The Kuskokwim Corporation (TKC) is partnering with the Alaska Division of Forestry for an Advanced Wildland Firefighter Academy in McGrath, Alaska from May 14-31, 2018. Students will be provided with meals, lodging or camping, fire supplies and equipment. Students will receive qualification cards “red cards” for several wildland firefighting positions and may find employment opportunities with firefighter crews.
TKC will provide transportation to McGrath and back home for Shareholders from Aniak, Kalskag, Lower Kalskag or Sleetmute – that are accepted into the Advanced Wildland Firefighter Academy.
Academy graduates may find employment on Type 2 Emergency Firefighter Crews in higher level positions such as Squad Boss and Helicopter Crewmember, as short-term temporary seasonal positions, and as permanent seasonal employees for positions such as Wildland Fire Resource Technician, Wildland Fire Dispatcher, and Office Assistant to name but a few. The Division of Forestry IA Type 2 Crews (White Mountain and Gannett Glacier) and Type I Hot Shot Crew (Pioneer Peak) may have job openings as well. Job postings may be found at: http://doa.alaska.gov/dop/workplace/.
March 15, 2018 is the deadline for all student applications.
The academy is designed to increase the level of knowledge and skills for entry level firefighters. The course includes training in the use of portable pumps and water, chainsaws, air operations, basic land navigation, leadership, and safety. Students will receive Red Card certifications for Firefighter Type 1-Trainee (Squad Boss), Helicopter Crewmember-Trainee, and Basic Faller-Trainee. Students will have the opportunity to initiate task books and work on certification in these positions. Employment opportunities may be available as short-term employees and as Emergency Firefighters for the coming fire season.
Target Audience:
- Type 2 crew members, single resource EFF, WFRTI/II
Prerequisites:
- Qualified as a Wildland Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2)
- Satisfactory completion of all pre-course work
- Have the ability to pass an arduous fitness test
- Be sponsored by a Division of Forestry Area Office
- Submit an application to the sponsoring Division of Forestry Area Office
Average pay for firefighters, as paid by the Division of Forestry, are categorized as follows:
- Firefighter Type 2 (Basic Firefighter/Crewmember)- $14.99/hr. – Overtime – $22.48/hr.
- Firefighter Type 1 (Advanced Firefighter/Squad Boss) – $16.46/hr. – Overtime – $24.69/hr.
- Crew Boss (Leads a 16-20-person crew) – $19.77 /hr. – Overtime – $29.65/hr.
- Helicopter Crewmember – $16.46/hr. – Overtime – $24.69/hr.
After 40 hours of work per week wages are paid at time and a half. Our federal cooperators pay a similar rate.
The Advanced Wildland Firefighter Academy will include:
- Training for 30 students
- Cost of all instructors, student supervisors (Crew Bosses/Coaches)
- Meals, lodging, bath house, camping or agency provided housing if available
- Student supplies and equipment (personal protective equipment, fire pumps, saws, maps, GPS, and other items needed for field and class room learning)
- Helicopter, pump, and chain saw field exercises
- Networking opportunities with other wildland fire professionals
- Career opportunities
- Leadership experience
- Graduation ceremony
- Opportunity to showcase their success (Alaska media coverage)
- Mentorship for students attending the academy to assist them with locating and identifying future firefighter jobs
Attending the academy is a privilege and applicants are chosen by their sponsoring fire suppression agency. These are students with the potential to move on to permanent employment or further their education in firefighting.
Please contact the following individuals for more information or to complete an application:
Carrie Hale, DOF Training Specialist
(907) 822-3305
Cindy Forrest-Elkins, DOF State Training Coordinator
(907) 269-8441
Norm McDonald, Fire Management Officer
(907) 761-6302.
