The Division of Forestry and Fire Protection is recruiting several Natural Resource Technician 2’s to join the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program. Natural Resource Technician 2’s are “FIA Crew Members” and are tasked with collecting a large variety of forest health measurements. 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
Under the supervision of the Natural Resource Technician 3/FIA Crew Leader, this position assists with field inventory data collection in support of forest management operations throughout the State. The incumbent will travel via helicopter/boat/ATV/truck daily and work as part of a 2–4-person crew directed by a field crew leader to collect forestry and forest health monitoring data on inventory plots throughout the state. Additional duties will be assisting in safe helicopter operations, data processing, backcountry navigation, and mission planning. Technicians will spend large amounts of time traveling and will be expected to live and work in remote and austere environments.
We are looking for individuals with the following demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Experience working in the backcountry and living in camp settings
Backcountry navigation and travel skills
Application of basic scientific principles to data collection
Exceptional physical conditioning
Familiarity with Alaska flora is a plus
Knowledge of forest mensuration techniques and tools is a plus
Work-related helicopter experience is a plus
Minimum Qualifications
Six months of experience at the entry level performing technical functions of natural resource management equivalent to a Natural Resource Technician 1, Forest Technician 3 or Environmental Technician 1 with the State of Alaska.
OR
Six months of clerical work experience equivalent to an Administrative Clerk 3 or Recorder 1 with the State of Alaska.
OR
16 semester hours or 24 quarter hours of college course work from an accredited institution.
OR
Any combination of the above where 3 semester hours or 4 quarter hours is equivalent to one month of experience.
