Who are we? About the program
The National Park Service Fire Ecology program provides critical scientific information to fire and resource managers working to protect resources while promoting wildfire as a natural process.

We assess the need for fuels reduction activities, monitor whether those activities meet objectives, and advise on strategies that reduce any unintended outcomes. We document fire behavior and fire effects on vegetation, and track trends in fuel moisture to better understand the intricacies of how wildfire interacts with Alaska’s wild landscapes.

Who are you? Preferred qualifications
The NPS Alaska Fire Ecology Team seeks highly motivated, diversely skilled individuals for seasonal positions stationed in Denali Park or Fairbanks, Alaska. New in 2026, these positions, formerly Biological Science Technicians, are classified as Wildland Firefighters (GW-0456).

We seek individuals who are motivated to learn, demonstrate flexibility, work well in a team setting, and have a strong field background. Although supporting wildland fire operations is your primary duty, your specific skillset will be applied to collect scientific information to guide those operations where possible.

If you enjoy backcountry travel, rigorous field work, plant identification, and following strict monitoring protocols, this may be the position for you. Those with an interest and experience in both wildland fire operations and ecologic study will benefit from the opportunities afforded by these positions.

What do we do? A day in the life
Fire ecology project work, while fun and rewarding, can be highly demanding. Expect to carry heavy packs up hills, navigate downed trees, be swarmed by mosquitoes, and sweat profusely, all while soaking wet from rain.

Upon return from a field mission, be ready to pivot to firefighter mode – join a suppression module, dispatch to an active wildfire and work on your firefighting qualifications during a 14-day assignment. Flexibility and adaptability are key.

But not every day is a field day. Significant time is spent preparing for, and sharing results of each mission – organizing data, gear, and contingencies. Attention to detail, tolerance for office work, and computer-based skills are critical.