Salary: $25.88 - $29.73 Hourly
Location : Homer, AK
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 48005
Department: Natural Resources
Division: Forestry & Fire Protection
Opening Date: 11/01/2024
Closing Date: 12/2/2024 5:00 PM Alaska
Position Open To: All Applicants
Bargaining Unit: General Government
Range: 14/16
Job DescriptionClick here to learn more about working for the Division of Forestry & Fire Protection.The State of Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection seeks a professional forester to join our team, which is focused on providing technical forestry assistance to private forest landowners in the forests of Alaska. The Forest Stewardship Program works with non-industrial private forest landowners to ensure they have information to meet their forest management goals and have access to federal cost-share programs for forest management practices; provides professional forest management advice through written Forest Stewardship Plans; and provides information on emerging opportunities in forest management.
Under direction, this position delivers professional forest management assistance to non-industrial private forest landowners in Alaska in accordance with Federal Forest Stewardship Program National Standards and Guidelines while meeting Alaska State Forest Action Plan goals and objectives. The position conducts outreach to promulgate the Forest Stewardship Program to members of the public; conducts field assessments upon request for forest landowners to determine forest stand composition, stand density, timber volume, regeneration status, wildlife habitat, riparian zones, recreation opportunities, and aesthetic values; writes Forest Stewardship Plans describing the current and desired future conditions of each forest stand on a property along with 10-year management plan activities needed to reach those goals; and conducts special projects such as applying for or managing grant projects related to private forest management.
Mission and CultureThe mission of the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection is to protect the lives and property of Alaskans from wildfire and manage Alaska's forests to provide a sustainable supply of forest resources. We are leaders in forest management, forest practices, wildland fire management, and Cooperative Forestry programs across the state. Our influence crosses ownership boundaries through the leadership of all-risk incident management teams, the management of federal timber resources under the Good Neighbor Authority, and up-to-date best management practices that apply to all commercial forests. Our Cooperative Forestry programs include the Forest Stewardship Program, which is the primary source of technical forestry assistance for Alaskan forest landowners; the Community Forestry Program, which helps communities enhance the benefits of city trees and greenspaces through effective management; and the Forest Health Program, which is the primary source of forest health expertise and assistance in the state.
Benefits of Joining Our TeamThe work provides exposure to Alaska's unique physical and cultural environment. Alaska has abundant forest resources. Public lands are mixed with small private ownerships and large Alaska Native corporation ownerships. Forest management is primarily driven by small-scale timber harvesting for local small sawmills, with firewood harvesting also playing a role in commercial forest management. Wildfire risk mitigation through fuel breaks on Alaska Native corporation land, coupled with thinning, pruning, and reforestation for individual private landowners, are key aspects of the forest management recommendations made through the Forest Stewardship Program. Working in this position and environment will provide many opportunities to adapt lessons learned elsewhere and to develop new approaches in contemporary forest management and landowner assistance. Staffing in the organization is lean, providing an opportunity for broad exposure to our variety of missions; there are options for long-term growth and advancement in both the forest resources and fire programs. Career-long training and innovation are building blocks of our culture.
The Working Environment You Can ExpectThis recruitment is for the position based in the Homer office, which has a seasonally active fire staff located in the same work location. The amount of office time varies seasonally, with the summer field season driving most of the demand for field work and associated office time spent in the colder months developing Forest Stewardship Plans. The balance of office to field work is approximately 60% office / 40% field over the span of the year. Most of the fieldwork is located within nearby communities that will not require overnight travel, with rare exceptions. Travel accommodations are typically in hotels or lodges with occasional remote camps or camping. Most overnight accommodations are in small communities.
To be successful in this position, a candidate will need the following core competencies:- Ability to identify issues, develop solutions, be a self-starter, and be accountable.
- Experience and competency with basic forestry field work and developing forest management prescriptions based on the landowner's objectives.
- Knowledge and experience with timber cruising.
- Proficient skills in written and oral communication and GIS software
Click here to learn more about working for the Division of Forestry & Fire Protection.Minimum Qualifications Forester 1- starting salary $25.88Bachelor'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 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 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:
- Single Resource (CRWB, HEQB, HEMG, ENGB, FELB), or
- Field Observer (FOBS)
For NWCG Incident Qualification Card certification information, see: National Incident Management System (NIMS).
Forester 2- starting salary $29.73Bachelor'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 Either
One year of professional entry-level forestry experience. The required experience is met by service as Forester 1 with the State of Alaska, or the equivalent with another employer.
Or
Three years of journey-level technical experience in fire or forest resources management. This 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.
Substitutions:A master'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 will substitute for the entry-level experience.
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. This experience includes work such as Wildland Fire and Resource Technician 3, Wildland Forestry Technician 2, 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:
- Any Strike Team Leader Positions (STCR, STEQ, STEN),
- Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4),
- Any Unit Leader Position (TIME, PROC, COMP, GSUL, SPUL, PETL, INVL),
- Any Manager Position (EQPM, HMGB, SENG, HEB2, ATBM), or
- Aviation Position (ASGS, ATGS)
For NWCG Incident Qualification Card certification information see: National Incident Management System (NIMS): Wildland Fire Qualification System Guide (PMS 310-1) or the NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations (PMS 508).
Additional Required Information**NOTE: PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY** 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.
- Resume.
- Academic transcripts.
If selected for an interview, the applicant must provide the following:
- A copy of your two most current evaluations, or two letters of recommendation from former supervisors
- Contact information (phone/email) for three professional references, one of which must be a current or former supervisor
- Valid driver's license
SPECIAL NOTICES- A valid driver's license is required.
- Access to firearms and ammunition may be required while working in the field for protection from wildlife.
- This position requires occasional travel.
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 "" page. Your application must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. Alaska Standard Time on the closing date.
Cover LetterA professionally written cover letter is required for this position. The cover letter should detail your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience as they pertain to the position-specific competencies listed in the job posting. If you do not possess a particular position-specific competency, you must identify that in the letter. Your cover letter will be used as a writing sample and will help determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment and selection process.
Please attach the cover letter to your application before submitting it online ; if you cannot attach it, fax or email it to the contact number below.
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. Flexible Staffing This position is flexibly staffed. The level of the job offer will be based on the selected candidate's eligibility. If hired at the lower level, you will be promoted to the higher-level job class after completing the training plan and meeting the minimum qualifications.
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 Information Workplace 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:Nate WilsonPhone: 907.269.0086
Email: nate.wilson@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
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A cover letter is required to complete your application for this position; failure to provide may result in your not being eligible for an interview. Have you attached a cover letter that follows the directions listed in the job announcement?
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Do you have a valid driver's license?
03
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