These positions are location on a USDA Forest Service Unit. Responsibilities may include retardant mixing, loading into aircraft, and all activities on the ramp, including aircraft movement, and safety. 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-05: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GW-04 grade level in the Federal Service; OR A bachelor's degree or successfully completion of a 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university with major study in Fire Science, Fire Training, Fire Technology or other related fields of study. OR An appropriate combination of successfully completed post-high school education (in excess of the first 60 semester/90 quarter hours) and specialized experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. Examples of specialized experience may include: Performed work directly related to wildland fire suppression and control activities including suppression, preparedness, prevention, monitoring, and/or hazardous fuels reduction; Serviced and made minor repairs to airtanker equipment or inspected, checked and serviced accessories such as pump, water lines, tanks, reels, or pump power plant to keep in fire readiness. 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. 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.
Operates complex airtanker equipment systems with numerous components that must be carefully synchronized or calibrated.
Performs various aviation and ground support activities, such as servicing and operating batch mixers, tanks, and related components including pumps, valves and hoses.
Mixes, stores, inspects, tests and delivers fire retardants to various specifications.
Assists in airtanker "Hot Loading" operations. Computes, complies and summarizes data for preparation of recurring and special Forestry Service reports and records.