Frequently Asked Questions
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For each season, applications open January 1st of that season’s year. Applications close by March 31st or when all positions are filled.
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All applicants must be over the age of 21 and have a valid drivers license, due to vehicle insurance reasons.
All applicants must hold a valid, active, and non-contested EMS licensure.
EMT-2, EMT-3, AEMT, and Paramedic must additionally hold AHA BLS, PALS, and ACLS.
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If you are offered a position with Tri-Valley Fire Department, you must secure your State of Alaska EMS licensure prior to arrival. To obtain your license, create an account on the State of Alaska EMS portal and submit a reciprocity application. You will also receive an official letter of authorization from our agency's Medical Director and Chief to support your application. Because this state approval process can take several weeks, we strongly recommend starting as soon as possible. Be sure to provide copies of all your active licenses and certifications to the Chief before your arrival.
State Portal: https://alaska.imagetrendlicense.com/lms/public/portal#/login
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Our seasonal EMS Providers start May 1st and end October 1st.
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How you make the journey north is up to you! Many of our crew members enjoy a scenic road trip across the continent, while others fly into Fairbanks International Airport. If you fly in, we’ll be happy to pick you up at the Fairbanks terminal and get you settled at the station. (Just keep in mind that Fairbanks is our exclusive pickup point—we aren't able to pick up from Anchorage).
Once your plans are set, please share your travel details and arrival date with us so we can make sure your cabin is clean, stocked, and ready for you.
Note that travel expenses are at your own cost.
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We do 7 days on, followed by 7 days off.
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EMT-1: $250/shift ($1,750/week)
EMT-2: $275/shift ($1,925/week)
EMT-3: $300/shift ($2,100/week)
AEMT: $325/shift ($2,275/week)
Paramedic: $350/shift ($2,450/week)
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Employees are paid bi-weekly via direct deposit. Standard federal taxes apply; however, because Alaska has no state income tax, your take-home pay is maximized. Employees are only paid for shifts worked (7 days on), not off time (7 days off).
Additionally, for your taxes, W2’s will be provided via two methods: USPS mail and email.
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Upon arrival, you will be issued department-branded gear, including two short-sleeve t-shirts, a long-sleeve shirt, a hoodie, and an assigned portable radio. Employees are responsible for providing their own black closed-toe shoes, black EMS-style duty pants, and a black belt.
Want extra shirts or a second hoodie? Additional uniform pieces are available to buy if you'd like them.
If you have additional equipment such as stethoscope, radio strap, trauma shears, etc - you are welcome to bring with.
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Our region’s protocols can be found here: https://irems-new-worker.kaila.workers.dev/documents/322
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Each employee receives private access to their own dorm-style cabin. Each cabin is furnished with a X-Long Twin size bed, dresser/storage compartments, ceiling fan, and heating unit. Some cabins have TV’s and mini-fridges. Each cabin has their own high-speed internet wifi.
Shared private bathrooms with showers are located in the Fire Station, less than 100 feet away from the cabins.
Shared full-size kitchen in the Fire Station, including 2 refrigerators, deep chest freezer, stove/oven, and a mixture of appliances.
Upstairs in the Fire Station is a day room with several couches, computer desk, and 55” smart TV.
A set of washer and dryer are available for employees (free to use, not coin operated).
Lastly, we have a free to use gym for all employees and volunteers with a mixture of equipment.
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Visitors are welcome during your off-weeks, though they are not permitted to stay in employee cabins. All guests must find off-property lodging (hotels, Airbnbs, or camping). Note that these accommodations are strictly for individual providers; family, significant others, and pets are not allowed to reside in cabins.
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No. Tri-Valley Fire Department does not take rent or payment for utilities during your seasonal contract.
Any damages occurred by negligence will result in fees.
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Because this is a seasonal position, standard medical benefits are not included. However, we love taking care of our team! You'll receive free housing and accommodations for the entire season, plus a generous end-of-season bonus when you complete your full contract in good standing.
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Tri-Valley operates as a dynamic combination department with a volunteer fire side and a paid EMS side. Our EMS team covers 911 calls across the Denali Borough and extends mutual aid and ALS intercepts to Cantwell, Anderson, Nenana, and Denali National Park. In the summer months, we support a 7-day-a-week urgent care facility staffed by experienced PAs, NPs, and RNs, taking on inter-facility transfers when patients need to be moved to an emergency department.
