Salary: $2,568.75 - $2,646.00 Biweekly
Location : Fairbanks or Anchorage or Palmer, AK
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 48992
Department: Natural Resources
Division: Forestry & Fire Protection
Opening Date: 01/24/2025
Closing Date: 4/11/2025 5:00 PM Alaska
Position Open To: Alaska Residents Only
Bargaining Unit: General Government
Range: 18
Job DescriptionWhat You Will Be DoingThe Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (DOF) is hiring a Forester 3. The Division's Fire & Aviation program seeks a motivated, high-energy team member to lead our wildland fuels program, which includes overseeing and coordinating hazardous fuels management. This position will be the State of Alaska's program lead on strategic planning, interagency coordination, and cooperator outreach for fuels management. We are looking for a team member with a strong background in wildland fire management, wildland fire operations, leadership and interagency relationships who will develop and manage a program providing for the protection of Alaska's public, infrastructures, and resource values.
Mission and CultureThe Division of Forestry fosters a mission-driven culture. It is responsible for protecting Alaska's values, including life, property, and natural resources, from wildland fires. Wildland fuels management is the foundation of the Division's preparedness effort.
The Division of Forestry & Fire Protection's mission is to safely manage wildland fires that pose a threat to life, property, and critical infrastructure on 150 million acres of land throughout the State of Alaska. The Division of Forestry & Fire Protection works closely with federal, state, and local emergency response agencies to provide wildland fire management and protection for the State of Alaska.
This position is part of a high-functioning team that supports the "boots on the ground" to ensure the safety of people, property, and Alaskan resources. Under its multifaceted functions, the primary goal of this position is to communicate and reduce risk for our employees and emergency responders. This position works within a team to solve diverse challenges and contribute to the success of the DOF mission. We are looking for an enthusiastic, dependable problem solver to join our team.
Core Responsibilities - Under general supervision, provide direction and strategic planning for the State of Alaska wildland fire fuels program.
- Coordinate and prioritize projects and funding between seven geographic areas that are made up of two regions.
- Provide oversite and management of competitive fire program grants, FEMA fire management assistance grants, and State of Alaska General Funded fuels projects
- This position is a core Forestry's Fire and Aviation Working Group (FAWG) member. The FAWG makeup consists of the Chief of Fire & Aviation direct reports and staff which plans, develops strategies, implements fire program direction, and addresses statewide fire
- program issues.
- This position is regularly tasked with coordinating leading special projects and events of statewide and national significance regarding fuels management.
- Provide directions to the Divisions and interagency land managers regarding the use of prescribed fire as a natural resource management tool
The successful applicant will be working with a variety of dynamic, public service-oriented people and agencies from across Alaska and at a national level. This position offers training opportunities as well as a flexible work schedule and location. Based on the National Interagency Incident Management System qualifications, the incumbent may accept assignments and serve as a Alaska Incident Management Team member responding to wildland and all-risk incidents in Alaska and nationally.
The Fuels Program Coordinator has Statewide responsibilities that allow flexibility with the physical location. Office sites are available in the Attwood Building in downtown Anchorage, Palmer and Fairbanks with the possibility of some telecommuting. The environment is mission-oriented, with collaborative interaction with colleagues in the Division, other state agencies, local government, and our federal counterparts in wildland fire management.
Although this position is primarily office-based, field site visits to projects, fire assignments, and prescribed fire tours are required. During the fire season, this position will be involved in daily fire operations as an Incident Management Team member or assist agency administrators and fire management staff in wildland fire response and line officer duties. During the fire season, the atmosphere is fast-paced, mission-driven, and extremely service-oriented.
Benefits of Joining Our TeamJoining the DOF wildland fire team offers numerous benefits, including the chance to work with dedicated professionals to achieve fire, fuels, and forestry goals. You will have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work in a professional environment with a clear mission that supports the State of Alaska and protects Alaskan residents, businesses, and investments.
Additionally, we offer opportunities for career advancement, comprehensive training programs, and flexible work schedules. Being part of our team means you can grow your skills and advance your career while making a significant impact in the field of wildland fire management.
The Working Environment You Can ExpectThis position will be based in either Anchorage, Palmer, or Fairbanks, Alaska. At DOF, we encourage team building and camaraderie. This environment promotes friendship and loyalty within the organization, fostering close-knit relationships that motivate our employees and build trust in a fast-paced, emergency response environment. Our team includes individuals with diverse talents, backgrounds, and abilities, working together to achieve our common goals and meet the mission of safely protecting Alaska from wildland fire.
We are looking for someone with the following position-specific competencies.- Teamwork: Ability to work independently and collectively as a leader and member of a group or team while focusing successfully and effectively on meeting defined goals, objectives, and deadlines.
