits available for State Employees you can view an (Please note this video is specifically designed for new State Employees.)
Insurance Benefits - Health insurance, which includes employer contributions toward medical/vision/dental
- The following employee groups are under AlaskaCare Benefits administered by the State: See for additional information.
- AVTEC
- Confidential
- Correctional Officers
- Marine Engineers
- Mt. Edgecumbe Teachers
- Supervisory
- Unlicensed Vessel Personnel/Inland Boatman's Union
- Exempt employees (not covered by collective bargaining)
The following employee groups are covered by Union health trusts. Contact the appropriate Union for additional information.
- General Government
- Labor, Trades and Crafts
- Public Safety Employees Association
- Masters, Mates & Pilots
Employer paid Basic Life insurance with additional coverage available (amount depends on Bargaining Unit)
Optional Insurance Benefits - 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
Retirement Benefits - 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
- Note: The Defined Contribution Plan, Supplemental Annuity Plan and Deferred Compensation Program offer a variety of investment options
See for additional information
Paid Leave & Other Benefits - Personal leave with an accrual rate increase based on time served
- Twelve (12) paid holidays a year
