Wildland Fire & Resource Technician 5 - Assistant Fire Management Officer (PCN 10-9506)

Job Description

This position serves as the Assistant Fire Management Officer for the Fairbanks office of the AK Division of Forestry & Fire Protection. The incumbent will manage the local fire program and ensure safe, efficient, and effective fire prevention, fire preparedness, and fire suppression in accordance with Alaska statutes and the Alaska Interagency Wildland Fire Management Plan.

• Daily, the incumbent will:
• Ensure that initial attack resources are trained and ready to respond to new incidents.
• Direct initial attack response.
• Serve as safety officer and duty officer for the local area.

Mission and Values/Culture

The Division of Forestry and Fire Protection's mission is to protect the lives and property of Alaskans from wildfires and to manage Alaska's forest resources for maximum sustainable yield. Fairbanks Area Forestry's fire suppression responsibilities encompass approximately 9 million acres in the central interior of Alaska, including the Fairbanks North Star and Denali Boroughs. In many locations, FAF is the primary and sometimes only fire department response to wildfires.

Fairbanks Area's core structure is comprised of highly motivated firefighters who excel under adverse conditions, possess a strong, can-do work ethic, emphasize personal and professional integrity through continuous improvement, and are committed to building a team-focused wildland firefighter community.

Wildland Fire and Resource Technicians are on the front lines, ensuring Alaska meets its objectives of providing safe, competent, and community-focused wildfire protection and sustainable forest management for Alaska's diverse user groups.

Benefits of Joining Our Team

Selected candidates will be part of a high-performing and community-oriented organization that provides firefighting response to wildfires threatening Alaska's residents, communities, and infrastructure. Individuals who are safety-minded, team-oriented, and thrive in a learning environment will have ample opportunities for upward mobility and training.

This position is especially attractive to those who enjoy working outdoors, traveling across Alaska and the Lower-48, are interested in a dynamic, challenging first-responder career path, and are committed to public service.

The Working Environment

Fairbanks Area Forestry resides along the banks of the Chena River in downtown Fairbanks, Alaska. FAF's fire suppression organization is comprised of Type-6 & 7 engines, Helitack, Prevention, the White Mountain Type-2IA hand crew, EFF Type-2 hand crews, and dozer operations. Personnel staff engines, helicopters, and hand crews on a daily basis and are ready to respond to wildfires not only within FAF's protection area, but across Alaska.

When not on fires, fire staff are regularly engaged in training and fuels mitigation projects that enhance strategic and tactical fire suppression options and strengthen community wildland fire protection.

Minimum Qualifications

• Red Card qualification under the National Incident Qualification System (see required job qualifications special note).
• Either:
• Twelve months of advanced level wildland fire fighting experience in the fire management program. This required experience includes work as a Wildland Fire and Resource Technician 4 with the State of Alaska or the equivalent with another employer.
• Twenty-four months of journey level experience in the fire program in fire suppression or in a support capacity. This required experience includes work as a Wildland Fire and Resource Technician 3 with the State of Alaska or the equivalent with another employer.
• Twenty-four months of journey level logistics dispatch experience. This required experience includes such work as Wildland Fire Dispatcher 2 with the State of Alaska or the equivalent with another employer.

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 in the recruitment bulletin.
• For positions assigned work in the field, 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' 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.