This position is located within a National Forest. The incumbent is responsible for serving as an Avalanche Specialist as well as managing an Avalanche Center. The incumbent analyzes and interprets various meteorological and physical data upon which local and regional avalanche advisories are prepared for backcountry travelers and others in the forecast area.
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. You must possess the Basic Requirements identified below to be considered qualified for this position, which includes all positive education requirements if applicable. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. When using previous work experience to qualify for the position, your resume must clearly detail the appropriate experience requirements. Basic Requirement: A. Education Degree: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included a major field of study in: physical science, and/or related engineering sciences such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics. OR B. Combination of Education and Experience - Education equivalent to one of the majors shown above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to meeting the basic requirement, you must also possess experience and/or directly related education in the amounts listed below. GS-09: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 grade level. Examples of specialized experience include: Work involving the acquisition, processing, and dissemination of daily weather data from weather stations, climatic grids, or maps of weather indicators; using snowboards, snow gauges/rain gauges or other ultrasonic depth sensors to determine snowpack conditions and stability; conducting backcountry weather forecasting, winter weather forecasting, avalanche-weather forecasting or mountain weather forecasting; and inside out skiing comfortably in all terrain, adjusting skiing technique to suit all snow conditions through Snowsport or snow-related job requirements. OR A master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., that is directly related to this position. OR Combination of specialized experience and education that together meets the qualification requirements for this position. Only graduate education in excess of 18 semester hours may be used to qualify applicants for this grade level. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. Selective Placement Factors Applicant must possess excellent skills in alpine and cross-country skiing in steep backcountry avalanche terrain to conduct field observations. Practices mountain and avalanche safety measures while collecting data in high-elevation and avalanche prone terrain. 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. To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Provides leadership and guidance and maintains the Avalanche Center as outlined in the Forest Service National Avalanche Center (FSNAC) Business Plan.
Carries out work planning and organization such as planning work on a weekly basis, reviewing work schedules, planning for supplies and equipment, preparing accomplishment reports, etc.
Prepares overall program budgets for the continuance and maintenance of the program.
Directs and conducts field work and oversees the development of avalanche advisories and avalanche warnings. Conducts snow stability tests and records snowpack observations in the field.
Using own judgment, and without supervision, interprets and evaluates raw data dealing with snow stability and, in conjunction with other observations from field personnel, issues daily avalanche hazard advisories and warnings to the public.
Using professional judgment and experience, determines when avalanche conditions have abated sufficiently to recommend termination of existing avalanche warnings.
Establishes procedures, work priorities, and general operating requirements necessary to redeem responsibilities for insuring accurate avalanche advisories.
Evaluates National Weather Service products and observations to create a daily mountain weather forecast, which is included in the avalanche advisories.
Oversees and directs the maintenance and operation of avalanche weather stations within the forecast area. Inspects and performs routine user level maintenance and services on various weather station equipment and instruments.
Gathers and maintains data about snow conditions, weather, and condition trends using current technology.
Performs such tasks as observing, recording, and transmitting atmospheric and weather information including air pressure, temperature, humidity, wind, precipitation, and cloud.
Performs such tasks as observing, recording, and transmitting ultraviolet conditions, snow stability, and analyzes and interprets weather data.
Maintains professional knowledge of snow physics including snow metamorphism, the distribution patterns of common weak layers, the mechanics of slab failure and classification of snow crystals.
In the event of avalanche accidents or fatalities, aids in the preparation of detailed reports of the incident which include snow stability and avalanche information, and facts and observations concerning the conditions leading up to the incident.
In the event of avalanche accidents or fatalities, aids in the preparation of detailed reports of the incident which include the incident occurrence, and the rescue or recovery operations.
Identifies the need for and coordinates critical incident stress briefings for avalanche specialists and search and rescue personnel in connection with avalanche accidents and fatalities.
Possesses excellent skills in alpine and cross country skiing in steep backcountry avalanche terrain in order to conduct field observations.
Practices mountain and avalanche safety measures while collecting data in high-elevation and avalanche prone terrain.
Directs, conducts and oversees avalanche education and outreach efforts, including print, radio, television, internet and social media venues.
Writes avalanche related articles for the public in local newspapers, magazines and/or trade journals. Functions as a local point of contact for all media communications regarding avalanches.