Natural Resource Technician 2 - Forest Inventory Crew Member

The Division of Forestry and Fire Protection is recruiting several Natural Resource Technician 2s to join the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program.  Natural Resource Technician 2s 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.
 
Benefits of Joining Our Team
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.  
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.   Field work is conducted in extremely remote areas of Interior Alaska. Field conditions are often arduous, and days are extremely long. Hazards encountered 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 45 lbs. 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:
 

• 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.