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

Parachutes into mountainous, remote, rugged terrain and performs as a wildland firefighter, primarily as an Incident Commander or other leadership role. Makes strategic and tactical decisions on wildland fires based on objectives, priorities, and limitations given by Fire Management Officers (FMO) or other land manager(s). Determines when to release resources and establishes follow-up patrol schedule. Assists the Smokejumper Loft Manager with day-to-day operations. Coordinates the construction and maintenance of smokejumper parachute equipment. Procures loft material and equipment. Trains smokejumpers in parachute rigging, parachute equipment manufacturing and design, and parachute repair. Maintains smokejumper loft databases and spreadsheets. Adheres to and makes recommendations to improve relevant internal guidelines and standard operating procedures. Takes corrective action on any smokejumper operational issues that arise. Acts as Smokejumper Loft Manager in their absence, occurring on an often-regular basis due to wildfire and prescribed fire assignments. Plans, schedules, prioritizes, and oversees work assignments to be accomplished by subordinates. Identifies and resolves minor complaints, conflicts or conduct issues, and when necessary, recommends discipline of subordinates.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Incumbent must have a valid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Senior or Master Certificate with Back and Chest rating. 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. You must meet specified levels on annual physical fitness tests, and pass periodic medical exams for wildland fire personnel, commensurate with current incident management qualification. You must be 18 years of age or older to be assigned to a hazardous position. You must also pass the work capacity test for arduous positions. 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. Applicants appointed to this position must POSSESS and maintain a valid state driver's license.

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-09 grade level, 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-08 is required . Examples of work experience include, but are not limited to: prior smokejumper experience in suppression/control of forest or range wildfire; making strategic and tactical decisions on wildland fires; experience leading smokejumpers and/or other fire resources; and managing smokejumper parachute equipment.

To qualify for the GS-10 grade level, 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09 is required. Examples of work experience include, but are not limited to: prior smokejumper experience in suppression/control of forest or range wildfire; making strategic and tactical decisions on wildland fires; experience leading smokejumpers and/or other fire resources; managing smokejumper parachute equipment; and training smokejumpers in parachute rigging, parachute equipment and parachute repair.

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:
For the GS-09: Two full years of graduate level college education or a masters degree in a field directly related to forestry technician fire work such as a major study in forestry, fire science or a field directly related to this position that has equipped me with the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of this position.; OR an equivalent combination of specialized experience and education.

For the GS-10: Three years of graduate level college education or a Ph.D. degree in a field directly related to forestry technician fire work such as a major study in forestry, fire science or a field directly related to this position that has equipped me with the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of this position; OR an equivalent combination of specialized experience and education.

Selective Placement Factor(s) : This position requires a special qualification that has been determined to be essential to perform the duties and will be used as a screen out element. Those who do not provide evidence they possess the following selective factor(s) will be rated not qualified.

1. Prior smokejumping experience required. This experience must be documented in the online application or resume with specific to AND from dates (MM/YY), description of work performed, AND hours worked per week.

2. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Senior or Master Certificate with Back and Chest rating. Applicant must provide a copy of the certificate with the application. Submitted document MUST clearing show the rating.

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

Physical Demands: The incumbent must be able to work under extreme physical exertion regularly working 16 hour shifts or longer on the fireline. Work on the fireline requires considerable strenuous physical exertion, e.g., long periods of standing; digging; bending; kneeling; running chainsaws; and hiking over rough, uneven, rocky surfaces and through wooded or brush areas.

Work Environment : The majority of the work is performed out of doors in a wide variety of weather and terrain conditions or in a crowded airplane. Meals frequently consist of cold rations and sleeping accommodations may be a sleeping bag and a piece of plastic. The remainder of the work is accomplished in a sometimes tense and stressful warehouse environment. Incumbent risks death or serious injury during parachute jumps, cargo dropping, or firefighting.

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 off ice 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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