- Leadership: Influences and motivates. Adapts leadership style to a variety of situations and personalities.
- Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication, providing for interagency outreach, presentations, developing reports, and replying to public inquiries.
- Strategic thinking: Formulates objectives and priorities; implements plans consistent with the organization's long-term interests in an interagency environment.
- Wildland Fire Management: Understands the ecological role of wildland fire in Alaska and uses planned ignitions to meet resource objectives.
- Project Management: Knowledge of tools and methods for developing, scheduling, coordinating, and managing projects and resources, including monitoring costs, work, and performance.
Click here to learn more about working for the Division of Forestry & Fire Protection. Minimum QualificationsBachelor'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.
And
One year of professional journey level experience in forestry, natural resources, or a closely related field. The required experience includes work such as Forester 2, Fire Management Officer, State Logistics Center Coordinator, or Natural Resource Specialist 2 with the State of Alaska, or the equivalent with another employer.
Substitutions:Four years in any combination of post secondary education from an accredited college that includes a minimum of 24 semester hours or 36 quarter hours in forestry, natural resources, or a closely related field AND journey level experience in the technical aspects of forest management and practices, such as fire prevention, suppression, timber sales, reforestation or inventory may substitute for the required bachelor's degree. (2.67 semester or 4 quarter hours of post-secondary education are equal to one month of experience). The experience includes work such as Wildland Fire and Resource Technician 3, Wildland Forestry Technician 2, or Wildland Fire Dispatcher 2 with the State of Alaska, or the equivalent with another employer.
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, suppression, timber sales, reforestation, or inventory may substitute for the required bachelor's degree. The experience includes work such as Wildland Fire and Resource Technician 3, Wildland Forestry Technician 2, 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. Expanded Dispatcher Coordinator (CORD),
2. Fire Behavioral Analyst (FBAN),
3. Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS),
4. Safety Officer Type 3 (SOF3),
5. Incident Commander Type 3 (ICT3),
6. Planning Section Chief Type 3 (PSC3),
7. Operations Section Chief Type 3 (OSC3),
8. Logistics Section Chief Type 3 (LSC3), or
9. Expanded Dispatch Supervisor (EDSP)
For NWCG Incident Qualification Card certification information see: National Incident Management System (NIMS): Wildland Fire Qualification System Guide (PMS 310-1).
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.
Starting SalariesAnchorage and Palmer - $2568.75Fairbanks - $2646.00 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.
At the time of application, the applicant must attach as individual documents the following items (If unable to attach documents, please fax or email the contact listed below):
- Cover letter - see instructions below.
- NWCG Incident Qualification (Red) Card.
If selected for an interview, the applicant must provide the following:
- A list of three professional references with current contact information, with at least one being a current or former supervisor.
- A copy of any documents necessary to show proof of meeting this position's minimum qualifications. This includes a copy of your college transcripts if you are using education to meet the position's minimum qualifications.
- A valid driver's license.
SPECIAL NOTICES- This position requires travel in and out of state approximately 3-4 times a year.
- May work or need to be available during evenings and/or weekends, depending on the need during fire season. Fire-related assignments of 14 to 21 days are the norm for individuals with Red Card qualifications.
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.
Cover LetterA cover letter is required for this position. It should be two to three paragraphs (no longer than one page) and address your knowledge and experience related to the desired position-specific competencies listed above. Your cover letter will be used to determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment.
Please attach the cover letter to your application before submitting it online. If you cannot attach it, email it to the contact number below.
Supplemental QuestionsThis recruitment utilizes a supplemental questionnaire as part of the application process. The questions may be a mix of yes/no, multiple-choice, and select-all-that-apply. Your complete application, including supplemental questions, will help determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment and selection process.
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. Multiple LocationsThis position is being recruited in Anchorage, Palmer, and Fairbanks; the final location depends on the location of the most qualified candidate. There is only ONE position to be filled.
Driver's License RequirementApplicants must possess a valid driver's license. Proof of licensure will be required prior to reporting to duty.
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:Name: Sarah SaarloosTitle: Forester 4Email: sarah.saarloos@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
01
How many years of experience do you have working in wildland fire?
- 0 years
- 1 - 2 years
- 3 - 4 years
- 5+ years
02
How many years of experience do you have working with interagency working groups dealing with wildland fire?
- 0 years
- 1 - 2 years
- 3 - 4 years
- 5+ years
03
Do you have a valid driver's license?
04
I understand that the education and/or experience being used to meet the minimum qualifications for this position must be adequately documented in this application to be considered. Attaching a resume is not an alternative to completing the application in full. Failure to submit a complete application may lead to a determination that your application is incomplete and your removal from consideration for this job opening.
- I acknowledge that I understand this requirement.
Required Question
