These positions will be located at a Region 5 USDA Forest Service Unit. Primary responsibilities involve assisting in the planning and execution of the fire prevention, suppression, and education programs on a large, highly complex land area. See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION for Regional contacts.
In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards. Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary. Specialized Experience Requirement: GS-08: one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-7); Examples of specialized experience are: Assisting in directing safe initial and extended attack suppression actions, including determining incident needs, dispatch and deployment of personnel and equipment. Identifying, collecting, preserving and/or examining evidence in the determination of the probable cause of fire. Assisting in developing, implementing and making presentations on the role of fire in ecosystems management educational programs OR Two full years (36 semester/54 quarter hours) of successfully completed graduate level education or master's degree if the coursework is directly related to the work of the position (such as forestry, range management, agriculture); OR Combinations of graduate level education that is directly related to the position (in excess of 18 semester/27 quarter hours) and specialized experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. GS-09: one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-8);Examples of specialized experience are: Assisting in developing and executing plans to solve complex problems involving fire preparedness, fuels management, fire prevention, and training. Assisting in managing fire prevention and detection programs, scheduling staffing, maintenance and training. Assisting in developing fire control plans and documents relating to fire pre-suppression, prevention, detection, and suppression tactics and strategies. OR Two full years (36 semester/54 quarter hours) of successfully completed graduate level education or master's degree if the coursework is directly related to the work of the position (such as forestry, range management, agriculture); OR Combinations of graduate level education that is directly related to the position (in excess of 18 semester/27 quarter hours) and specialized experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. Selective Placement Factors Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a secondary position covered under the special retirement provisions of 5 USC 8336(c) for the Civil Service Retirement System and of 5 USC 8412(d) for the Federal Employees Retirement System. Prior wildland firefighting experience is required. There is no age limit for entry into secondary positions. Firefighter retirement coverage of the incumbent depends upon his or her individual work history. WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the ARDUOUS level is a condition of employment. Applicants selected will be offered positions at the highest grade for which they are qualified. To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Duties listed are at full performance grade GS-09 Level.
Provide technical expertise on fire protection and prevention issues to support the fire community. Determines and implements fire management tactics appropriate to the area involved.
Determines and implements fire management tactics appropriate to the area involved. Provides technical expertise on fire protection in special use permits, service contracts and timber sale contracts
Documents findings, issues citations as necessary and appears in court as a government witness when requested. Issues welding, blasting, campfire and burning permits to public and private entities.
Develops, implements and makes presentations on the role of fire in ecosystem management educational programs on unit, both internally and externally.
Cooperatively designs and executes joint programs in fire prevention including enforcement, education and fire prevention engineering.
Responds in an initial attack capacity on fires within response area. May supervise multiple firefighting resources on initial or extended attack, or serve in other fire positions as qualified or assigned
Advises responsible parties of hazards or other unsatisfactory conditions and of governing laws and regulations. Conducts spark arrester inspections of equipment for compliance for use on National Forest land.