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 and Scholarship Firefighters are required to:

  • 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 the employment application;
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 transcripts (whichever is more current);
  4. Driving Record, from your state or local county;
  5. Two letters of recommendation;
  6. 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.

Step 2

Fill out 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.  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;

Contact information: 

Chena-Goldstream Fire & Rescue:  Assistant Chief Dave Boddy at (907) 479-5672 or dboddy@cgfr.com

North Star Volunteer Fire Department Fire Chief Geoff Coon 907-488-3400 or Gcoon@northstarfire.org

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

University Fire Department: Captain David Maddox at (907) 474-5770 or UFD’s recruiter here

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 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.)

SVFD Scholarship FAQ

SVFD Paramedic Scholarship FAQ

SVFD Application

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 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.)

For more information, contact Assistant Chief Dave Boddy at 907-479-5672 or by Email.

University Fire Department  Program Benefits:

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.

UFD FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

For more information, contact Captain David Mattox at 907-474-5770 or by Email.