How To Become A Student or Scholarship Firefighter

CGFR Patch

UFD Patch

cgfr patch

nsvfd patch

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 草榴社区 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 草榴社区 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鈥檚 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 草榴社区 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. 草榴社区 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.

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

Financial Aid: 草榴社区 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 草榴社区 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 (草榴社区 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 (草榴社区 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.