Forestry Technician

4 months ago


Fairbanks, United States U.S. Department of the Interior Full time

Clarification from the agency

All U.S. Citizens - No previous federal service is required.This position is being advertised under an OPM government-wide Direct Hire authority.CTAP and ICTAP candidates in the local commuting area.

Duties

Analyzes requests and determines best source of resources for efficient and cost-effective mobilization. Monitors daily fire situation in the Great Basin geographic area with anticipation of needs; identifying shortages of critical resources. Advises offices on applicability of aircraft types and capabilities, costs and possible alternatives. Creates, utilizes and maintains various computer programs/files to facilitate the rapid flow of data and other information to appropriate user. Maintains detailed records of suppression resource use for long term planning. Updates mobilization guides, statistical and year-end reports and qualification system support. Serves on agency and interagency committees, attends meetings, conferences and participates with instructing training sessions.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

U.S. Citizenship is required. Be sure to read the HOW TO APPLY and REQUIRED DOCUMENTS Sections. You cannot hold an active real estate license; nor can you have an interest or hold stocks in firms with interest in Federal Land. Direct Deposit Required. Background Investigation Required. Appointment will be subject to a favorably adjudicated background investigation. Failure to possess or obtain a favorable determination will result in the cancellation of the offer or will be grounds for termination. Applicant(s) tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use and to pass the test prior to appointment. In addition, this position is subject to random testing for illegal drug use. This position requires regular and recurring overtime and shift work during peak fire season. May require completion of a one year probationary period.

Qualifications

Specialized Experience Requirements: In order to be rated as qualified for this position, we must be able to determine that you meet the specialized experience requirement - please be sure to include this information in your resume. To be creditable, this experience must have been equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade of the position to be filled.

To qualify for the GS-08 grade level , 1 year (12 months) of specialized experience equivalent to GS-07 as an Initial Attack Fire Dispatcher (IADP) or related position where work performed interagency dispatching of suppression resources at a local level. Resources include personnel, aircraft, equipment and supplies. Experience with reading, understanding and following directions and guidance in local area mobilization guides, sharing and documenting information so others may make informed decisions based on previous information and decisions. Experience gained through on the ground wildland firefighting experience as it relates to dispatching procedures.

To qualify for the GS-09 grade level , 1 year (12 months) of specialized experience equivalent to GS-08 as an Assistant Dispatch Center Manager or related position (Aircraft Dispatcher/Initial Attack Dispatcher) where work performed interagency coordination of suppression resources at a local level. Resources include personnel, aircraft, equipment and supplies. Experience with reading, understanding and following directions and guidance in Geographic and local area mobilization guides, sharing and documenting information so others may make informed decisions based on previous information and decisions. Experience gained through on the ground wildland firefighting experience as it relates to dispatching procedures.

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.

Substitution of Education for Experience:
GS-08: Two full years (36 semester hours) of GRADUATE level college education or received a master's degree in a field related to range work such as a major study in forestry, range management, agriculture or a field directly related to this position.

GS-09: Two full years (36 semester hours) of GRADUATE level college education or received a master's degree in a field related to range work such as a major study in forestry, range management, agriculture or a field directly related to this position.

Education and experience may be combined to meet the specialized experience requirement.

** You must meet all qualification and selective placement factor requirements by the closing date of the announcement.**

Physical Demands : Work is primarily performed in an office setting but demand long hours of sitting and varying shifts (day and night). Long periods of intense concentration and working at peak proficiency level during periods of high stress are occasional demands of the job.

Work Environment : Work is primarily performed in an interagency office setting with field visits to outdoor environments. The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions.

This is a secondary/administrative firefighter position under the special retirement provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) (CSRS) and 5 U.S.C. 8412(d) (FERS). While secondary positions are not subject to the maximum entry age policy, the selectee must have prior service in a primary position (3 years of service in primary/rigorous position(s)) and meet the transfer requirement for movement from a primary to secondary position to be eligible for special retirement coverage. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure this office has enough information to determine your retirement status to ensure you do not lose benefits (normally through submission of your SF-50). YOU MUST LET US KNOW IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY IN A PRIMARY POSITION.

FACT SHEET for Fire Positions:

Education

See Qualifications Section