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Natural Resource Technician 3 - FIA Crew Leader- Permanent Seasonal (PCN 10-9849)

State of Alaska
Temporary
On-site
Fairbanks, Alaska, United States
$26.66 - $26.66 USD hourly


Job Description



Click here to learn more about working for the Division of Forestry & Fire Protection.
 
What You Will Be Doing
The Division of Forestry and Fire Protection is recruiting for a permanent-seasonal Natural Resource Technician 3 position.  This is a Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Crew Leader position.  This position is an integral part of a team comprised of state and federal professionals to execute a large interagency forest inventory program across interior Alaska. The Interior Alaska Forest Inventory and Analysis program (FIA) covers the largest area of any FIA program in the country and affords the opportunity to work, monitor, and access some of the most remote areas in Alaska.
 
Mission and Culture
The mission of the Division of Forestry and Fire Protection is to develop, conserve, and enhance Alaska's forests to provide a sustainable supply of forest resources for Alaskans. We are leaders in wildland fire management, forest management, forest practices, and cooperative forestry programs across the state. Our influence crosses ownership boundaries through leadership of all-risk incident management teams, management of federal timber resources under the Good Neighbor Authority, inventory of statewide timber resources, and up-to-date best management practices that apply to all commercial forests.

FIA Crew Members will have the opportunity to contribute to this mission by working in cooperation with the US Forest Service to collect data on a standardized national protocol to inventory and establish permanent research plots throughout our State.
 
Core Responsibilities 
Most duties will be devoted to data collection operations for the Forest Inventory and Analysis program, and significant time will be spent in the field away from the Duty Station.  
 
The incumbent will direct field crews of 2-4 people in remote regions of interior Alaska to collect forestry, botanical, and geographic measurements according to standardized protocol and field procedures. Obtain data on tree growth and mortality, forest type, stand size and stand age, anthropogenic treatments and/or natural disturbances, insects and disease, soil attributes, and understory vegetation composition. The crew leader will actively monitor the quality of data collected by crew members. Interprets field manual when assessing complex or unusual situations or making plot-level qualitative decisions. Uses botanical keys to identify plants encountered and directs the collection and preservation of specimens. Utilizes and troubleshoots personal data recorders for recordkeeping. Uploads and edits field data and writes accurate plot summaries. Duties also include daily documentation, downloading, and archiving data.
 
Knowledge of the basic principles of biological science to assess readings and measurements taken, tests executed, observations made, work completed, samples collected, etc., to understand and relate the significance of the results to the higher objectives to which the field sampling activity is related. Understanding of the scientific method, including replicability of results, standardization of collection methods, and non-biased sampling.
 
Navigate through sometimes hazardous terrain, from wet, flooded terrain and thick black spruce to steep mountain slopes. Knowledge of field navigation principles is imperative, including off-trail traveling skills, GPS and compass navigation, and topographic map and aerial photo interpretation. Use field measurement tools, including using and caring for diameter tapes, laser hypsometers, clinometers, and compasses.
 
Crew leaders are expected to be leaders in safe aviation operations, implement crew resource management techniques, delegate tasks to crew members, and be responsible for the safe loading and unloading of gear and crew from helicopters in challenging Landing Zones while having excellent communication with the on-duty pilot and daily project coordinator.
 
Actively participate in the safety program, assisting in identifying hazards, wearing appropriate protective equipment, and following established protocols. Travels primarily by helicopter, and occasionally boat, ATV, and small aircraft as necessary to access field sites. Produce maps, statistics, and reports. Assists in scheduling fieldwork and office work to meet desired inventory unit plot production targets.  Assists with coordinating logistical support to and from field camp locations, including cleaning, organizing, maintaining, and storing field equipment.
 
Benefits of Joining Our Team
This position is an integral part of a team comprised of state and federal professionals executing a large interagency forest inventory program across interior Alaska. The Interior Alaska Forest Inventory and Analysis program (FIA) covers the largest area of any FIA program in the country and affords the opportunity to work, monitor, and access some of Alaska's most remote areas.  

This position offers an avenue to gain proficiency in aviation operations, backcountry navigation, and ecological field measurements. Training in wilderness medicine, as well as wildlife and firearms safety, is included.
 
The Working Environment You Can Expect
The position is based in Fairbanks, AK.  Fieldwork is conducted in extremely remote areas of Interior Alaska. Field conditions are often arduous, and days are extremely long. Hazards include rugged terrain, working around aviation transport, stream crossings, and bear encounters. Work may be performed in inclement weather (e.g., cold, rain, snow), on steep, slippery, and/or brushy slopes, and in the presence of biting insects. Significant amounts of off-trail hiking are required. Employees must carry a 45lb pack daily, with pack weights sometimes exceeding 60 lbs. if bivy and flight gear need to be carried. Excellent physical conditioning is an absolute must. Crews may travel in small aircraft, helicopters, boats, and ATVs, carry a firearm for bear protection, and live in cramped quarters with nearly continuous background noise (e.g., generators, engines).
 
We are looking for individuals with the following demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities:
  • Well-organized, delegate tasks efficiently, and problem-solve independently.
  • Alaska backcountry skills.
    • Navigation with map, compass, GPS
    • Carrying a 45lbs pack for hours a day
  • Supervisory experience leading field crews in backcountry settings.
  • Application of basic scientific principles to collect field data is a plus. 
  • Interagency aviation qualifications or previous work-related helicopter experience is a plus.
 
Click here to learn more about working for the Division of Forestry & Fire Protection.


Minimum Qualifications


One year of journey level technical experience in natural resource management equivalent to a Natural Resource Technician 2 with the State of Alaska.

OR
Any combination of journey level technical experience in natural resource management equivalent to a Natural Resource Technician 2 with the State of Alaska and college course work from an accredited institution totaling one year where 3 semester hours or 4 quarter hours is equivalent to one month of experience.


Additional Required Information


**NOTE: PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY**
 
If selected for an interview, the applicant must provide the following:
  • Valid driver’s license.
  • Two professional references with current contact information, one of which must be from a former or current supervisor.
  • Copy of any forestry, aviation, and/or fire-related training certificates.
SPECIAL NOTICES
  • This position requires frequent travel within the State for 7 – 14 days at a time.
  • This position requires the incumbent to carry and use firearms for wildlife protection.
  • This position requires excellent physical conditioning.
 
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.  
 
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.  
 
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.


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: Chris Ferguson      
Title: Forester 2 (FIA Assistant Coordinator)
Phone: 907-317-3663
Email: Chris.Ferguson@alaska.gov     



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