Explore a new career with the BLM - where our people are our greatest natural resource. This position is located with the BLM Fire & Aviation Directorate, Division of Fire Operations, Equipment Development Section, located at the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), in Boise, Idaho. Information about the area can be found at https://www.boisechamber.org/ We expect to fill one position at this time; however, additional positions may be filled from this announcement if they become available.
Specialized Experience: In order to be rated as qualified for this position, we must be able to determine that you meet the minimum qualification requirements - please be sure to include this information in your resume. No assumptions will be made about your experience. To qualify for the GS-12 grade level: One year of creditable specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 is required. Examples of work experience include, but are not limited to: dealing with operational knowledge and experience in a variety of wildland fire management areas; suppression and preparedness, mobilization and dispatch coordination, training and logistics; understanding of procurement and contracting procedures, maintenance and repair policies and property disposal relating to fire vehicle classes; working with vehicle manufactures/dealers to resolve equipment issues (repairs, warranty, etc.). 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. This is an administrative position in an organization having a firefighting mission and is in an established career path. Prior firefighting experience, as gained by substantial service in a primary firefighter position or equivalent experience outside the Federal government is a MANDATORY PREREQUISITE for incumbents of this position. You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement. Note: The salaries listed in this announcement reflect the permanent pay increases for federal wildland firefighters, effective March 23, 2025. The new pay schedule is accessible here: Wildland Firefighter. In addition to the listed special base rate salary, this position is also eligible for Incident Response Premium when incumbent is deployed to a qualifying incident, which may significantly increase overall compensation. Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade requirement in accordance with 5 CFR 300.604. If you are a current Federal employee in the General Schedule (GS) pay plan and applying for a promotion opportunity, you must have completed a minimum of 52 weeks at the next lower grade level. There is no substitution of education for specialize experience at the GS-12 and above grade levels. Incentives: Certain incentives (such as Recruitment, Relocation or Student Loan Repayment) may be authorized to eligible selectees. If eligible and qualified, you may be offered a recruitment or relocation incentive. The decision to offer an incentive will be made on a case-by-case basis and is neither promised nor guaranteed. For information visit: Recruitment Incentive or Relocation Incentive or Student Loan Repayment. Firefighter Special Retirement (Secondary Coverage): This is a secondary/administrative fire position under the special retirement provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) (CSRS) and 5 U.S.C. 8412(d) (FERS). While secondary positions are not subject to the maximum entry age policy, the selectee must have prior service in a primary position and meet the transfer requirement for movement from a primary to secondary position to be eligible for special retirement coverage. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure this office has enough information to determine your retirement status to ensure you do not lose benefits (normally through submission of your SF-50). YOU MUST LET US KNOW IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY IN A PRIMARY POSITION.
May serve as the acting program manager, directing all program activities and program personnel during the absence of the manager.
Manages all aspects of assigned BLM fire equipment production projects for the National Fire Equipment Program.
Responsible for all projects and activities associated with the design, production and procurement of various fire equipment for interagency use.
Serves as the advisor to the program manager for assigned DOI fire equipment projects and is responsible for contract administration and/or replacement orders for assigned projects.
Serves as a Contracting Officer’s Representative or Project Inspector for various fire equipment contracts.
Studies and investigates technical solutions to problems or special requirements for fire equipment used by the BLM. Compiles various information on technical solutions and innovations that address common user problems related with fire equipment.
Provides a point of contact for field offices to resolve warranty and service issues, safety recalls, and factory repairs with vehicle manufactures, fire equipment manufactures and component suppliers.
Serves as a representative and spokesman on Bureau technical panel and committees as a national technical specialist to develop plans, procedures and policy for fire equipment activities and programs.
Coordinates with counterparts in the National Fire Equipment Program for the ongoing development of fire equipment subsystems and major components.
Provides technical assistance, training and requested field support for DOI fire programs and other agency requested support.
Provides BLM field offices and other Federal and State agencies troubleshooting and technology expertise concerning fire equipment issues.
Serves as a technical representative on annual National Fire and Fire Aviation Preparedness Reviews.