Wildland Fire & Resource Technician - White Mountain Lead Crew Member; PCN -9841 & 42

What You Will Be Doing:

• Lead crew member on a 20‑person hand crew (Type 2 Initial Attack) focusing on wildland fire suppression, chainsaw operations, water pump operations, burnout, backfiring, line digging, and equipment safety.
• While assigned to fuel reduction, responsible for pile burning, felling hazardous trees, and guiding lower‑level technicians.
• Maintain readiness and availability throughout the fire season; provide direction and supervision to less experienced firefighters when needed.

Using the Division of Forestry Mission to develop, conserve, and enhance Alaska’s forests, the White Mountain Crew protects wilderness, homes, and businesses from wildfires while fostering a cohesive crew through hands‑on training and growth opportunities.

Opportunities to broaden experience across Alaska and the Lower 48, training and career advancement support, and a highly motivated firefighter community.

Based in Fairbanks, AK, the role requires travel within Alaska and other states, remote living, shifts up to 16 hours a day, assignments of 14 to 21 days, and work across all terrain and weather conditions.

• Fire Management – knowledge of fire behavior, ecology, prescribed fire strategies, detection, prevention, and suppression.
• Incident Management – tactics, technologies, principles, and processes for incident protection and prioritization.
• Risk Management – skills for risk assessment, failure analysis, and mitigation.
• Public Safety and Security – awareness of military, weaponry, intelligence operations, occupational health and safety, and inspection techniques.
• Vulnerability Assessment – methods for assessing and recommending mitigation countermeasures.

Salary: $26.46 per hour.

Required:

Six months of trainee or entry‑level wildland fire or forestry experience, Red Card qualification under the National Incident Qualification System. Coursework from an accredited college or vocational‑technical school may substitute for the field experience as detailed; no substitution for the Red Card.

Salary: $29.90 per hour.

Required:

Twelve months of firefighting or forestry experience, at least six months at the developmental level, Red Card qualification. Coursework may substitute for six months of general experience; no substitution for developmental experience or the Red Card.

Applicants must be at least eighteen years of age. Most positions require National Incident Qualification System certifications. Specialty areas include fire operations, wildfire prevention, and aviation support. Applicants must pass the Work Capacity Test at the “Arduous” level and possess an Alaska driver’s license (or be eligible to obtain one).

• Current Red Card or IQS Master Training Record (attached at application).
• College transcripts if substituting education for experience.
• Driver’s license and, if applicable, passport at interview.
• Two to three professional references with contact details.
• Unshared fire qualification documentation at interview.

Position is under review as part of the Forest and Fire Management job class study; title and pay may change upon completion.

Apply only through the Workplace Alaska website or by paper application. Your application must be received by 5:00 p.m. Alaska Standard Time on the closing date.

If your application contains supplemental questions, you must rate your proficiency level (Mastery, Fluency, Literacy, Discovery) for each competency listed.

Post‑secondary education required for minimum qualifications must be presented in the application, including transcripts. Foreign education must be evaluated by an accredited organization or a U.S. institution and demonstrated as equivalent. Work experience details (employer, title, dates, full/part‑time) must be provided. A resume alone does not substitute for completing the application.

If you are a current state employee, indicate your union affiliation  not complete if not a current state employee.

This position requires use or possession of a firearm. Conviction of a misdemeanor domestic‑violence crime disqualifies you.

The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations may contact 1‑800‑587‑0430 or (907)‑465‑4095. The State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer.

Madeline Handley – Crew Boss/Superintendent
Phone: 907‑687‑9253
Email: madeline.handley