Forestry Technician Job in Throughout The Nation - 84631330 - ZABGOVSE5FFYC

Job Title:
Forestry Technician

Department:
Department Of Agriculture

Agency:
Forest ServiceSub

Agency:
USFS

Job Announcement Number:
OCRP-HLTKASST-462-7/8DP

SALARY RANGE:
$38,117.00 - $54,879.00 /year

OPEN PERIOD:
Wednesday, November 24, 2010 to Friday, September 30, 2011
SERIES & GRADE:GS-0462-07/08

POSITION INFORMATION:
Full Time Permanent - No time limit

PROMOTION POTENTIAL:
08

DUTY LOCATIONS:
100 vacancies - Throughout the Nation

WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED:
US citizens

JOB SUMMARY:

Applications for this position are being processed through an on-line applicant assessment system that has been specifically configured for USDA Forest Service applicants. Even if you have already developed a resume in USAJOBS, you will need to access this on-line system to complete the application process. To obtain information about this position and TO APPLY, please click on http://www.avuecentral.com/vacancy.html?ref=HPQXH.


KEY REQUIREMENTS:

• See Other Information.

Additional Duty Location Info:
100 vacancies - Throughout the Nation


DUTIES:(The duties described reflect the full performance level of this position)

This position is the Assistant Manager of an Exclusive Use helicopter contract. This position requires a good working knowledge of helicopter operations, aerial ignition operations and equipment, helicopter contract administrations and rappel operations. The individual is responsible for leading and directing fire suppression activities of the helitack crew and must possess strong supervisory and leadership skills. This individual assists the helicopter manager in daily management of helicopter operations. They must be able to manage the helicopter operations and administer the contract during absence of the supervisor. In addition, the Assistant Manager must be qualified and approved as a designated project inspector for helicopter service contracts and have knowledge of helicopter contracting regulations. The Assistant Foreman is responsible for assisting in the supervision of at least a ten- person Helitack/Rappel crew. During the non-helicopter contract period, the individual will assist the Helitack Supervisor and District FMO in the prescribed fire program and other project work activities. These activities will include, fuel inventories, scheduling training, assisting in hiring and working with District personnel to accomplish District and Forest work projects.



QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

As a selective factor, applicants must have 90 days of on the line wildland firefighting experience gained through containment, control, suppression or use of wildland fire.

MINIMUM FEDERAL QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Grade 07: Qualifying experience for the GS-7 level includes one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-6. Specialized experience is experience which is in or directly related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.



SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE: The experience requirements for the GS-7 level may be met by completion of one (1) year of graduate level education in a position-related field of forestry or natural resources management.



COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Equivalent combinations of successfully completed education and experience may be used to meet the experience requirements.

Grade 08: Qualifying experience for the GS-8 level includes one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-7. Specialized experience is experience which is in or directly related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.



SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE: The experience requirements for the GS-8 level may be met by completion of 18 months of graduate level education in a position-related field of forestry or natural resources management.



COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Equivalent combinations of successfully completed education and experience may be used to meet the experience requirements.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS POSITION

For the GS-07 position, in addition to meeting the basic entry qualification requirements, applicants must have had one (1) year of specialized experience at least equivalent to GS-06 in informing helicopter pilots in flight or during briefings of current conditions, and forest procedures and projects. Observed and reported on conditions and coordinates during initial aircraft-based investigations of wildland fires. Conducted hands-on training in the use of helicopter-mounted rescue equipment, loading and unloading, and embarking or disembarking from helicopters. Analyzed fire conditions and determined attack methods and resources required. Provided detailed instructions on incident objectives, situations, and tactics to pilots, crews, and dispatchers. Oversaw helicopter service contract and enforced contract provisions.

For the GS-08 position, in addition to meeting the basic entry qualification requirements, applicants must have had one (1) year of specialized experience at least equivalent to GS-07 in conducting hands-on training in the use of helicopter-mounted rescue equipment, loading and unloading, and embarking or disembarking from helicopters. Analyzed fire conditions and determined attack methods and resources required. Provided detailed instructions on incident objectives, situations, and tactics to pilots, crews, and dispatchers. Oversaw helicopter service contract and enforced contract provisions. Planned and coordinated complex air operations at remote, isolated work locations.

See Other Information for further requirements.
HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:
You will be rated based on your qualifications for this position as evidenced by the education, experience and training you report relative to this position which shows that you possess the knowledges, skills and abilities required. Paid or unpaid experience will be considered.


