Wildland Fire & Resource Technician 4 / Fuels Lead (Pcn 10-9877)

The Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry & Fire Protection, is seeking a highly motivated individual for the position of Wildland Fire & Resource Technician 4 (Fuels Lead) in Palmer, Alaska. The fuels lead duties include the initial attack of wildland and urban-interface fires, including helitack operations, engine operations, and Area Type 2 hand crews. Under the direction of the Mat-Su Area Assistant Fire Management Officer, the Fuels Lead will also provide front-line supervision for fuels reduction personnel and is responsible for oversight of the areas hazardous fuels reduction projects.

This position will direct lower-level technicians and crew members in wildland fire suppression actions with an emphasis on wildland fire fuels reduction projects as well as fire engine operations, water pump use, fire line construction, and safe operations while working around firefighting aircraft and heavy equipment.  This position will lead fuels reduction projects which include prescribed fire, brush removal, pile burning, hazard tree falling, and project tracking and layout.  Other duties may include training, administrative functions, and directing arduous work.

Mission and Culture

The Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection Mat-Su area proudly serves Alaskans through wildland fire suppression, management, and control. The Mat-Su Area is a high-reliability organization providing fire protection and management for 14.7 million acres. Our protection area's mission includes the unique combination of a challenging urban interface environment, encompassing the Municipality Anchorage and the Matanuska Susitna Borough.

Duty, Respect, and Integrity are team core values, and our top priority remains the protection of life, property, and the safety of the public and firefighters. 

The Fuels Lead is an integral position with responsibilities related to wildland fire hazard fuels reduction operations. The most important responsibility is for the firefighters in their command.

The Fuels Lead provides direct supervision for the Area's fuels projects and crews and, as such, serves as a mentor and trainer. The Fuels Lead has a direct impact on the efficiency, discipline, morale, and safety of all the firefighters in their command.

Individuals must be willing and capable of leading firefighters, working extended shifts, and performing strenuous outdoor work safely and productively.

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual to join the men and women who serve to protect millions of acres of our forests, our communities, and our natural resources.

This position provides great opportunities for training, travel, and career advancement.

Health, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance benefits are provided.

Core Responsibilities

• Under direction from the AFMO, the Fuels Lead provides direction, coordination, leadership, and evaluation of the Mat-Su Area Fuels Program to include but not limited to field layout of fuels projects, tracking man hours, acres treated, and equipment needs; budget management, project reporting, collecting, processing, and analyzing fuel sample data; and assisting with remote automated weather station maintenance (RAWS). The fuels lead may lead or participate in prescribed fire activities depending on experience. As required, plan and oversee procurement of goods and services to accomplish fuels management goals and objectives.

• Directly supervises Wildland Fire and Resource Technician 3s (WFRT 3s), responsible for the initial attack of wildland and urban-interface fires, including helitack operations, engine operations, and Area Type 2 hand crews.

• Based on critical incident needs, emergency firefighters may be supervised to support preparedness and suppression operations during periods of high fire danger. You will be required to act decisively, identifying response needs in a dynamic fluid fire environment. Provides daily fire readiness of assigned fire apparatus.

• Serve as an Engine Boss and Initial Attack Incident Commander. May serve as an Area Duty Officer or Area AFMO when delegated those responsibilities.

Benefits of Joining Our Team

We provide extensive training and opportunities to travel and advance your career in fire protection. It is our goal to maintain a culture in the Mat-Su Area that promotes learning, teamwork, open communication, and a high-trust work environment. Although this job can be arduous, it does have many rewards, including the opportunity to work in some of the most beautiful places in the country and create friendships that last a lifetime.

The Working Environment You Can Expect

We provide extensive training and opportunities to travel and advance your career in fire protection. It is our goal to maintain a culture in the Mat-Su Area that promotes learning, teamwork, open communication, and a high-trust work environment. Although this job can be arduous, it does have many rewards, including the opportunity to work in some of the most beautiful places in the country and create friendships that last a lifetime.

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

• Strong background in wildland fire suppression and hazardous fuels reduction.

• Familiar with the use of hand and mechanical treatments to create fuel breaks around the Wildland Urban Interface areas.

• Strong understanding of Firewise principles around wildland fire-prone areas.

• Knowledge of prescribed fire at any level.

