Forester 4 (Pcn 10-9503)

Job Description

What You Will Be Doing

The Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Fire Protection, is seeking a highly motivated person to fill the Fairbanks - Delta Area Forester Position. Under direct supervision of the Regional Forester, this position works diligently and, through subordinates, implements the Forest Resources and Practices Act (FRPA) and regulations within a complex geographic area to ensure the protection of fish habitat and water quality on state, municipal, trust and private land, and to ensure proper reforestation of harvested areas. On large incidents or during busy seasons, this position will serve as a jurisdictional Agency Administrator/Agency Representative on wildland fire incidents and is required to maintain a NWCG Red Card and meet the fitness requirements of a Work Capacity Test.

Mission and Culture

The mission of the Division of Forestry and Fire Protection is to develop, conserve, and enhance Alaska's forests to provide a sustainable supply of forest resources for Alaskans. The division serves Alaskans through sustainable forest management and ensures the implementation and enforcement of the Alaska Forest Resources and Practices Act (FRPA), which governs how timber harvesting, reforestation, and timber access occur on state, private, and municipal land.

Benefits of Joining Our Team

You will be part of a dynamic team overseeing a wide range of forestry operations, offering opportunities for advancement and professional development, as well as year-round full-time employment. This includes foresters, wildland firefighters and fire managers, heavy equipment operators, and GIS staff.

Based out of the Fairbanks Office, this position enjoys all the cultural benefits of a medium-sized university city surrounded by millions of acres of public land laced with rivers, lakes, trails, and mountains. Fairbanks is a hub for Interior Alaska, offering shopping, dining, and attractions. It boasts an international airport, is near outstanding parks and recreation areas, and, above all, has a friendly and casual community.

The Working Environment You Can Expect

This position will require a mix of both office and fieldwork. The DNR building is located at 3700 Airport Way. Field work may require travel by ATV, snowmachine, small plane, helicopter, and boat to remote locations in Interior Alaska. The ability to travel and work in adverse weather conditions is required. Fieldwork conditions are often arduous, and work tasks may be performed independently. Hazards that may be encountered include rugged terrain, aviation use, hazardous material handling, and bears. Work may be performed in inclement weather (cold, rain, snow) at all times of the year. Position may be authorized for fire assignments; must be available to travel away from the duty location for extended periods of time; and must be able and willing to fly in small fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and small boats as necessary. The position may require travel both in and out of state.

The knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies needed to be successful in this position include:

• Experience interpreting and implementing the Alaska Forest Resource and Practices Act (FRPA) or similar regulations.

• Experience coordinating with other agencies, public groups, and private individuals on timber sale planning, sale schedules, and forest management plans and resolving conflicts that may arise.

• Experience preparing, administering, or implementing a diverse budget across multiple programs.

• Experience supervising a diverse team, which could include experience levels from unpaid interns to professional foresters.

• Good oral and written communication skills; ability to organize and manage data and records; ability to prioritize multiple concurrent tasks.

• Ability to work flexible work schedules that may require long days.

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.

AND EITHER

One years of professional advanced level experience in forestry, natural resources, or a closely related field. The required experience includes work such as Forester 3 or Natural Resource Specialist 3 with the State of Alaska, or the equivalent with another employer.

OR

Three years 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.

Substitution:

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 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 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.Incident Commander Type 2 (ICT2),

2.Planning Section Chief Type 2 (PSC2),

3.Operations Section Chief Type 2 (OSC2), or

4.Logistics Section Chief Type 2 (LSC2)

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.

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

If selected for an interview, the applicant must provide the following:

• Copies of your last two performance evaluations are required. If you do not have two evaluations, two letters of recommendation from former supervisors will be accepted.
• A valid driver's license.
• NWCG Red Card

Application Notice

You can ONLY apply for this position through the Workplace Alaska website or a hardcopy application. If you accessed this recruitment bulletin through a job search portal, such as AlaskaJobs or any other database, you MUST use a Workplace Alaska online or hardcopy application to apply successfully. 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 Letter

A cover letter is required for this position. The letter should explain how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position and highlight your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience as they pertain to the responsibilities listed in the job description above. In addition, the following three questions should be addressed.

• Describe your experience engaging stakeholders, governmental agencies, and the public in relation to forest or natural resource management.

• Describe your experience working with a timber management program, including planning and scheduling.

• Describe your experience managing the work of others as a coach, guide, and/or mentor, working to develop the skills and abilities of subordinates.

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 are unable to attach it, fax or email it to the contact number provided below.

Education

If 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. Transcripts can be attached at the time of application or provided at the time of the interview.

Special Instructions for Foreign Education

Education 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 Experience

If 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 Unit

If 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 Requirement

Applicants must possess a valid driver's license. Proof of licensure will be required prior to reporting to duty.

Firearms

This 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 Statement

The 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 & Assistance

Questions 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 recruitment.services@alaska.gov.

For assistance with your password, please visit the reset password page.

For specific information about this position, please get in touch with the hiring manager at the following:

Kevin Meany

Northern Region Forester

Email: kevin.meany@alaska.gov

Careers with the State of Alaska offer MANY benefits

The 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 orientation video from Division of Retirement and Benefits. (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 https://drb.alaska.gov/help/plans.html 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 https://drb.alaska.gov/retiree/ for additional information

Paid Leave & Other Benefits

• Personal leave with an accrual rate increase based on time served

• Eleven paid holidays a year

01

Do you possess a valid driver's license?

• Yes

• No

02

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?

• Yes

• No

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

Agency State of Alaska

Address PO Box 110201

Juneau, Alaska, 99811

Phone (800) 587-0430 (Statewide toll-free number)

(907) 465-4095 (Juneau and out-of-state callers)

Website http://workplace.alaska.gov/