BENEFITS:See Other Information.
OTHER INFORMATION:

The selectee for this position MUST meet the following condition of employment by October 1, 2013: Under the Forest Service Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) Qualification Standards, the selectee must meet NWCG Incident Management Qualifications and the Additional Required Training as specified under FS-FPM for the position incumbered.

Please attach a Resume documenting your Fire Experience and 90 days of Wildland Firefighting experience relevant to this vacancy.

These are permanent positions with varying tours of duty and may include weekend work. Some positions may have irregular and protracted hours of work. Tours of duty include full-time or less than full-time (guaranteed minimum 13 pay periods full-time employment).

Those applicants not able to scan required documents can fax those documents to: (253) 573-9869 to have them attached to your application. Please make sure your name is on all documents.

Please read the vacancy announcement thoroughly and follow all instructions to ensure proper consideration. If you are unable to apply on-line or have questions about the meaning of items in the vacancy announcement, please contact Human Capital Management at 1-877-372-7248.

The closing date will be dependent on USDA Forest Service needs (e.g.,budget, length of season, etc.) Individual units will be issued Referral Lists to selecting officials throughout the life of this recruitment bulletin.

Some Fire positions may have Conditions of Employment such as: a valid state drivers license; a commercial drivers license (CDL); pre-appointment and random drug testing; or a physical or medical examination. There may be additional Conditions of Employment not listed here, however applicants will be notified of any specific requirements at the time a tentative job offer is made.

There may still be some individual announcements advertised at various locations in this series, grade, and specialty. These announcements will be posted at the USAJOBS www.usajobs.opm.gov and ADS www.avuedigitalservices.com websites.

Applicants may choose up to nine (9) different location codes during the application process. Applicants are encouraged to contact those specific locations you are interested in working for to inquire about position availability.

To obtain more information about the US Forest Service and individual locations, go to www.fs.fed.us (a search can be done by State or by Name). This "search feature" will provide you with access to units websites for contact information, such as phone numbers, duty locations, and addresses. Units will be able to provide you with further insight into available opportunities.

California vacant positions are listed on www.fs.fed.us/fsjobs/openings the report is called Region 5 Centralized Permanent Fire Positions.

Arizona and New Mexico positions are listed on http://fsweb.r3.fs.fed.us/public/r3/fam/fire-hire/index.shtml

These listings are for all current vacant positions at these locations. As selections are made the vacant positions will be filled behind those individuals who have accepted new positions. Applicants are encouraged to apply to any location in California, Arizona or New Mexico where they would be willing to work, in case that location becomes available.

Please check Job Posting Information, Summary, for the area of consideration (i.e., Who May Apply), and time limit information.

WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the ARDUOUS level is a ''condition of employment.'' The Arduous fitness (Pack) test consists of a three (3) mile hike, within forty-five (45) minutes, while carrying a forty-five (45) pound pack. You are strongly encouraged to consult with your physician and begin training immediately if you are applying for this position. This announcement constitutes the required 30 days advanced notice for testing requirements.

TIME-IN-GRADE REQUIREMENT: If you are a current federal employee in the General Schedule (GS) pay plan and applying for a promotion opportunity, you must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirements with 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. This requirement must be met within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement OR within 30 days of the date a referral list is issued for open continuous announcements. Former federal employees applying to positions at a higher graded position than previously held may be subject to TIG requirements as well.

Applications submitted in postage-paid Government envelopes will not be accepted.

Applications received become the property of the USDA Forest Service and will not be returned.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all of its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's Target Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: The USDA Forest Service provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the point of contact listed on the vacancy announcement. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

BENEFITS: A variety of health insurance plans; retirement system with investment options; paid holiday; paid sick and annual (vacation) leave; life insurance; incentive systems; subsidized transportation, flexible work schedule, training and development opportunities, family/worklife program, etc.

FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a primary/rigorous firefighter position under the provisions of 5 USC 8336(c) (CSRS) and 8412(d) (FERS). Applicants must be under age 37. Applicants who are age 37 or over may subtract prior federal service that is prior to 1987 and in approved primary/rigorous positions and that is creditable for retirement from their current age to meet this requirement. Applicants must provide proof of this creditable service prior to appointment. Applicants who are entitled to veterans preference are eligible to request a waiver to the maximum age requirement. In instances where the maximum entry-age is waived, the corresponding mandatory retirement age for these individuals will also be higher because it will be reached after 20 years of coverage under special retirement provisions for the entitlement to an immediate enhanced annuity.

As a condition of employment, all male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must have registered for the selective service. If selected for this position, the applicant must sign a statement certifying his registration, or the applicant must demonstrate exempt status under the Selective Service Law.