• Knowledge of computer applications and software for a variety of fuels management uses.

• Strong leadership and communication skills and the ability to determine work priorities, allocate work, prepare and present reports, train and/or supervise, and evaluate the work of subordinate fire staff.

A work capacity test or "pack test" that measures candidates' physical fitness is administered as part of the selection process. Candidates are required to pass at the "arduous" level for a fire position.

• NWCG Qualified as Engine Boss or Crew Boss
• NWCG Qualified as Incident Commander Type 4
• Ability and willingness to obtain qualification as a Taskforce Leader

Twelve months of wildland fire fighting or forestry field experience at the journey level. The required journey level experience is met by service as a Wildland Fire and Resource Technician 3 with the State of Alaska or the equivalent with another employer.

And

Red Card qualification under the National Incident Qualification System (see required job qualifications special note).

Substitution:

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 3 semester hours or 4 quarter hours equal one month of work experience. Transcripts or a letter from a vocational technical school must indicate a college credit equivalency for the completed coursework. For example, at Alaska Vocational Technical Center: Forest Ecology = 3 semester credits; Forest Regeneration = 2 semester credits; Timber Harvesting and Sale Administration = 4 semester credits; and Wildland Fire Management = 3 semester credits.)

There is no substitution for the National Incident Qualification System (Red Card) qualifications.

Special Note:

Applicants must be at least eighteen years of age.

Most positions require National Incident Qualification System certifications. Because there are different specialty areas in this field, recruitment and selection will be made from among those candidates who meet the experience and the basic National Incident Qualification System training requirements specifically listed within the recruitment bulletin. The specialty areas are within one of the following functions: fire operations, wildland fire prevention, and aviation support.

Applicant must be able to pass the Work Capacity Test at the "Arduous" level as defined in Federal Publication PMS 307, Work Capacity Test Administrator' Guide. This test requires that the applicant complete a 3-mile hike carrying a 45-pound pack over level terrain in 45 minutes or less.

Applicant must possess an Alaska driver's license. An individual without an Alaska driver's license, who meets the minimum age and experience requirements, may apply for the vacancy.

An applicant qualifying under this option may receive a job offer conditional upon acquisition of an Alaska driver's license. Proof of licensure will be required prior to reporting to duty.

Positions may require travel both in and out-of-state for fire suppression assignments; stand-by or recall status during the fire season; must be available for assignments in and out of the area that requires the absence from the duty station for 14 to 21 days; flying in small fixed wing aircraft or helicopters, and handling hazardous materials.

Some positions may require a commercial driver's license with appropriate endorsements.

NOTE: PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY

THIS RECRUITMENT IS FOR ALASKA RESIDENTS ONLY

This 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):

• Resume.

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

• A list of two (2) professional references with current contact information, with at least one (1) being a current or former supervisor.
• A copy of any forestry and/or fire-related training certificates or IQS Master record and current Incident Qualifications Card.
• A copy of your two (2) most recent performance evaluations or a letter of reference if evaluations are not available.

SPECIAL NOTICES

• Applicants must be able to pass the Work Capacity Test at the "Arduous" level as defined in Federal Publication PMS 307, Work Capacity Test Administrator's Guide. This test consists of the applicant's successful completion of a 3-mile hike carrying a 45-pound pack over level terrain in 45 minutes or less.

• The position may require travel both in and out-of-state for fire suppression assignments; must be on standby or recall status during the fire season; must be available for assignments in and out of the area that require the absence from the duty station for 14 to 21 days; must fly in small, fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters; and handling hazardous materials. Overnight travel may be required, and extended outdoor fieldwork may be necessary to perform the duties of this position.

Application Notice

You 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.

Supplemental Questions

This recruitment utilizes a supplemental questionnaire as part of the application process. These questions may be a mix of written, yes/no, multiple-choice, and select-all-that-apply questions.

The answers you provide to the questions will allow you to tell us about your experience and/or education. Responses will be used to determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment and selection process; please be as thorough and accurate as you can.

A cover letter is NOT required for this position. Your complete application, including supplemental questions, will be used to determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment and selection process.

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.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:

Name: Jered Kemp

Title: Assistant Fire Management Officer

Phone: 907-707-9601

Fax: 907-761-6319

Email: jered.kemp@alaska.gov