How To Become A Student or Scholarship Firefighter
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 ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø. 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 ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø. 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 (application deadline April 1, 2025)
Required Employment Supplemental Documents:
-
- Essay (no less than 500 words telling us a little about yourself, your academic and career ambitions);
- Resume;
- College or high school (unofficial) transcripts (whichever is more current);
- Driving record;
- Criminal history report from your state or local county;
- Two letters of recommendation;
- FFI is required to work as a student firefighter. Attach any certifications you may have (FFI, CPR, ICS, etc.)
Note: When applying on UAF employment application portal, any/all supplemental documents can be uploaded as a pdf file labled with your name. For further assistance uploading, contact Lee Ann Amerson at lamerson@alaska.edu.
Step 2:
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 ;
CPAT: Pass the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) or submit your state's Biddle test.
UAF Admission: Apply for admission and be enroll as a full time student (12+ credits for UFD) at the University of Alaska ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø (UAF);
Financial Aid: UAF offers financial aid to secure funding to pay for your college experience, if needed, apply for financial aid.
University FD Program Benefits:
The University Fire Department is nationally-known as the only program of its kind where:
- Students can earn a paycheck ($29,000 to $37,000 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.
For more information, contact Captain David Mattox at (907) 474-5770 or email damattox@alaska.edu.
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.
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 by email.
The scholarship award covers the following expenses through a per semester reimbursement program:
- 12 credit hours
- Course/Material Fees
- Textbooks
- Parking Fee
- Meals
Scholarship firefighters are responsible for school expenses upfront 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 Lieutenant Kelli Casey at 907-488-3400 or by email.
Fire Chief Frank Bracken at (907) 479-5672 or fbracken@cgfr.com.
: Samara Steele at (907) 457-3710 or samara.steele@steesefire.org.
University Fire Department: Captain David Mattox at (907) 474-5770 or email damattox@alaska.edu.
: Lieutenant Kelli Casey at 907-488-3400 or kcasey@northstarfire.org.