How To Become A Student or Scholarship Firefighter

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Do you want a career in emergency services? Are you self-disciplined, responsible and focused? Do you have room for growth in a fast-paced and ever-changing career?

Four departments have collaborated to offer you real world experience while getting a degree with the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The Chena-Goldstream, North Star VFD, Steese VFD, and University Fire Departments have developed a joint firefighter recruitment process. The consortium is designed specifically for student firefighters and scholarship firefighters looking to combine real on the job experience with their college education at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. One application will apply for one or all departments, depending on your preference. 

Student & Scholarship Firefighters

  • Maintain 12 credit hours per semester with a grade point average of 2.00 or better;
  • Work up to 56 hours per week on rotating 24-hour shifts;
  • Maintain a satisfactory driving and criminal record, and;
  • Meet the department’s ongoing performance and conduct standards.

Step 1

Fill out employment application (Application deadline March 31, 2024)

Required Employment Supplemental Documents:

    1. Essay (no less than 500 words telling us a little about yourself, your academic and career ambitions);
    2. Resume;
    3. College or high school (unofficial) transcripts (whichever is more current);
    4. Driving record;
    5. Criminal history report from your state or local county;
    6. Two letters of recommendation;
    7. FFI is required to work as a student firefighter. Attach any certifications you may have (FFI, CPR, ICS, etc.) 

Note: Any/all supplemental documents can be uploaded as one pdf file on the UAF employment application portal .

Step 2

Fill out a supplemental questionnaire for specific department information.

 

Additional Steps:

FF Certified: IFSAC or Proboard Firefighter I certification is required to work as a student Firefighter. UAF Community & Technical College (CTC) offers a Firefighter Academy, information about the academy can be found here;  

CPAT: Pass the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) or Biddle Test.  CPAT FAQs & Instruction Videos;

UAF Admission: Apply for admission and be enroll as a full time student (12+ credits for UFD) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF);

Financial Aid: UAF offers financial aid to secure funding to pay for your college experience, if needed, apply for financial aid;

 

Contact information:
Chena-Goldstream Volunteer Fire Department: Fire Chief, Frank Bracken at (907) 479-5672 or fbracken@cgfr.com

Steese Volunteer Fire Department: Samara Steele at (907) 457-3710 or samara.steele@steesefire.org

University Fire Department: Captain, Shayla Silva at  (907) 474-5770 or email UFD's Recruiter here

North Star Volunteer Fire Department: Fire Chief, Geoff Coon at 907-488-3400 or Gcoon@alaska.edu


University FD Program Benefits:

The University Fire Department is nationally-known as the only program of its kind where:

  • Students can earn a paycheck ($35,000 to $39,000 per year.)
  • Respond to actual emergencies as a certified firefighter and emergency medical technician.
  • Earn a college degree.
  • 90% of our program alumni in recent years have successful careers in emergency services throughout Alaska and the other United States.

UFD FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

 

Steese VFD Scholarship Program Benefits:

The scholarship award covers the following expenses through a per semester reimbursement program:

  • 12 credit hours (Alaska Resident Rate)
  • University Fees
  • Course/Material Fees
  • Textbooks
  • Parking Fee:
  • Meals

Scholarship firefighters are responsible for school expenses up front each semester and will be reimbursed after meeting the eligibility requirements. The current reimbursement rate is $6,900 per semester.

A fire department dorm room will be provided free of charge (dependent on availability.)

For more information, contact Office Manager Samara Steele at 907-457-3710 or by Email


Chena-Goldstream Fire & Rescue Scholarship Program Benefits:

The scholarship award covers the following expenses through a per semester reimbursement program:

  • 12 credit hours (Alaska Resident Rate)
  • University Fees
  • Course/Material Fees
  • Textbooks
  • Parking Fee
  • Meals

Scholarship firefighters are responsible for school expenses up front each semester and will be reimbursed after meeting the eligibility requirements. The current reimbursement rate is $6,900 per semester.

A fire department dorm room will be provided free of charge (dependent on availability.)

For more information, contact Fire Chief, Frank Bracken at 907-479-5672 or Email us here.