Job Description

Job Description

 

Click here to learn more about working for the Division of Forestry & Fire Protection.

 
What You Will Be Doing
The Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection’s (DOF) Northern Region is recruiting for a Forester 2/3/Resource Forester who will perform duties in support of the Forestry Branch as assigned by the Forester 4/Northern Region Forester and Deputy Director. As a new position, this is an opportunity for the right individual to build on their professional forestry experience while helping our communities to develop the Region’s timber markets. This position serves as a regional resource tasked with ensuring FRPA compliance and reporting as well as working with the DOF’s Area offices in Fairbanks, Delta Junction, Tok, and Glenallen.
 
Mission and Culture
The mission of the Division of Forestry & Fire Protection is to develop, conserve, and enhance Alaska's forests to provide a sustainable supply of forest resources for Alaskans. Serving Alaskans through responsible forest management and making sure that the Alaska Forest Resources and Practices Act (FRPA) is implemented and enforced. FRPA governs how timber harvesting, reforestation, and timber access occur on state, private, and municipal land.
 
Core Responsibilities 
We are seeking well-qualified individuals with professional-level experience in forest management. This position reports to the Northern Region Forester.

• Develop timber sale planning documents for all harvests and other DOF projects, involving agency and public reviews.
• Interpret soil, vegetation, and terrain features to determine timber-cutting strategies, reforestation, and road access to develop resources and timber management plans.
• Design and conduct field layouts of timber sale harvest units and associated forest access roads, develop basic survey and engineering information required and manage GIS data.
• Preparing and approving silvicultural prescriptions, timber sale appraisals and contract proposals, sale prospectuses, advertisements, and administering timber sale contracts.
• Maintaining a Red Card with the NWCG qualifications to perform such roles as Agency Representative or Resource Advisor to Wildland Fire.

 
Benefits of Joining Our Team
This is a great opportunity to advance your career in Forest Management in a dynamic, highly productive workplace while learning from current agency and industry professionals. You’ll take pride in your work, knowing that meeting the local demand for timber and firewood leads to more lucrative timber jobs and benefits the local economy. You will fill a critical role in our team in the Northern Region and have opportunities to develop as a leader.
 
The Working Environment You Can Expect
This position requires travel by small plane, helicopter, and boat to remote locations in Interior Alaska. The ability to work in adverse weather conditions is required. Fieldwork conditions are often arduous. Hazards that may be encountered include rugged terrain, aviation, and wildlife. Work may be performed in inclement weather (cold/rain/snow). The incumbent may be available for fire assignments and must be available to travel away from the duty location for extended periods. Must be able and willing to fly in small fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and small boats as necessary. Position 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 handle hazardous materials.
 
The knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies needed to be successful in this position include:

• Experience with interpreting and implementing the Alaska Forest Resource and Practices Act (FRPA) or similar regulations.
• Experience with timber sale unit design, layout and contract administration.
• Experience with timber cruising and working with a timber cruise program.
• Experience with road design, road engineering software and GIS programs.
• Proficient in written and oral communication, with the ability to effectively communicate with the public and other agency representatives under difficult circumstances.

 

Click here to learn more about working for the Division of Forestry & Fire Protection.

Minimum Qualifications

Forester 2 – starting salary $2296.50
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 year of professional entry-level forestry experience. The required experience is met by service as Forester 1 with the State of Alaska, or the equivalent with another employer.
Or
Three years of journey-level technical experience in fire or forest resources management. This 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.

 
Substitutions:
A master'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 will substitute for the entry-level experience.

 
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 2 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 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. This experience includes work such as Wildland Fire and Resource Technician 3, Wildland Forestry Technician 2, 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. Any Strike Team Leader Positions (STCR, STEQ, STEN),
2. Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4),
3. Any Unit Leader Position (TIME, PROC, COMP, GSUL, SPUL, PETL, INVL), 
4. Any Manager Position (EQPM, HMGB, SENG, HEB2, ATBM), or
5. Aviation Position (ASGS, ATGS)

For NWCG Incident Qualification Card certification information see: National Incident Management System (NIMS): Wildland Fire Qualification System Guide (PMS 310-1) or the NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations (PMS 508).

 
Forester 3 – starting salary $2646.00
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
One year 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.
 
Substitutions:
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 2 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 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. 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. Expanded Dispatcher Coordinator (CORD),
2. Fire Behavioral Analyst (FBAN),
3. Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS),
4. Safety Officer Type 3 (SOF3),
5. Incident Commander Type 3 (ICT3),
6. Planning Section Chief Type 3 (PSC3),
7. Operations Section Chief Type 3 (OSC3), 
8. Logistics Section Chief Type 3 (LSC3), or
9. Expanded Dispatch Supervisor (EDSP)

For NWCG Incident Qualification Card certification information see: National Incident Management System (NIMS): Wildland Fire Qualification System Guide (PMS 310-1).

 
Special Note (applicable to all levels):
Closely related curricula and work experience include fields such as geosciences, geography, natural resources, environmental sciences, soils, hydrology, wildlife habitat management, forest engineering, remote sensing, vegetation classification, natural resource biometrics, and wildland fire control.

 
One year of work experience equals 12 months of seasonal work.

Additional Required Information

**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):

• Transcripts.
• Two professional references.

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

• Cover letter – see instructions below.
• Copy of current red card.
• Valid driver’s license.

SPECIAL NOTICES

• Closely related curricula and work experience include 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.
• Ability to travel and work in remote locations with minimum contact is required.
• 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.
• Possession of a current "Red Card" at the Unit Leader or higher position is desirable but not required. 
• Ability to travel and work in remote locations with minimum contact is required.

 
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.

 
Cover Letter
A cover letter is required for this position at the time of the interview. The letter should highlight your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience related to the responsibilities listed in the job description above. 

 
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. 

 
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. 
 
Classification Review Notice
This Position Description is currently being reviewed by the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations, Classification Section. Depending on the outcome of the allocation, this recruitment pool may or may not be utilized to fill this vacancy. 

 
Flexible Staffing 
This position is flexibly staffed. The level of the job offer will be based on the selected candidate’s eligibility. If hired at the lower level, you will be promoted to the higher-level job class after completing the training plan and meeting the minimum qualifications.

 
Driver’s License Requirement
Applicants must possess 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 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:
 

Name:  Kevin Meany

Title:  Northern Region Forester

Phone: 907-451-2602

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 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 for additional information

 

Paid Leave & Other Benefits

• Personal leave with an accrual rate increase based on time served
• Twelve (12) paid holidays a year

01

Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

02

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

Job Tags

Remote job, Holiday work, Full time, Contract work, Temporary work, Part time, Work experience placement, Seasonal work, Local area, Flexible hours,

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