Job Details
Salary: $24.65 - $28.31 Hourly
Location : Ketchikan, AK
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 45195
Department: Natural Resources
Division: Forestry
Opening Date: 04/17/2024
Closing Date: 5/17/2024 5:00 PM Alaska
Division: Forestry and Fire Protection
Position Open To: All Applicants
Bargaining Unit: General Government
Range: 14/16
Job Description
This posting has been updated to include the following notice: Ketchikan based Foresters are eligible for $20,000/year housing and retention stipend distributed in equal installments by bi-weekly payroll, less mandatory deductions.
The State of Alaska seeks a professional forester to join our team focused on Alaska's forest management responsibilities in the temperate rain forest of Southeast Alaska; the organization functions in the dynamic and diverse geographic setting of Alaska and the many opportunities it offers. A forester in the position can expect to be involved in a variety of projects. The work requires a robust presence in the field that the incumbent supports with similar time in the office. The Division seeks individuals interested in growth or advancement in our organization.
Mission and Culture
The mission of the Division of Forestry is to develop, conserve, and enhance Alaska's forests to provide a sustainable supply of forest resources for Alaskans. We are leaders in forest management, forest practices, wildland fire management, 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, and up-to-date best management practices that apply to all commercial forests.
Core Responsibilities
This position prepares commercial timber sales and is instrumental in planning and implementing sale layout, timber cruising, and sale administration. The position works alone and in small teams in remote and rural forests. As part of the sale administration, the forester is expected to document in a professional manner, provide direction, and influence timber sale purchasers, contractors, and the public to protect the interests of the State. Part of the position's time may also focus on administering the Alaska Forest Practices Act on private land. The incumbent will spend time in the office planning for field work, processing information gathered, and communicating on subject matters in written and verbal forms to represent and resolve issues.
Benefits of Joining Our Team
The work provides exposure to Alaska's unique physical and cultural environment. The Southeast Alaska Archipelago has abundant forest and aquatic resources. Island life and public land dominate the landscape. Forest management in the area is transitioning from old growth to young growth management. Work in this position and environment will provide many opportunities to adapt lessons learned elsewhere and to develop new approaches in contemporary forest management. Demand for active management by the forest industry from all land is significant. Staffing in the organization is lean, providing an opportunity for broad exposure to our variety of missions; there are multiple options for long-term growth and advancement in both the resources and fire programs. Career-long training and innovation is a building block of our culture. Work schedules vary with the season; summer tends to provide extended weather and long daylight opportunities for project work, which can, in turn, provide blocks of time off to enjoy the location's outdoor opportunities.
The Working Environment You Can Expect
The job is based in the Ketchikan office, composed of a team of four people. The amount of office time varies with the season and the ongoing operational needs. The balance of office to fieldwork is approximately 50/50 over the span of the year. Most of the fieldwork is located on other islands and requires periods of travel. Time in the field will vary from one day to two weeks; most travel lasts less than a week. Accommodations when traveling are typically at hotels, short-term rentals, and occasionally remote camps. Most accommodations are in small communities.
To be successful in this position, a candidate will need the following core competencies:
- A self-starter who can identify issues, develop solutions, be accountable, and be an effective communicator.
- Experience with contract administration and timber sales planning, including road and unit design.
- Knowledge and experience with timber cruising.
- Proficient in written and oral communication and GIS software.
Minimum Qualifications Forester 1- starting salary $24.65Bachelor'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.
Substitution:
An Associate's degree that includes a minimum of 24 semester hours or 36 quarter hours in forestry, natural resources, or a closely related curricula from an accredited college and two years journey level experience in the technical aspects of forest management and practices such as fire prevention, fire suppression, timber sales, reforestation, or inventory will substitute for the required bachelor's degree. The required experience includes work such as a Wildland Fire and Resource Technician 3 or Wildland Fire Dispatcher 2 with the State of Alaska or the equivalent with another employer.
Substitution:
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, fire suppression, timber sales, reforestation, or inventory may substitute for the required bachelor's degree. This experience includes work such as a Wildland Fire and Resource Technician 3 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:
- Single Resource (CRWB, HEQB, HEMG, ENGB, FELB), or
- Field Observer (FOBS)
For NWCG Incident Qualification Card certification information, see: National Incident Management System (NIMS).
Forester 2- starting salary $28.31Bachelor'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:
- Any Strike Team Leader Positions (STCR, STEQ, STEN),
- Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4),
- Any Unit Leader Position (TIME, PROC, COMP, GSUL, SPUL, PETL, INVL),
- Any Manager Position (EQPM, HMGB, SENG, HEB2, ATBM), or
- 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).
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 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.
- Job resume, complete with supervisor contact information.
If selected for an interview, the applicant must provide the following:
- Two most recent evaluations from previous/current employer.
- Two professional references with contact information: phone/email.
- A copy of your current NWCG red card (if you have one) is needed.
- A copy of your current driver's license.
SPECIAL NOTICES- 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.
- The position travels frequently and on an indeterminate schedule as part of forest resources practices and contract administration. Travel associated with timber sale preparation occurs in a more planned manner and is subject to a variety of logistical constraints. Most travel requires overnight stays and periods of less than one week from the duty station.
Application NoticeYou can ONLY apply for this position through the Workplace Alaska website or a hardcopy application. If you accessed this recruitment bulletin through a job search portal, such as AlaskaJobs or any other database, you MUST use a Workplace Alaska online or hardcopy application to apply successfully. Instructions on how to apply with Workplace Alaska may be found on the Workplace Alaska "" 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 and will be considered a writing sample, influencing which applicants advance to the interview phase of the recruitment and selection process. In your cover letter, you must highlight your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience as they pertain to the key responsibilities and desired strengths listed in the job description.)
Please attach the cover letter to your application before submitting it online. If you cannot attach it, fax or email it to the contact number provided below.
EducationIf 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. Transcripts can be attached at the time of application or provided at the time of the 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 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 ExperienceIf 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 UnitIf 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. Flexible StaffingThis 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 RequirementApplicants must possess a valid driver's license. Proof of licensure will be required prior to reporting to duty.
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.EEO StatementThe 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-###-#### or 465-4095 in Juneau or (907) ###-#### (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 & AssistanceQuestions regarding application submission or system operation errors should be directed to the Workplace Alaska hotline at 1-800-###-#### (toll-free) or (907) ###-#### if you are in the Juneau area. Requests for information may also be emailed to
For assistance with your password, please visit
For specific information about this position, please get in touch with the hiring manager at the following:Name: Greg StauntonTitle: Area ForesterPhone: 907-###-####
Email: ...@alaska.gov
Careers with the State of Alaska offer MANY benefitsThe 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 (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 expensesRetirement 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
- Eleven paid holidays a year
01
Do you possess a valid driver's license?
02
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?
03
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