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 ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥. 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 ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥. 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:

    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: 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:

 

Fill out a for candidate and department specific 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 ;  

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 ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥ Fairbanks (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 ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥ and the other United States.

For more information, contact Captain David Mattox at  (907) 474-5770 or email damattox@alaska.edu.

UFD Candidate Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

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

  • 12 credit hours (ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥ 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 (ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥ 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.

  Department Contact information:

 

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.