Forester - Statewide Rotor Wing Manager; PCN

Job Description

The Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry & Fire Protection, is recruiting for a Forester 2 – Statewide Rotor Wing Manager in Palmer.

This position is open to Alaska Residents only.

Please check our residency definition to determine if you qualify.

The Forester 2 (Statewide Rotor Wing Manager) leads the development, coordination, and implementation of aviation (helicopter) strategies throughout the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (DFFP) area of responsibility. This position coordinates, audits, directs, and provides strategic oversight, ensures alignment with state and federal policy, and supports interagency collaboration. This position serves as the principal authority for managing rotorcraft aviation resources in support of wildland fire suppression statewide, ensuring aircraft readiness, strategic deployment, and operational safety.

The manager also supports rotorcraft operations and logistical coordination at the statewide, regional, and area levels, ensuring compliance with standards for efficiency, safety, and environmental compliance.

Additionally, the Rotorcraft Aviation Program Manager assists the Operational Fire Management Officer in providing rotorcraft aviation support for a geographic region comprised of multiple areas, ensuring regional needs are met through effective resource allocation and coordination. By integrating aviation assets into fire management strategies and maintaining interagency collaboration, this role plays a vital part in protecting lives, property, and natural resources from wildfire threats.

The Division of Forestry & Fire Protection’s mission is to safely manage wildland fires that pose a threat to life, property, and critical infrastructure on 150 million acres of land throughout the State of Alaska. The Division of Forestry & Fire Protection works closely with federal, state, and local emergency response agencies to provide wildland fire management and protection for the State of Alaska.

This position is part of a high‑functioning team that supports the “boots on the ground” to ensure the safety of people, property, and Alaska’s natural resources. The Statewide Helicopter Manager plays a critical role in coordinating aviation operations across the state, ensuring that facilities, equipment, and personnel are prepared to meet mission demands.

The benefits of joining the DOF wildland fire team include the opportunity to work with dedicated professionals to achieve fire, fuels, and forestry goals. The opportunity to work in a professional environment with a clear mission that supports the State of Alaska and protects Alaskan residents, businesses, and investments.

This Position will be in Palmer, AK at 101 S Airport Road. DOF encourages team building and camaraderie. This environment helps promote friendship and loyalty within the organization. These close‑knit relationships motivate our employees and foster trust when working in a fast‑paced, emergency‑response environment. Our team is made up of individuals with diverse talents, backgrounds, and abilities.

We are looking for a candidate who possesses the following position‑specific competencies.

• Change Management:
  Knowledge of change management principles, strategies, and techniques required for effectively planning, implementing, and evaluating change in the organization.
• Fire Management:
  Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of fire management, including the characteristics, behavior, and ecology of fire; methodologies, strategies, and equipment used in prescribed fires; fire detection, prevention, and suppression strategies; and integration of fire with natural resource management.
• Computer
  
  Skills:
  
  Uses computers, software applications, databases, and automated systems to accomplish work.
• Oral and Written Communication:
  Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and…