Operating in this region means managing remote logistics: the closest ED is 110 miles (~2 hours) north in Fairbanks, and southern calls add even more distance. Across the summer season, our teams run 300–350 calls utilizing two fully staffed ALS ambulances and one volunteer-run ALS/BLS unit.
Additionally, our EMS providers work side-by-side with our fire crews on search and rescue missions, motor vehicle accidents, technical rescues, and structural or wildland fires.
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Beyond your regular EMS shifts, there are great opportunities for collaboration and continuous learning. Our dedicated volunteers are eager to learn from your expertise! The department holds weekly Tuesday trainings, with the first Tuesday of each month dedicated specifically to EMS. If you have a specialty or a favorite topic you love to teach, we’d love to feature it.
Additionally, if you are a certified American Heart Association Instructor, we regularly teach First Aid and CPR classes throughout the summer to local groups, seasonal workers, and community members. You're also welcome to join any of our other Tuesday sessions to dive into fire, search and rescue, or technical rescue topics. Bring your unique skills—we love incorporating them!
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Packing for a seasonal stint in Alaska requires a mix of work gear and off-duty comfort! Here is a breakdown of what you should bring:
Uniform Basics: You will need to provide your own black closed-toe EMS/tactical style boots, black EMS-style pants, and a black belt. (We provide your department shirts, hoodie, and radio upon arrival, and extras are available for purchase if you want them).
Bedding & Comfort: Bring your own pillows, twin-sized bedding (or sleeping bag), and any cozy touches to make your cabin feel like home.
Clothing & Toiletries: Pack plenty of comfortable street clothes, layers for changing weather, sturdy hiking boots, and your preferred personal toiletries.
Specialty Snacks & Drinks: If you have specific dietary preferences, favorite snacks, or comfort drinks you can't live without, pack them or stock up before arriving—you might not find specialty items locally.
A Note on Shopping: We do have a local grocery store nearby that carries basic groceries and household items, but keep in mind that prices are higher due to our remote location. For major shopping trips, Fairbanks is about a 2-hour drive north and features large retailers like Walmart, Fred Meyer, Safeway, Lowe's, Home Depot, and more.
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Meals are not provided by the department while on or off duty. However, food is a big part of crew bonding! During some seasons, we’ve had talented home cooks on shift who love to whip up family-style meals for the crew, usually asking for just $5 to $10 per person to help cover the grocery costs.
While our location is wonderfully remote and rural, the Denali area comes alive with incredible food options during the summer tourist season. You can choose from a rotating lineup of food trucks serving everything from Thai food and Philly cheesesteaks to American comfort food and Mexican dishes. We also have fantastic local sit-down spots nearby, including the 49th State Brewing Co., Totem Cafe, Rose's Cafe, Prospector's Pizza, Black Diamond Grill, Lynx Creek Pizza, King Salmon Restaurant, and more!
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When you’re off the clock, the ultimate Alaskan backyard is yours to explore! Right here in the Denali area, your off-days are packed with endless adventure: hit the backcountry on ATV and side-by-side tours, go horseback riding or zip-lining through the tree canopy, take a wild whitewater rafting trip down the Nenana River, or book a flightseeing tour to circle North America’s tallest peak up close. You can also spend your days hiking pristine alpine trails, camping under the midnight sun, or taking official park bus tours deep into Denali National Park to spot wildlife like grizzlies, moose, and caribou.
Want to venture further out? Your off-weeks are prime time for broader Alaskan road trips. You can cruise down the legendary Denali Highway (rated one of the top drives in the world), head north to Fairbanks to soak in Chena Hot Springs and check out the local scene, or drive south toward Talkeetna, the Mat-Su Valley, or Anchorage for world-class salmon fishing, glacier kayaking, and coastal mountain views. Whether you want high-octane thrills or absolute wilderness solitude, there is never a dull moment.
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While consuming alcohol and marijuana are legal in the State of Alaska, the Tri-Valley Fire Department property is a dry campus - where no alcohol is permitted, as well as consumption of marijuana.
Note: Management has right to perform alcohol/drug testing and room checks as they see fit for continuation of good standing employment.
Tour your living quarters!