Forestry Technician

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

Determine appropriate resource response to incidents and requests from the field. Coordinate aviation dispatch operations. Process and interpret weather information. Anticipate fire suppression needs and determine resource allocation. Operate and/or direct the operations of various dispatch telecommunications systems and input data into fire-related computer applications. Review internal operating procedures and systems, make recommendations for improvement, and update/develop operating plans and mobilization guides. Review internal operating procedures and systems, make recommendations for improvement, and update/develop operating plans and mobilization guides.

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/suitability investigation/determination. 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. This position requires you to wear an officially-approved uniform while in a duty status. Applicants appointed to this position must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license. Your resume must contain enough information to show that you meet the qualification requirements as defined in the announcement. In addition, your responses to the questions must adequately reflect in your resume.

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(s); please be sure to include this information in your resume. No assumptions will be made about your experience. 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-06 grade level, 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-05 is required. Examples of work experience include, but are not limited to: Experience includes dispatch and dispatch office functions related to wildland fire suppression activities; may include guidance and direction to subordinate dispatchers.

To qualify for the GS-07 grade level, 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-06 is required. Examples of work experience include, but are not limited to: Specialized work experience includes performing and directing others in dispatch and dispatch office functions related to wildland fire suppression activities, providing logistical support information, and making recommendations for efficient use of available resources.

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-06/07: Must have completed 1 full year (18 semester hours) of graduate education which is DIRECTLY related to work of the position OR an equivalent combination of specialized experience and education.

You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

Physical Demands : The work involves long hours of sitting, intense concentration, and working at peak proficiency/intensity levels with irregular breaks and mealtimes. The duties of this position create a highly stressful environment during peak activity, requiring the ability to keep calm in emergency situations. Must be able to cope with the pressure of meeting timeframes and changing priorities. Mental concentration and accuracy are required.

Work Environment : Work is performed primarily in an office setting. During peak activity, increased radio traffic, numerous ringing phones, and conversations result in high noise levels, which require a high level of concentration to perform duties. This creates a high stress work environment.

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.

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