Forestry Technician (Helitack) Job in Throughout The Nation - 94990237 - ZABGOVSE5FFYC

Job Title:
Forestry Technician (Helitack)

Department:
Department Of Agriculture

Agency:
Forest ServiceSub

Agency:
Forest Service

Job Announcement Number:
OCRP-HLTKSQDLR-462-6/7G

SALARY RANGE:
$34,907.00 - $50,431.00 /year

OPEN PERIOD:
Friday, December 17, 2010 to Friday, September 30, 2011
SERIES & GRADE:GS-0462-06/07

POSITION INFORMATION:
Full Time Permanent - No time limit

PROMOTION POTENTIAL:
07

DUTY LOCATIONS:
100 vacancies - Throughout the Nation

WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED:
Status eligibles - This announcement is open to current career or career-conditional federal employees with competitve status. Reinstatement eligibles, Veterans Recruitment Authority (VRA) eligibles, Veteran Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) eligibles, certain military spouses, persons with disabilities, disabled veterans with a 30% or more disability, former Peace Corps and VISTA volunteers may be considered under special hiring authorities.

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=WDUTZ.


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)

Leads a highly mobile aerial delivered firefighting squad that utilizes agency contracted helicopters to rapidly attack wildfires in varied terrain and fuels. Works in adverse conditions located in remote wilderness areas, desert regions, and urban interface locations. Incumbent works in support of suppression operations at temporary bases located throughout the nation. Provides leadership and direction to firefighters while on the incident by implementing tactics such as; direct and indirect fire line construction, hot spotting, backfiring, burnout, aerial ignition, water delivery systems, tree felling, brush removal, and mop-up operations. Responsible for completing fire line safety and tactical briefings, fire size-up, fire reports and fire personnel performance evaluations. Serves as a manager and/or manager/spotter of a helicopter on a regular and recurring basis and has aviation responsibilities including helitack and/or helitack/rappel operations, reconnaissance, aerial ignition, and search and rescue.

Provides aerial and ground support in the suppression of wildland fires. Operates radios, telephones, and other equipment to exchange information for fire weather and other forest suppression activities. Compiles payment sheets for mileage, task time, and pilot flight time. Performs daily helicopter inspection. Inventories and inspects helicopter accessories, specialized fire equipment, and tools. Ensures that tools and equipment are available.

Receives and processes information, and dispatches personnel, equipment, aircraft, and supplies for suppressing wildland fires. Receives and transmits information critical to fire management via radios, telephones, and computer terminals. Maintains fire suppression data, such as weather information or locations of fire suppression resources, in computer databases. Maintains fire records and fire stats as reported to dispatch office.

Serves on crews performing duties in fire prevention and suppression. Performs prescribed burning crew duties in order to reduce fuel hazards and disease, while protecting wildlife. Assists with fire dispatch through operation of radios, telephones, and other necessary equipment to exchange information for fire weather and other forest suppression activities.



QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:(The KSAs below may not apply at all grades)

Knowledge of instructional techniques and training related to Fire Operations.

Knowledge of air and helicopter operations.

Ability to organize, plan, direct and review the work of team members.

Knowledge of fire suppression and fuel management techniques and practices used under various conditions involving weather, terrain, and wildland fuels.

MINIMUM FEDERAL QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Grade 06: Qualifying experience for the GS-6 level includes one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-5. 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-6 level may be met by completion of 6 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.

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.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS POSITION

For the GS-06 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-05 in independently performing many technical specializations such as helicopter rappelling, long line, felling, saw repair or water handling used in fire suppression and prescribed burning. Serving on a specialty crew (hotshot, helitack, engines, etc.) or assigned to lead fire suppression under the most adverse conditions of climate, fuels, and terrain. Communicating critical information pertaining to incident objectives, situations, and tactics to pilot(s), crews and dispatchers. Conducting training in the techniques of aviation, fire suppression, prescribed burning and fuels reduction methods.

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 communicating critical information pertaining to incident objectives, situations, and tactics to pilot(s), crews and dispatchers. Overseeing helicopter service contract and enforced contract provisions. Conducting training in the techniques of aviation, fire suppression, prescribed burning and fuels reduction methods. Independently performing many technical specializations such as helicopter rappelling, long line, felling, saw repair or water handling used in fire suppression and prescribed burning.

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:

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 could include full-time or less than full-time (guaranteed minimum 13 pay periods full-time employment).

Applicants applying under the VRA or VEOA authorities MUST submit a DD-214, Member 4 copy to verify eligibility. If applicable, submit a SF-15, Application for 10-Point preference and a letter dated 1991 to present from the VA or military department indicating your disability rating. If you are still on active duty, then you must submit one of the following documentation: (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.

Spouses of military veterans who are applying under the noncompetitive hiring authority for certain military spouses must provide applicable supporting documentation prior to appointment, if selected.

If you are unable to attach 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.

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 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://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/r3/firehire

Utah, Nevada and Idaho positions are listed on:http://www.fs.fed.us/r4/fire/r4fire_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 all locations in these states 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 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.

Bargaining Unit Status: Eligible - Coverage is dependent upon unit location.

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.

BASIS OF RATING: You will be rated based on your qualifications for this position as evidenced by the education, experience, and training you recorded in the work experience or resume relative to this position which show the degree to which you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed on this vacancy announcement.

To receive consideration for this position, you must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement or within 30 days of the generating a referral list 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.

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.

Relocation expenses are authorized.

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.

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. 

Veterans: Under the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 as amended by Section 511 of the Veterans Millennium Health Care Act (Public Law 106-117), veterans who are preference eligibles or who have been separated from the armed forces after substantially completing 3 years of continuous service performed under honorable conditions may apply and will be considered for this position under merit promotion procedures.

Applicants covered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Career Transition Assistant Program (CTAP) or Intergovernmental Career Transition Program (ICTAP) may apply and will be given priority consideration if determined to be well-qualified. Well-qualified is defined as meeting the qualification standards, selective factors, quality ranking factors, and physical qualifications under the Agency's specific selection process.

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 periods full-time employment). Positions may be filled as career ladders or could be filled at the full performance level dependent upon the individual units 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.

Applicants may choose up to nine (9) different location codes.

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 are required with your application to verify eligibility and basic qualifications. If you are unable to attach these documents into your application, you may fax them to 253-573-9869. To ensure consideration, you must include your name on all documents. Failure to provide this documentation may result in disqualification.

a. Applicants applying under the VRA or VEOA authorities must submit a DD-214, Member 4 copy to verify eligibility. If applicable, submit a SF-15, Application for 10-Point preference and a letter dated 1991 to present from the VA or military department indicating your disability rating. If you are still on active duty, then you must submit one of the following documentation: (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.

b. Spouses of military veterans who are applying under the noncompetitive hiring authority for certain military spouses must provide applicable supporting documentation prior to appointment, if selected.

c. Transcripts (official or unofficial) from accredited institutions if education is used to meet basic qualifications requirements. You may be required to provide official transcripts if selected.

d. Applicants not currently employed with the Forest Service must submit an SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action or equivalent document to verify current or former federal employment status.

e. Applicants requesting priority placement consideration under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) must provide the Notice of Expected Separation or other proof document.

3. The following documents are optional but encouraged:

a. Resume.

b. Performance appraisal information for current Federal employees.

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=WDUTZ.
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.