Forestry Technician (Hotshot / Handcrew) Job in Throughout The Nation - 91167520 - ZATMC/A26O4IK

Job Title:
Forestry Technician (Hotshot / Handcrew)

Department:
Department Of Agriculture

Agency:
Forest ServiceSub

Agency:
Forest Service

Job Announcement Number:
OCRP-462-HANDCREW-4/5DP

SALARY RANGE:
$27,990.00 - $40,706.00 /year

OPEN PERIOD:
Friday, October 01, 2010 to Friday, September 30, 2011
SERIES & GRADE:GS-0462-04/05

POSITION INFORMATION:
Full Time Permanent - No time limit

PROMOTION POTENTIAL:
05

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=SBVJC.


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)

Serves on crews performing fire suppression. May perform prescribed burning crew duties to reduce fuel hazards and disease, while protecting wildlife. May assist with fire dispatch through operation of radios, telephones, and other necessary equipment to exchange information in support of fire suppression activities. Lays or directs hose in the use of water. Moves dirt, chops brush, and fells small trees to build fireline using various hand tools such as axes, shovels, Pulaskis, and McLeods to control spreading wildland fire and/or to prepare lines prior to controlled burning. Chops, carries, and piles logging slash. Searches out and extinguishes burning materials by moving dirt, applying water by hose or backpack pump. Patrols fireline to locate and extinguish sparks, flare-ups, and hot spots that may threaten loss of control of the fire. Cleans, reconditions, and stores simple fire tools and equipment.

May perform basic duties in support of fire, timber, silviculture, recreation, wilderness, or research programs, projects, or activities.



QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

MINIMUM FEDERAL QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Grade 04: Qualifying experience for the GS-04 level includes six months general experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work of the position or that provided familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the occupation AND six months specialized experience at the GS-03 level that is 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: Experience requirements may be met by successful completion of two (2) academic years of post high school education which included at least 12 semester/18 quarter hours in any combination of courses such as forestry, agriculture, crop or plant science, range management or conservation, wildlife management, watershed management, soil science, natural resources (except marine fisheries and oceanography), outdoor recreation management, civil or forest engineering, or wildland fire science. No more than 3 semester hours in mathematics is creditable.

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

Grade 05: Qualifying experience for the GS-5 level includes one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-4. 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: Experience requirements may be met by successful completion of a four (4) year course of study leading to a bachelors' degree or the equivalent. Education must include at least 24 semester/36 quarter hours in any combination of courses such as forestry, agriculture, crop or plant science, range management or conservation, wildlife management, watershed management, soil science, natural resources (except marine fisheries and oceanography), outdoor recreation management, civil or forest engineering, or wildland fire science. No more than 6 semester hours in mathematics is creditable.

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

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS AT GS-04 AND GS-05 GRADES:

For Primary Firefighter positions, applicants must meet one (1) of the following age requirements: I am under age 37; OR I am less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Federal Service worked in a primary firefighter/law enforcement position; OR I am a veterans' preference eligible, I am older than age 37 and am requesting a waiver to the maximum age requirement.

Applicants must have 90 days on-the-line wildland firefighting experience gained through containment, control, suppression or use of wildland fire. This experience must be documented with specific dates in the Work Experience, Additional Information portion of the application or Resume.

This position has been identified as a Senior Firefighter on an non-IHC Handcrew, and is subject to the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard and Guide selective placement factors for a Senior Firefighter (SFF). IFPM selective placement factors are made up of a primary and secondary NWCG core Incident Management Qualifications and Required Training, and the applicant must possess them to be considered eligible for this position. The selective placement factors for a SFF are:

Primary NWCG Core Requirements: Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1)

AND

Successful completion of NWCG Course#: S-290 Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior

Currency in the above NWCG Incident Management Qualifications is required. Refer to PMS 310-1 for definition of currency.

Applicants are required to submit a copy of their Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record (or equivalent training document) which contains documented proof of the certification or attainment of the above IFPM Selective Placement Factors in order to be considered eligible.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS POSITION

For the GS-05 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-04 in moving dirt, chopped brush, or felled small trees to build fire line using various hand tools and power saws to control spreading wildland fires and to prepare lines prior to prescribed burning. Patrolling fire line to locate and extinguish sparks, flareups, and hot spot fires that might threaten developed fire lines. Performing a limited variety of manual tasks to accomplish fuels reduction work and suppress wildland fires using a variety of hand and power tools.

