Wildland Fire & Resource Technician 4 – TRAINING LEAD Government Job Dept-Natural Resources Full Time

What You Will Be Doing
The Division of Forestry and Fire Protection is looking for a highly motivated, competent, professional, and hard-working individual to lead and implement the training program for the Valdez/Copper River Area.  This position is a 10-month seasonal position (WFRT IV) and is supervised by the Valdez/Copper River Area Fire Management Officer. Under general direction, this position is responsible for implementing an Area level training program.
 
 
Mission and Culture
The Department of Natural Resources’ mission is to develop, conserve and maximize the use of Alaska’s natural resources consistent with the public interest. Alaska Division of Forestry’s mission is one in the same albeit with specific direction to enhance Alaska’s forests to provide sustainable supply of forest resources for Alaskans. The State is bound by statute to provide protection from wildland fire and other destructive agents, commensurate with the values at risk, on forested land that is owned privately, by the state, or by a municipality. Inherently, by the very nature and definition of wildland fire itself, it falls to the DNR’s Division of Forestry and Fire Protection to provide the expertise for responsible management of fire’s role on the landscape and the public’s protection from its destructive potential. Through the implementation of its Wildland Fire and Aviation program including the employment of Wildland Fire and Resource Technicians (WFRT’s), the Division supplies a dedicated force of emergency responders, incident commanders and aviation assets to serve Alaskans before, after, and most importantly, during the occurrence of wildland fire. WFRT’s are the body—the operational implements—of the program. As permanent-seasonal firefighters the WFRT’s primarily comprise crew personnel, staff engines and helicopters, provide training to emergency-hire firefighters, interface with cooperators, serve as prevention officers, and provide project labor and leadership. A WFRT is a multi-disciplined, adaptable and independent problem-solver despite rank, tier or time in service. With safety held in the highest regard, the measure of success for a technician is level of contribution to their team’s effectiveness and efficiency.
 
 
Core Responsibilities 
The key responsibilities and duties of the position include:

• Work with staff on individual training plans and, with direction, assign training.
• Command fire suppression operations as an Incident Commander.
• Direct lower level Technicians (WFRT I/II/II) in readiness, including engines and helitack
• Assist and lead in instruction training.

 
Benefits of Joining Our Team
The WFRT 4 is a permanent career-seasonal position. As a permanent career-seasonal employee, your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.  You will have access to a competitive benefits package that includes health insurance, retirement, and vacation benefits. 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
The Valdez / Copper River River Area maintains its base of operations in a relatively central location of the protection area. At mile post 110 on the Richardson Highway, just south of the Tazlina River near its confluence with the Copper, the campus is found on a timbered gravel bench bearing evidence of both geologic and archeological interest. Across the Copper River, Wrangell St. Elias National park cannot be ignored with the massive peaks of Sanford, Drum, Wrangell, and Blackburn dominating the eastern skyline. Approximately six miles to the north is Glennallen, the Area’s commercial center with schools, grocery stores, banks, fuel, various government offices, and other services. The VCRA initial attack base includes a dispatch and administration building, a separate operations and training office, and a combined maintenance shop/supply cache. A half-acre is used as an intermittent helibase. The core staff includes eight WFRTs, one dispatcher, an Administrative Assistant, and a Fire Management Officer. Additional personnel may be hired in non-permanent and/or emergency (EFF) capacities as determined by budgetary allowances, weather indices and the area staffing and action guide. Although every permanent staff member has a detailed position description with clearly stated duties and responsibilities, challenging each other to do more with less is a requirement and contributes much to the cohesiveness and effectiveness of this small team. Beyond the base, the work environment is vast, with spruce and tundra stretching as far as the eye can see in some places, and several hours of highway driving is required to cross the protection zone from one end to another. The majority of values at risk are found within the highway corridors and are designated as critical or full suppression priorities. Large tracts of white and black spruce are almost always found abutting property receiving the critical and full classifications. Local weather patterns are unique and directly related to the Copper River Basin’s proximity to the Gulf of Alaska and surround of high mountainous terrain. It is not uncommon to experience opposite conditions of adjacent protection areas. 
 
 
We are looking for a candidate that possesses the following position-specific competencies.

• Working knowledge and access to IQS
• Knowledge to organize training plans for employees.
• Considerable knowledge of wildland firefighting tactics and leadership skills
• Skill in communicating clearly and concisely under stressful situate ions
• Ability to work effectively with other employees, agencies, and supervisors under stressful situations
• Ability and willingness to work 16-hour shifts for up to 21 days in remote areas of the State outside duty station.

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.

 
DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES ONLY
Only permanent State employees currently working in, or laid off from, the classified service of the recruiting department may apply.
 
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:

• Red Card or IQS Master Record
• Copy of last two performance evaluations or letter of recommendation from a former supervisor
• Driver’s License

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 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. 
• Position may require travel both in and out-of-state for fire suppression assignments; must be on standby or recall status during fire season; must be available for assignments in and out-of-area that requires absence from the duty station for 14 to 21 days; must fly in small fixed wing aircraft or helicopters; and required to handle hazardous materials. Overnight travel may be required and extended outdoor fieldwork may be necessary to perform the duties of this position. 
• This position requires the use or possession a firearm or ammunition. In accordance with the federal Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997 (PL104-208), if you have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, you may not hold this position.

 
Application Notice
You can ONLY apply for this position through the Workplace Alaska website or via 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.
 
 
Supplemental Questions
This recruitment utilizes a supplemental questionnaire as part of the application process. These questions may be a mix of written, 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. The answers 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 in the Education section of the application. If you have not obtained a degree, please indicate the number of 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 whether 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 in its entirety. 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 [email protected].
 
For applicant password assistance, please visit the reset password page.
 
For specific information about this position, please contact the hiring manager at the following: