These positions are located on USDA Forest Service, National Technology and Development Program (NTDP) Center in San Dimas and/or Missoula, MT. The equipment specialist position provides expertise and accomplishes projects related to wildland firefighting and fire aviation equipment management. For additional information about the duties of this position, please contact Ralph Gonzales at ralph.gonzales@usda.gov (San Dimas, CA) and Shawn Steber at shawn.steber@usda.gov (Missoula, MT).
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: For the GW-07: Applicant must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS/GW-5 grade level. Specialized experience is defined as aiding in field evaluations, testing, and/or data collection required for determining usability and service-wide acceptance of firefighting equipment including products for firefighter safety, water handling, aerial delivery, hand tools, personal protective equipment (PPE), or other equipment used in firefighting operations. Assisting in surveying and obtaining the technical information required to recommend design, fabrication, and evaluation parameters of wildland firefighting equipment. Aiding in the planning, execution, and monitoring of projects evaluating the effectiveness of firefighter equipment for firefighter safety, water handling, aerial delivery, hand tools, personal protective equipment (PPE), helicopter rappelling, and/or smoke jumping. Trained in reading and interpreting specifications, standards, engineering drawings, statements of work, deviation requests, technical manuals, and other technical publications and documentation related to firefighter safety, water handling, aerial delivery, hand tools, personal protective equipment (PPE), or other equipment used in firefighting operations. -OR- One full year of graduate level education. -OR- An appropriate combination of graduate level education and specialized experience; OR Superior Academic Achievement (to determine if you are eligible, go to: http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/policy/ApplicationOfStds-04.asp). The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. For the GW-9: Applicant must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS/GW-7. Specialized experience is defined as assisting in field evaluations, testing, and/or data collection required for determining usability and service-wide acceptance of firefighting equipment including products for firefighter safety, water handling, aerial delivery, hand tools, personal protective equipment (PPE), or other equipment used in firefighting operations. Surveying and obtaining the technical information required to recommend design, fabrication, and evaluation parameters of wildland firefighting equipment. Assisting in the planning, execution, and monitoring of projects evaluating the effectiveness of firefighter equipment for firefighter safety, water handling, aerial delivery, hand tools, personal protective equipment (PPE), helicopter rappelling, and/or smoke jumping. Reading and interpreting specifications, standards, engineering drawings, statements of work, deviation requests, technical manuals, and other technical publications and documentation related to firefighter safety, water handling, aerial delivery, hand tools, personal protective equipment (PPE), or other equipment used in firefighting operations. -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., if related. -OR- An appropriate combination of specialized experience and education (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 An experience performing on-the-line (Primary/Rigorous) wildland fire suppression duties as a member of an organized fire suppression crew or comparable unit that utilized knowledge of wildland fire suppression, containment or control techniques and practices under various conditions. This experience must be documented with specific dates in the online application or resume. 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 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. 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.
Assists in field evaluations, testing, and data collection required for determining usability and service-wide acceptance of developed items.
Provides input to assure safe execution of field and laboratory testing. Makes recommendations on the length and complexity of evaluations required for fire equipment testing.
Collects and evaluates information related to malfunctions and recommend modifications to equipment as a substitute for unavailable items.
Provides technical and operational information to answer inquiries from the field, procurement activities, other agencies and contractors concerned with the use, procurement, and fabrication of fire equipment or systems.
Provides written and oral reports on project tests and evaluation status. Prepares service manuals, instruction manuals, and training outlines for developed items.
Conducts first article inspections, production lot inspection, and product verification evaluation of fire products or equipment.
Analyzes the need for and the feasibility of deviations, change orders or modifications requested by the contractors to a Forest Service or accepted industry specification.
Assists in the investigation of product performance deficiencies and recommend corrective solutions under the guidance of a project manager, program manager, or senior technical staff.