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:

This vacancy announcement is for a Forestry Technician, Senior Firefighter. This position will only be filled as a career ladder GS-462-04/05. Since this position is being filled as a career ladder to the GS-05, the applicant MUST meet the IFPM qualifications for this position starting at the GS-04 grade level.

This position has been identified under the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) and is subject to selective placement factor requirements contained in the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard and Guide when filling this vacancy. IFPM selective placement factors are made up of a primary and secondary National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) core Incident Management Qualifications and Required Training. The applicant must possess these qualifications to be considered eligible for this position. For further information: http://www.ifpm.nifc.gov/standard/electronicver/electronic.htm

In order to be considered for this position, copies of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record (or equivalent training document) which contain documented proof of the certification or attainment of the IFPM Selective Placement Factor for this position MUST be attached to your application. Failure to provide this documentation will result in disqualification.

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

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.

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 period's full-time employment).

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 Option 2.

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.

The USDA Forest Service has legislative authority to recruit and fill Permanent (Career/Career-Conditional), Temporary, and Term Appointments under the USDA Demonstration Project. Under this authority, any U.S. citizen may apply.

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 requires completing 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 applying for this position. This announcement constitutes the required 30 days advanced notice for testing requirements.

Position requires overnight travel 11 nights or more per month.

BASIS OF RATING: The category rating procedure is used to rank and select eligible candidates. Under category rating, applicants who meet basic minimum qualification requirements established for the position and whose job related competencies have been assessed are ranked by being placed in one of the following categories: Quality, Well Qualified, and Eligible. Candidates placed in the Quality category will be assessed based on Education, High Ability, or Experience. Well Qualified candidates are those who clearly exceed the minimum qualification requirements but do not necessarily meet the criteria for the Quality category. Candidates in the eligible category meet basic minimum qualification requirements but do not meet the criteria for the Well Qualified category. Preference eligibles are listed ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. Drug testing is a requirement for certain positions. See "Other Significant Facts" portion of this announcement for information specific to position being filled.

To receive consideration for this position, you must meet all qualification requirements as of the closing date of the announcement or on the date a referral list is generated from an Open Continuous announcement. Applicants are strongly encouraged to ensure the work history portion thoroughly documents the duties, responsibilities, and accomplishments that are directly related to this position in order to verify specialized experience.

If selection is made at a lower grade level, promotion to the target grade will be non-competitive upon completion of training, performance, and specialized experience requirements.

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. Failure to provide this documentation will result in disqualification.

If you are unable to attach these documents to your application, you may fax them to 253-573-9869 to have them scanned and attached to your electronic application. Please include your name on all documents.

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.

Government housing may be available.

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.

Transfer of Station/Relocation expenses will not be paid except for current, permanent federal employees.

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 veteran's 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 method. 

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or nationals.

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

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Check our website at: http://www.fs.fed.us/fsjobs for general information on the Forest Service.

PERMANENT OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT: This is a continuously open vacancy announcement for one or more locations throughout the Forest Service. The number and location of positions to be filled will be dependent upon individual unit needs. 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 period's full-time employment). Positions may be filled as career ladders or could be filled at the full performance level dependent upon the individual unit's needs. Availability of government housing, federal day care facilities, and bargaining unit status will vary by location. Pay rates vary depending on location. See the OPM website at www.opm.gov for additional information on pay rates.

To ensure that you receive consideration, applications submitted through the on-line application process must be received by 11:59 p.m. eastern time the day before a referral list is issued. A scannable application package submitted by mail must be received at the correct address and scanned prior to issuance of referral list. When there are no applicants for specific locations, the search area may be broadened when generating referral lists to include locations in the closest city nearby. 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). We encourage applicants to contact supervisors at the chosen locations for specific information. To ensure continued interest and availability, applicants will be notified via e-mail reminding them to re-certify their application every 60 days. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age upon appointment. Some positions have other conditions of employment not specified in this announcement. Applicants will be notified of any specific requirements at the time a tentative job offer is made.

ARDUOUS FIRE POSITIONS: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be employed in a position performing hazardous duties. An initial pre-employment medical examination is required for arduous fire positions. Failure to meet any of the required medical qualifications will be considered disqualifying for employment.

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 veteran's 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 veteran's 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=SBVJC.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:See Other Information.
AGENCY CONTACT INFO:

ASC HRM STAFFING
Phone: 877-372-7248
Email: fsjobs@fs.fed.us Agency Information:
USDA
Do not send mail. Refer to
vacancy on how to apply.
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87109
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.