How To Become A Student or Scholarship Firefighter:
Four departments have collaborated to offer you real-world experience while getting a degree with the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Chena-Goldstream Fire & Rescue, 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 Firefighter Requirements:
- 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.
HOW TO APPLY
Step 1
Fill out an employment application;
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 transcripts (whichever is more current);
- Driving Record 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: Any/all documents can be uploaded as one pdf file on the UAF employment application portal. DO NOT USE A LINK TO A PORTFOLIO OR FILES IN YOUR APPLICATION.
Step 2
Click here to complete a supplemental questionnaire for specific department information.
Additional Steps
UAF Admission: Apply for admission and enroll as a student at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF).
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. Click here for CPAT FAQs & Instruction Videos.
Financial Aid: UAF offers financial aid to secure funding to pay for your college experience. If needed, apply for financial aid here.
Department Specific Program Information
Office Manager Samara Steele: 907-457-3710
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 upfront each semester and will be reimbursed after meeting the eligibility requirements. The current reimbursement rate is $6900 per semester.
A fire department dorm room will be provided free of charge (dependent on availability).
Assistant Chief Dave Boddy: 907-479-5672
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 upfront each semester and will be reimbursed after meeting the eligibility requirements. The current reimbursement rate is $6900 per semester.
A fire department dorm room will be provided free of charge (dependent on availability).
Assistant Chief Justin Sammons: 907-488-3400
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 upfront each semester and will be reimbursed after meeting the eligibility requirements. The current reimbursement rate is $6900 per semester.
A fire department dorm room will be provided free of charge (dependent on availability).
Captain Shayla Silva: 907-474-5770
The University Fire Department is nationally-known as the only program of its kind where:
- Students can earn a paycheck ($25,000 to $30,000 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.