This is a Direct-Hire advertisement. Veterans preference is not applicable to this advertisement. Learn more about this authority at: DHA Explore a new career with the BLM - where our people are our most precious resource. This position is located in Fairbanks, AK. Information about the surrounding area may be found by clicking on the location name listed. We expect to fill 1 vacancy at this time; however, additional positions may be filled from this announcement if they become available.
Specialized Experience Requirements: In order to be rated as qualified for this position, we must be able to determine that you meet the specialized experience requirement(s); please be sure to include this information in your resume. No assumptions will be made about your experience. To be creditable, this experience must have been equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade of the position to be filled. To qualify for the GS/GW-08 grade level, 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-07 is required. Examples of work experience include but are not limited to: experience in forest and range land fire suppression as an initial and extended attack incident commander coordinating multiple firefighting resources, and interfacing with land managers, cooperators, and the public. Experience in Smokejumper operations including parachuting into rugged terrain, parachute rigging and repair, and the use of smokejumper specific firefighting tools and equipment. To qualify for the GS/GW-09 grade level, 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-08 is required. Examples of work experience include but are not limited to: experience in forest and range land fire suppression as an initial and extended attack incident commander coordinating multiple firefighting resources, and interfacing with land managers, cooperators, and the public. Experience in Smokejumper operations including parachuting into rugged terrain, parachute rigging and repair, and the use of smokejumper specific firefighting tools and equipment. Experience also includes instructing or leading firefighters with both fire and non-fire assignments. 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. Substitution of Education for Experience: For GS/GW-08: 36 semester hours (2 years) of graduate education which is DIRECTLY related to work of the position OR an equivalent combination of specialized experience and education. For GS/GW-09: 36 semester hours (2 years) of graduate education which is DIRECTLY related to work of the position OR an equivalent combination of specialized experience and education. Selective Placement Factor(s): This position requires a special qualification that has been determined to be essential to perform the duties and will be used as a screen out element. Those who do not provide evidence they possess the following selective factor(s) will be rated not qualified. 1.) This position is a Primary Firefighter position and is subject to a maximum entry age (MEA). The MEA is the date immediately preceding your 37th birthday. Applicants must not have reached age 37 at the time of appointment, unless proof is provided of prior Federal service in another primary covered position, or you are a preference eligible veteran. If you are a preference eligible veteran, you may be eligible for this position after your 37th birthday. You must supply a copy of your Defense Department Form 214 (DD-214) along with Standard Form 15 (if applicable) and any associated documentation in accordance with the instructions in this vacancy announcement. Failure to provide this documentation with your application may result in loss of consideration. Please refer to the Required Documents section for further guidance on what documentation is required to meet this requirement. If over the MEA and you are not a veteran, proof of prior covered service must be submitted prior to employment. Acceptable proof consists of SF-50s showing beginning and ending dates of covered/creditable appointments and copies of approved letters based on individual claims. 2.) Prior smokejumping experience required. This experience must be documented in the online application or resume with specific to AND from dates (MM/YY), description of work performed, AND hours worked per week. **You must meet all qualification and selective placement factor requirements by the closing date of the announcement.** Medical Requirements: Please see the Department of Interior Medical Standards Program website for the Federal Interagency Wildland Firefighter Medical Standards for your position: http://www.nifc.gov/medical_standards/index.html Physical Requirements: Employment in this position is conditional upon your successful completion of the following BLM smokejumper physical fitness performance tests: When you report for duty, you will be given a physical condition test. The test is given in one time period with a 5-minute break between exercises. The test consists of performing the following exercises: 30 push-ups 6 pull-ups Run 1.5 miles in 10.47 minutes or less OR backpacking a 110 pound load three miles in less than 65 minutes. Work Capacity Test at the Arduous Level: All arduous wildland firefighters must backpack a 45 pound load for three miles in 45 minutes or less. Physical Demands: The incumbent must be able to work under extreme physical exertion regularly working 16 hour shifts or longer on the fireline. Work on the fireline requires considerable strenuous physical exertion. Work Environment: The majority of work is performed outdoors in a wide variety of weather and terrain conditions or in a crowded airplane. This is a primary firefighter position under the special retirement provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) (CSRS) and 5 U.S.C. 8412(d) (FERS). The position is subject to maximum entry age (MEA) requirements. The MEA for this position shall not exceed age 37. If you are a preference eligible veteran, you may be eligible for this position after your 37th birthday. See Required Documents Section. FACT SHEET for Fire Positions: Information on Special Retirement.
Responsible for directing the operational readiness of Smokejumper suppression forces.
Develops internal guidelines and standard operating procedures outlining policies, safety, priorities, and objectives associated with smokejumper utilization.
Train others to perform logistical coordinator duties.
Perform as an initial attack smokejumper on wildland fire suppression efforts.
Perform administrative duties.
Parachutes into mountainous, remote, and/or rugged terrain and performs as a wildland firefighter, primarily as an Incident Commander or other leadership role.
Directs Fireline activities and tactics of firefighters, resources, equipment, and aircraft.