Forester 1/2 Flex - Resource Forester (PCN 10-9761)

Salary: $24.65 - $28.31 Hourly
Location : Palmer, AK
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 43286
Department: Natural Resources
Division: Forestry
Opening Date: 12/08/2023
Closing Date:1/2/2024 5:00 PM Alaska
Division: Forestry and Fire Protection
Position Open To: All Applicants
Bargaining Unit: General Government
Range: 14/16
Job Description
What You Will Be Doing
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Forestry, Mat-Su Southwest Area is recruiting for a professional forester to work in the Mat-Su/Southwest Area Office located in Palmer, Alaska. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual interested in professional growth and advancement to join our team. Under the general direction of the Mat-Su/Southwest Area Forester, this position is responsible for the implementation of forest management programs on state lands and ensures compliance with the Alaska Forest Resources and Practices Act on private, municipal, trust and state lands. The incumbent in this position can expect to be involved in a wide variety of projects due to the diverse nature of the workload in the Mat-Su and Southwest Areas. This position conducts work in the office as well as in the field, collecting and synthesizing forest inventory data, designing and laying out timber sales, administering timber sale contracts, completing reforestation surveys, engaging in public outreach and education, and collaborating with agencies and other programs to accomplish mutual goals. Additionally, this position will assist with developing fuels mitigation projects and coordinate with the Fuels Specialists within the Division. This position may be filled at either I, or II job class level depending on the applicant's training or experience. Starting salary will be determined by the level at which the position is hired.
Mission and Culture
The State of Alaska's Division of Forestry & Fire Protection proudly serves Alaskans through forest management and wildland fire protection. 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. We are leaders in forest management, forest practices, wildland fire management, and cooperative forestry programs across the state. The Mat-Su Area/SW Area Office, located in Palmer, AK, represents the largest administrative district managed by the Division, encompassing the largest urban interface in the state, while the reaches of Southwest are some of the least populated and most remote. This position is a key member of the Mat-Su/Southwest Area natural resources team whose core values include protecting water quality, fish and wildlife habitat and other forest values while providing a sustainable supply of timber.
Core Responsibilities
This position conducts field reconnaissance, designs and lays out timber sales, administers commercial and personal use timber sale contracts, and inspects timber harvest operations on state land, including road construction, logging, and riparian activity to ensure compliance with the Alaska Forest Practices Act and regulations. It coordinates the interagency review of detailed plans of operations for compliance with the Alaska Forest Resources and Practices Act and the best management practices. Every two years, this position develops the Area's Five-Year Schedule of Timber Sales. It also prepares Forest Land Use Plans (FLUP) and Best Interest Findings for commercial timber sales. This position frequently interacts with the public on a variety of forest health and utilization topics and may participate in various outreach events. The successful candidate may participate in local and statewide fire management and fire suppression efforts if so qualified.
Benefits of Joining Our Team
As a member of the Mat-Su/Southwest Area team, you will help guide the timber industry in Southcentral and Southwest Alaska, playing a crucial role in managing forests for multiple benefits. Career-long training and innovation is a building block of our culture here in Forestry. We value a healthy work/life balance, fostering a collaborative, fun and supportive atmosphere to grow professionally and embrace innovation. Staffing in the organization is lean, providing opportunity for broad exposure to a variety of programs in both the resources and fire programs, adding depth and meaningful experience to your career with Forestry. This permanent, year-round flex position offers opportunities for advancement in the Forester series. Other benefits include a flexible work schedule, the potential for telework, and access to a competitive benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement, and vacation benefits.
The Working Environment You Can Expect
This position is based out of the Mat-Su/Southwest Area office located at 101 Airport Road in Palmer, Alaska, just west of the Matanuska River. Surrounded by the Chugach and Talkeetna Mountains with views of Pioneer and Matanuska Peaks, life in Southcentral Alaska is an outdoor recreationist's dream. The area offers access to abundant public lands and hundreds of miles of skiing, running, and hiking trails, as well as plentiful fishing and hunting opportunities. The facilities in Palmer include a state fire warehouse, a hangar and an administrative building that houses both the Area and Coastal Region staff. During the summer months, the facilities can be bustling with wildland firefighters and various aviation assets; however, winter months are quieter. This position's duty station is an office setting with an open cubical; however, there is ample opportunity for year-round field work. In-office time varies by project workload and is generally an even balance of both office and field time. Most of the field work is in the Mat-Su Valley and can be completed in daytrips; however, there is an occasional need for travel which may require overnight stays, sometimes in small remote communities. This position may require travel to project sites by pickup truck, small aircraft, ATV, or snow machine depending on the project and time of the year.
Who We Are Looking For
To be successful in this position, a candidate will need the following core competencies:

• Effective communicator and collaborator, self-starter, accountable and respectful of others;
• A creative problem solver who can identify issues and develop solutions;
• Working knowledge of GIS tools and software (ArcGIS Pro, Survey123, etc.);
• Ability to work a flexible schedule that may require long days on occasion.

The ideal candidate is a motivated individual who can demonstrate the following:

• Significant experience with timber sale unit design, logging road design and layout;
• Significant experience with a variety of timber cruising methods;
• Experience in administering timber sale contracts or road construction;
• Proficient in written and oral communication;
• Demonstrated proficiency with GIS software (ArcGIS Pro, Survey123, etc);
• Willingness and ability to travel and work in remote locations with minimum direct supervision using a variety of transportation methods (such as but not limited to small aircraft, boats, a variety of wheeled and tracked methods, etc.).

Minimum Qualifications
Forester 1 - starting salary $24.65
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.
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 of 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:

1. Single Resource (CRWB, HEQB, HEMG, ENGB, FELB), or
2. Field Observer (FOBS)

For NWCG Incident Qualification Card certification information, see: National Incident Management System (NIMS).
Forester 2 - starting salary $28.31
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).
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, complete with supervisor contacts

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

• Three most current evaluations from previous/current employer.
• Three professional references with contact information: phone and email.
• Copy of current NWCG red card (if you have one).
• Copy of current driver's license.

SPECIAL NOTICES

• This position travels occasionally 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 can be completed in day trips; however, travel occasionally requires overnight stays for periods of less than one week from the duty station.
• Position may require travel both in and out-of-state for fire suppression assignments, if qualified; 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.

Application Notice
You can ONLY apply for this position through the Workplace Alaska website or via 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 5:0...