These positions are located on National Technology and Development Program. Serves as a Project Manager specializing in specifications writing and fire equipment design, development, and evaluation. Works individually or leads task groups to design, fabricate, evaluate, and perfect equipment utilized for wildland fire protection or emergency management. For additional information about the duties of this position, contact shawn.steber@usda.gov (Missoula) and ralph.gonzales@usda.gov (San Dimas)
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-11: Applicant must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS/GW-09 level; OR a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M.,(coursework must be directly related to the position being filled such as forestry, range management, agriculture); OR an appropriate combination of specialized experience and graduate level education (beyond what is required for a master's degree, i.e., more than 36 semester/54 quarter hours leading to a Ph.D.). The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. Specialized experience is defined as assisting in field evaluations and testing programs, including fire vehicles, water handling equipment, and personal protective equipment. Making recommendations for safe and efficient program for wildland fire management. Participating as an interdisciplinary team member to provide specific knowledge in the design, fabrication and evaluation of equipment related to wildland firefighting. For the GW-12: Applicant must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to a GS/GW-11 grade. Specialized experience is defined as providing advisory services related to wildland firefighting equipment, personal protective equipment design, textile design, production, operation, and maintenance requirements for major components of new or extensively modified equipment systems or commodity classes. Addressing quality control issues related to major components of new or modified equipment systems related to wildland firefighting equipment, personal protective equipment, and accessories. Preparing test plans, arranged for field testing of equipment used for wildland firefighting equipment. 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: 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. FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a secondary position covered under the special retirement provisions of 5 USC 8336(c) for the Civil Service Retirement System and of 5 USC 8412(d) for the Federal Employees Retirement System. 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 GW 12 level.
Serves as a Project Manager specializing in specification writing and fire equipment design, development, and evaluation. Develops project charters and project plans.
Develops project timelines and milestones. Documents project status and communicate with portfolio managers and stakeholders.
Assists in the drafting of policy, technical guidelines, and standards that improve fire safety equipment and training. Studies requirements for specialized equipment and prepares project plans to accomplish development.
Prepares specifications for equipment items or equipment systems. Determines specific requirements concerning quality of components, design, and construction details for completed items or systems.
Performs analyses of engineering drawings, military specifications, blueprints, commercial catalogs, and other documents for the purpose of revising, collaborating on, and incorporating information into specifications and technical publications.
Plans and supervises investigations or reviews of equipment related failures or deficiencies. Evaluates equipment failures or deficiencies and makes recommendations for corrective actions.
Conducts quality assurance inspections and/or technical evaluation of items manufactured by contractors to Forest Service or accepted industry specifications.