Wildland Fire And Resource Technician IV / Station Foreman (PCN 9667)

Department of Natural Resources
Division of Forestry
Division of Forestry is looking for motivated individuals to join our team of Wildland Fire and Resource Technicians. This permanent seasonal position is staffed 7-9 months annually to provide initial attack wildfire suppression for the State of Alaska with the possibility of fuels project work during the fall/winter months.
The Alaska Division of Forestry, Kenai-Kodiak Area, proudly serves Alaskans through wildland fire suppression, management, and control. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual to join the team that protects millions of acres of our forests, our communities, and our natural resources. Individuals must be willing and capable of acting responsibly, leading firefighters, and performing strenuous work safely and productively. The experience gained as a Wildland Fire Resources Tech can form the foundation for a successful career in forestry and other natural resource professions. Applicants must be willing and capable of performing strenuous outdoor work, typically in challenging and dynamic conditions.
Core Responsibilities:

• Alaska Divison of Forestry, Kenai-Kodiak Area is looking for a highly motivated, professional, and career oriented individual for a Station Foreman positon located in Homer, AK. In this position, you will:

• Directly supervise 3 Foresty Technician I/II/III´s and more personell based on fire danger at the Homer field office. Incumbent will assign individuals, including self, to engine and helitack rotation in Co-ordination with Operations Foreman and set schedules for these crews.

• Operate emergency vehicles including negotiating through traffic with red lights and siren; establish Unified Command, develop and implement strategy and tactics and account for safety of personnel.

• Identify and correct unsafe working conditions or problems; report unsafe working conditions problems and the corrective action taken to supervisor.

The WFRT IV is a permanent career-seasonal position. As a permanent 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 include many rewards, including the opportunity to work in some of the most beautiful places in the country and create lifetime friendships.

This position is based out of the Homer sub-station of the Kenai-Kodiak Area Office located at 2156 Kachemak Dr, Homer, Alaska. The Kenai Kodiak Area is comprised of 11+ million acres of Federal, Tribal, State, Borough, Municipal and private land that make up the Kenai Peninsula and the island of Kodiak.

Many of the duties performed in the job require considerable physical exertion, working outdoors in all terrain and weather conditions, working long hours, and working extended periods away from home. Duties include but are not limited to the ability to carry up to 45 pounds, run, bend, twist, walk and /or climb. A work capacity or “pack” test is required and must be passed at the Arduous level for fire fighter positions.
Desired knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) and Competencies
We are seeking an individual with the following desired knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) and Competencies:

• Decision Making: Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals.

• Integrity/Honesty: Contributes to maintaining the integrity of the organization; displays high standards of ethical conduct and understands the impact of violating these standards on an organization, self, and others; is trustworthy.

• Interpersonal Skills: Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations; is sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences.

• Stress Tolerance: Deals calmly and effectively with high stress situations (for example, tight deadlines, hostile individuals, emergency situations, dangerous situations).

• Technical Competence: Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues.
  

Special NoticeApplicants 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 stand-by or recall status during 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; 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.

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.

Red Card Qualified as IC4 and Strike Team Leader or Task Force Leader

Minimum Qualifications

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 III 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.

Additional Required Information

**NOTE: PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY**
At time of application, applicant must attach as separate documents (If unable to attach please fax or email the contact listed below):

• Professionally formatted cover letter – please see cover letter information above and below for more information on the cover letter; and
• Red Card Qualified IC4 and Strike Team Leader or Task Force Leader.

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

• Copy of Current or Most Recent Red Card (within last 4 years)
• A list of two (2) professional references with current contact information, one (1) of which must be from a former or current supervisor;
• A copy of any documents necessary to show proof of meeting this position’s minimum qualifications. This includes a copy of your college transcripts if you are using education to meet the position’s minimum qualifications; and
• A valid Driver’s License.

APPLICATION NOTICE
You can ONLY apply for this position through the Workplace Alaska website. If you accessed this recruitment bulletin through a job search portal such as ALEXsys or any other database, you MUST use a Workplace Alaska login to successfully apply. Your application must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. Alaska Standard Time on the date of closing. Instructions on how to apply with Workplace Alaska may be found on the Workplace Alaska "How to Apply" webpage, found here: http://doa.alaska.gov/dop/workplace/howtoapply/
COVER LETTER INFORMATIONIn addition to answering the supplemental question regarding how you meet the minimum qualifications for this position, a cover letter is required. The cover letter should highlight your knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies as they pertain to the responsibilities listed in the job description above. Please attach the cover letter to your application before submitting it online or, if unable to attach to your application, fax it to the contact number provided in the job posting. The 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.
EDUCATIONIf 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 interview.
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 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 name, your job title, dates of employment, and whether full-or part-time. Applications will be reviewed to determine if the responses are supported and minimum qualifications are clearly met. If they are not, the applicant may not advance to the interview and selection phase of the recruitment.
DRIVER’S LICENSE REQUIREMENTApplicants must possess a valid driver's license. An individual without a valid 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 a valid driver's license. Proof of licensure will be required prior to reporting to duty.
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 (907) 465-4095 in Juneau or TTY: Alaska Relay 711 or 1-800-770-8973 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.
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

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 located in the Juneau area. Requests for information may also be emailed to recruitment.services@alaska.gov.
For applicant password assistance please visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/OnlineApplication/User/ResetPassword
For specific information in reference to the position please contact the hiring manager at the following:
Name: Robert GreenTitle: Assistant Fire Management OfficerPhone: (907) 260-4212Email: Robert.green@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 http://doa.alaska.gov/drb/programs/index.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 http://doa.alaska.gov/drb/retirement/index.html for additional information
Paid Leave & Other Benefits

• Personal leave with an accrual rate increase based on time served
• Eleven paid holidays a year
• Gym discounts at participating fitness providers in multiple locations throughout the state.

See http://doa.alaska.gov/drb/ghlb/employee/health/gymListing.html for additional information