These positions are located on a USDA Forest Service Unit within the Northern Region, Region 1; Southwestern Region, Region 3; Pacific Southwest Region, Region 5; and Pacific Northwest Region, Region 6. The incumbent serves as a Forest Fire Management Officer (FFMO) responsible for providing leadership and program direction for the unit's fire, fuels and aviation management program. See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Section for location representative details.
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-12: You must have one year specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 in the Federal service. Examples of specialized experience include the following: Managed a wildland and/or prescribed fire management program; Developed, coordinated and/or implemented a partial fire program budget; Developed and/or implemented agreements with cooperators; and Maintained relationships with entities external to the organization regarding fire management program issues. GS-13: You must have one year specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 in the Federal service. Examples of specialized experience include the following: Managed, directed and/or evaluated a fully integrated wildland or prescribed fire management program; Developed, coordinated and/or implemented a full fire program budget; Negotiated, managed, and/or implemented agreements with cooperators; Maintained liaison with entities external to the organization; and Spoke for the organization on fire management program issues. 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. Selective Placement Factors Successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Division Group Supervisor (DIVS) -AND- Successfully completed the Secondary NWCG Core Requirement of Incident Commander Type 3 (ICT3) -OR- Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2) -OR- Primary NWCG Core Requirements of Air Support Group Supervisor (ASGS) -AND- Secondary NWCG Core Requirement of Incident Commander Type 3 (ICT3). Successfully completed the NWCG Course #M-581 Fire Program Management. Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) and Forest Service - Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) qualifications must be met by the time of selection. Most recent IQCS master record and/or signed Agency Certified task book must be attached to your application. If you are selected, you may be required to submit an updated IQCS master record or signed Agency Certified task book as proof of attainment of IFPM requirements prior to a final verbal offer. In order to be considered for this position, copies of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record (or equivalent training documents) which contain documented proof of the certification or attainment of the IFPM Selective Placement Factor for this position MUST be attached to your application. Red cards are not acceptable documentation. Currency Requirement: Required to maintain currency once hired into the position. Currency of NWCG qualifications is not required for selection. If not currently qualified, the applicant must provide documented evidence that they have been fully qualified in the past, and are able to regain currency within one year of being hired. Failure to provide this documentation will result in disqualification. This position has been identified as High Complexity under the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) or Forest Service Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) and is subject to selective placement factor requirements contained in the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard and Guide when filling this vacancy. IFPM or FS-FPM selective placement factors are made up of a primary and secondary National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) core Incident Management Qualifications and Required Training. The applicant must possess these qualifications at the applicable complexity level to be considered eligible for this position. FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a secondary firefighter position under 5 USC 8336 (CSRS) and 8412(d) (FERS). 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, MODERATE, or LIGHT level is a condition of employment. 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-13 level.
Provide advice on fire management planning to support the development of forest land management goals and objectives.
Recommend mitigation to reduce risk of future incidents based on evaluation of fire program.
Provide leadership and/or guidance for the hazardous fuels program by ensuring the program follows ecosystem management principals and land use plans.
Coordinate with other programs to provide the workforce to accomplish forest and/or rangeland projects such as recreation, facility maintenance and resources.
Work with others on developing strategies and/or completion of a Wildland Fire Decision Support System (WFDSS) to meet objectives.
Establish production or quality standards for the unit’s work to evaluate an employee’s performance. Conduct formal performance reviews to identify developmental and training needs of employees.
Ensure that a fire training program is maintained on the unit by aligning training with those of cooperating entities.
Negotiate the development of local annual operating plans to implement cooperative fire protection agreements with other federal, tribal, state and local agencies.
Implement cooperative fire agreement or activities with other agencies or entities to coordinate response during fire and all-risk incidents.
Conduct field inspections before and after wildland and prescribed fires to ensure fire management objectives are met.
Coordinate budget development with other staff areas to gather the annual reporting of the program accomplishments.
Establish production or quality standards for the unit’s work to evaluate an employee’s performance. Conduct formal performance reviews to identify developmental and training needs of employees.