These positions will be located at a USDA Forest Service Unit. The primary purpose of this position is to perform wildland firefighting work and to lead crews performing such work. See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION for Regional contacts.
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: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GW-06 grade level in the Federal Service; OR one full years (18 semester hours/27 quarter hours) of successfully completed graduate level education or master's degree if the coursework is directly related to the work of the position (such as forestry, range management, agriculture); OR combinations of graduate level education that is directly related to the position and specialized experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. Examples of specialized experience may include: Assisted in the safe loading of fire retardant materials into air tankers. Provided facility maintenance, oversight and/or procurement for repairs and improvements. Assisted in administering aircraft and retardant contracts. For the GW-08: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GW-07 grade level in the Federal Service; OR two full years (36 semester hours/54 quarter hours) of successfully completed graduate level education or master's degree if the coursework is directly related to the work of the position (such as forestry, range management, agriculture); OR combinations of graduate level education that is directly related to the position (in excess of 18 semester/27 quarter hours) and specialized experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. Examples of specialized experience may include: Assisted in planning, scheduling and monitoring all flights out of a base for resource and fire related projects; assisted in preparing and directing the implementation of airtanker base operational plans; assisted in administering aircraft and/or fire retardant contracts. Selective Placement Factors: Successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirements of Airtanker Base Manager (ATBM) or Must obtain ATBM qualification within 6 months of hire. A copy of the Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record (or equivalent training document) which contains documented proof certification or attainment of this requirement must be attached to the application. Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) and Forest Service - Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) qualifications must be met by the time of selection. Most recent IQCS master record and/or signed Agency Certified task book must be attached to your application. If you are selected, you may be required to submit an updated IQCS master record or signed Agency Certified task book as proof of attainment of IFPM requirements prior to a final verbal offer. In order to be considered for this position, copies of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record (or equivalent training documents) which contain documented proof of the certification or attainment of the IFPM Selective Placement Factor for this position MUST be attached to your application. Red cards are not acceptable documentation. Currency Requirement: Required to maintain currency once hired into the position. Currency of NWCG qualifications is not required for selection. If not currently qualified, the applicant must provide documented evidence that they have been fully qualified in the past, and are able to regain currency within one year of being hired. Failure to provide this documentation will result in disqualification. 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 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. 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 GW-08 level.
In the absence of the Airtanker Base Manager the assistant will perform fully as the onsite Airtanker Base Manager.
Responsible for ensuring that retardant sampling is conducted and that quality assurance standards are met.
Oversees mixing and loading of retardant chemicals to ensure that individual aircraft weight limitations are not exceeded.
Responsible for the overall efficiency, safety and security of ground and aviation operations.
Responsible for implementing base operation, safety, and security plans. Participates in base reviews and inspections, complies with and implements recommendations.
Conducts Air Base related training and personnel development at the Airtanker Base. Plans, schedules, and monitors all flights and resources related to the base.