Job Description
Job Description
Click here to learn more about working for the Division of Forestry & Fire Protection.
What You Will Be Doing The State of Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection seeks a professional forester or arborist to manage the Division’s Community Forestry Program, which promotes community forest management and arboriculture practices to help communities create, maintain, and sustain healthy and safe community trees and forests that provide economic ecosystem services for Alaskans.
This position forms community forestry policy and long-range objectives that comply with federal and state guidelines and develops and implements a five-year strategy, annual budget, and work plan to provide technical, financial, and educational assistance to communities, agencies, organizations, and industry that will result in effective local programs to manage community forest resources.
Mission and Culture The mission of the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection is to protect the lives and property of Alaskans from wildfire and manage Alaska’s forests to provide a sustainable supply of forest resources. We are leaders in forest management, forest practices, wildland fire management, and Cooperative Forestry programs across the state. Our influence crosses ownership boundaries through the leadership of all-risk incident management teams, the management of federal timber resources under the Good Neighbor Authority, and up-to-date best management practices that apply to all commercial forests. Our Cooperative Forestry programs include the Community Forestry Program, which helps communities enhance the benefits of city trees and greenspaces through effective management; the Forest Stewardship Program, which is the primary source of technical forestry assistance for Alaskan forest landowners; and the Forest Health Program, which is the primary source of forest health expertise and assistance in the state.
Benefits of Joining Our Team The work provides exposure to Alaska’s unique physical and cultural environment. Alaska has abundant forest resources. Public lands are mixed with small private ownerships and large Alaska Native corporation ownerships. Communities throughout Alaska depend on the Community Forestry Program for information and resources to enhance canopy cover and ensure the health of urban forests. Ongoing Community Forestry projects include grants for streambank restoration, phytoremediation, green infrastructure, and invasive species removal projects throughout Alaska. Working in this position and environment will provide many opportunities to adapt lessons learned elsewhere and to develop new approaches in contemporary forest management and community assistance. Staffing in the organization is lean, providing an opportunity for broad exposure to our variety of missions; there are options for long-term growth and advancement in both the forest resources and fire programs. Career-long training and innovation are building blocks of our culture.
The Working Environment You Can Expect This position is located in vibrant downtown Anchorage on the 14th floor of the Atwood building at 550 7th Avenue. Life in Southcentral Alaska is an outdoor recreationist's dream. Situated adjacent to the Chugach Mountain range, abundant public lands offer trails, rivers, wildlife viewing, miles of skiing, running, and hiking trails, and plentiful fishing and hunting opportunities. Team sports are also an important part of the Anchorage community.
Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska and is home to two universities, as well as parks, museums, excellent schools, restaurants, and theaters.
The working environment and culture are friendly, flexible, and supportive, and we believe in a healthy work/life balance.
The knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies needed to be successful in this position include: - Knowledge of forestry or arboriculture concepts, techniques, and principles of long-range resource use planning, agency goals, and objectives.
- Knowledge of the interests and objectives of major decision-making bodies and public interest groups and their effect on the development and modification of forest resources.
- Working knowledge of fiscal planning and management.
- Ability to interpret statutes, regulations, and policies.
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, including making presentations.
Click here to learn more about working for the Division of Forestry & Fire Protection.
Minimum Qualifications
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:
Closely related curricula and work experience includes 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.
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.
Most positions require "Red Card" qualification under the Incident Command System.
Some positions may require a commercial driver's license with appropriate endorsements.
Additional Required Information
**NOTE: PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY**
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):
- Cover letter – see instructions below.
- Resume.
- Academic transcripts.
If selected for an interview , the applicant must provide the following:
- A copy of your two most current evaluations or two letters of recommendation from former supervisors
- Contact information (phone/email) for three professional references, one of which must be a current or former supervisor
- Valid driver’s license
SPECIAL NOTICES - A valid driver’s license is required.
- This position requires occasional travel.
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 professionally written cover letter is required for this position. The cover letter should detail your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience as they pertain to the position-specific competencies listed in the job posting. If you do not possess a particular position-specific competency, you must identify that in the letter. Your 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.
Please attach the cover letter to your application before submitting it online. If you are unable to attach it, fax or email it to the contact number provided below.
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. 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 [email protected].
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:
Trevor Dobell-Carlsson
Forester 4
Phone: 907-269-8667
Email: [email protected]
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
A cover letter is required to complete your application for this position; failure to provide may result in your not being eligible for an interview. Have you attached a cover letter that follows the directions listed in the job announcement?
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.
03
Do you have a valid driver's license?
* Required Question
Job Tags
Holiday work, Full time, Temporary work, Part time, Work experience placement, Seasonal work, Local area, Remote job, Outdoor, Flexible hours,