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Alaska Department of Natural Resources

Division of Forestry & Fire Protection

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Get ready for an exhilarating career with Alaska's Division of Forestry & Fire Protection!

As Alaska's fire department and forestry agency, we’re on the front lines, managing wildland fires across 150 million acres of diverse and awe-inspiring landscapes—including the state's most populated areas. Our mission isn’t just about protecting lives and property from wildfire; it’s about leading the charge in sustainable forest management and being stewards of Alaska’s vast natural resources.

From battling wildfires in remote, breathtaking wilderness to managing timber resources under the Good Neighbor Authority, we’re adventurers at heart. Whether you're navigating the dense forests, coordinating large-scale fire suppression efforts, or implementing cutting-edge forest practices, every day is a new challenge. With us, you’ll experience the thrill of making a real impact while exploring Alaska's untamed beauty—both in the field and beyond. If you're seeking a role that combines adventure, leadership, and environmental stewardship, look no further.

At the Division of Forestry & Fire Protection, we also play a crucial role in supporting Alaska's vibrant timber industry. We work hand-in-hand with local communities and businesses to ensure that our forests remain a sustainable and thriving resource for generations to come. Through innovative forest management practices, timber sales, and close collaboration with federal partners, we help maintain a steady supply of high-quality timber while balancing the need for environmental conservation.

By joining our team, you’ll be a key part of this dynamic industry, helping to shape the future of Alaska’s forests. Whether you’re working in the field marking timber stands or coordinating large-scale operations, you’ll have the opportunity to support the economic lifeblood of many Alaskan communities while ensuring the long-term health of our forests.

Leadership

Photo ofNorman McDonald

Norman McDonald

Acting Division Director

Photo ofJeremy Douse

Jeremy Douse

Division Operations Manager

DIVISION OF FORESTRY & FIRE PROTECTION SECTIONS

  • Timber Management and Sales 

    The Timber Management and Sales section is responsible for overseeing and administering commercial and personal-use activities on three state forests comprising 2.1 million acres of land, with a primary focus on timber management. This includes managing timber sale contracts with purchasers, constructing and maintaining access roads to state land, and ensuring the restoration of state timber harvest units to sustain public forests and a perpetual timber supply.

     

  • Fire Preparedness 

    The Fire Preparedness Section is responsible for providing wildland fire protection across over 150 million acres of land and supporting interagency partners such as the U.S. Bureau of Land Management-Alaska Fire Service and the U.S. Forest Service. The program prioritizes the well-being of responders through comprehensive training, risk-based decisions, and emphasis on safety and health. Building strong relationships with communities and cooperators is also a key focus.

     

  • Cooperative Forestry 

    Our Cooperative Forestry programs include the Forest Stewardship Program, which is the primary source of technical forestry assistance for Alaskan forest landowners; the Urban & Community Forestry Program, which helps communities enhance the benefits of city trees and greenspaces through effective management; and the Forest Health Program, which is the primary source of forest health expertise and assistance in the state.

     

  • Fire Prevention and Fuels Mitigation 

    Hazard fuel reduction aims to enhance landscape resiliency to wildland fire and reduce the potential for adverse effects, including the loss of life, property, and infrastructure.

     

  • Forest Inventory and Analysis Program 

    Implements the federal Forest Inventory and Analysis program in Interior Alaska, establishing permanent forest inventory plots in support of sustainable forest management, including biomass projects

     

  • Administration & Grants 

    The section ensures that the Division is responsive to public and business sector needs. Division leadership continues to take actions to improve the Division’s delivery of consistent, timely and effective services, while utilizing science to support natural resource development and science-based decision making.

     

  • Forest Practices 

    Our aim is to ensure that we use forest resources responsibly and sustainably. This involves protecting and preserving the environment, minimizing the negative impacts of timber harvests on water quality and fish habitats, encouraging the replanting of trees on harvested land, and creating regulations to oversee commercial timber harvests on non-federal lands.

     

FORESTRY & FIRE PROTECTION IN THE FIELD

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Office Locations

Tok Office

Tok, AK 99780, USA

Valdez/Copper River Office

110 Richardson Hwy, Glennallen, AK 99588, USA

Fairbanks Office

3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK 99709, USA

Delta Office

Delta Junction, AK, USA

Mat-Su Office

101 S Palmer Arpt Rd, Palmer, AK 99645, USA

Southwest Office

McGrath, AK, USA

Northern Region Office

3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK 99709, USA

Coastal Region Office

101 S Palmer Arpt Rd, Palmer, AK 99645, USA

Kenai/Kodiak Area Office

Sterling Hwy, Soldotna, AK, USA

Ketchikan Office

2417 Tongass Ave Suite 213, Ketchikan, AK 99901, USA

Haines Office

Haines, AK 99827, USA

Juneau Office

400 Willoughby Ave, Juneau, AK 99801, USA