DIRECT DEPOSIT: All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing.

This position is being advertised under both merit promotion (internal) and demonstration project (external) procedures under separate announcements. Applicants who wish to be considered under both procedures must apply to each announcement and follow the specific instructions applicable to each procedure.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or nationals.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE: Generally, preference is granted to veterans who entered the military service prior to October 14, 1976; or served on active duty during the period from August 2, 1990, through January 2, 1992, and who are otherwise eligible; or who served on active duty during the period beginning September 11, 2001, and ending on the last day of Operation Iraqi Freedom; or who have served in a military action for which they received a Campaign Badge or Expeditionary Medal. This includes the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM) awarded to those who participated in Operation Joint Endeavor or Operation Joint Guard. Also, you may be entitled to veterans' preference if you are a disabled veteran; you have received a Purple Heart; you are the spouse or mother of a disabled veteran; or you are the widow, widower, or mother of a deceased veteran. Applicants will be required to provide proof prior to appointment to validate their claim for preference. More detailed information is available on the Main Menu screen under the selection entitled, "Veteran Information."

Completion of a probationary or trial period may be required, depending on the type of appointment. During this time period, employees conduct and performance will be monitored in order to determine if employee will be retained.

HOW TO APPLY: In order to determine if you meet the eligibility and qualification requirements for this position, please submit the following information:

1. Experience/Employment Information:

a. Apply On-Line at www.avuedigitalservices.com/usfs/applicant.html. This online application process allows applicants to submit employment information that can be printed for personal use and saved and/or edited on the website for future use. The application process contains all the data elements that are required for resumes submitted for federal employment and may be submitted electronically. OR

b. Apply by Scannable Questionnaire: This Questionnaire requires completion of a scannable form. You must request the instructions and form and submit the scannable application form and supporting documentation by mail. Locations and their codes will be listed in the application package. A facsimile of the scannable form cannot be accepted.

2. Eligibility Information: The following documents must be electronically attached to your application to verify your eligibility and basic qualifications. Failure to provide this documentation may result in disqualification.

a. If you are claiming 5-point veterans preference, you must submit a DD-214, Member 4 copy. If you are claiming 10-point preference you must submit a DD214, Member 4 copy, an SF-15 (Application for 10-Point preference) and a letter (dated 1991 to present) from the VA or military department indicating your disability rating. Applicants claiming preference based on service performed after October 14, 1976, must specify on the application the Campaign Badge upon which they are basing their claim. If you are still on active duty and claim veterans preference, then you must submit documentation such as a: (1) official orders or citation entitling you to a campaign badge; (2) statement of service from a commanding officer or someone else in authority attesting to your active duty which identifies dates of entry and anticipated separation; rank at time of discharge; and anticipated character of discharge; or (3) in the case of someone claiming service during the first Gulf War or since 9/11/01, any official document attesting to your presence on active duty during the appropriate calendar periods. Veterans who fail to submit the supporting documentation with their application will not be granted veterans preference. If you are not able to attach the forms to your application, you may fax to 253-573-9869, please include name on all documents.

b. Transcripts (official or unofficial) are required if education is used to meet basic qualifications requirements or meet education criteria in the quality category. Transcripts should be attached to the Avue profile or faxed to 253-573-9869; please include name on all documents.

3. CURRENT FEDERAL EMPLOYEES: Notice of Expected Separation, performance appraisal information for current Federal employees or other proof documents are required if requesting priority placement consideration under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP). CTAP and ICTAP candidates must be well qualified. Submit SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action or equivalent document to verify current or former federal employment status should also be submitted.

TO REQUEST A SCANNABLE FORM: Please refer to the contact name and phone number listed in this vacancy announcement.

HOW TO APPLY:Applications for this position are being processed through an on-line applicant assessment system that has been specifically configured for USDA Forest Service applicants. Even if you have already developed a resume in USAJOBS, you will need to access this on-line system to complete the application process. To obtain information about this position and TO APPLY, please click on http://www.avuecentral.com/vacancy.html?ref=HPQXH.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:See Other Information.
AGENCY CONTACT INFO:

ASC HRM STAFFING
Phone: 877-372-7248
Email: fsjobs@fs.fed.us Agency Information:
USDA
c/o Avue Technologies
1145 Broadway Plaza
Tacoma, Washington 98402
US

WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:You will be rated based on your qualifications for this position as evidenced by the education, experience and training you report relative to this position which shows that you possess the knowledges, skills and abilities required. Paid or unpaid experience will be considered.