Forestry Technician

Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted from any U.S. Citizen. DIRECT HIRING AUTHORITY will be used to fill this position.

Duties

Major Duties at the GS-06 grade level:

Serves as an initial attack Incident Commander on wildland fires in remote forest environments and in wildland-urban interface/intermix situations. Makes initial size up of fire situations, determines suppression method to use including hose lay types, deployment of crew, point of the initial attack, type of tools to use, and application of water, and hand line location and standards. Directs project work in support of ecosystem management, development of prescribed fire, reburn plans, pre-attack planning, brush disposal, and fuels unit preparation. Provides training/instruction on fire suppression procedures, fire line construction, hose lays, use of appropriate personal protective equipment, fire engine tactics, fire behavior, water use and pump operations. Additional Duties at the GS-07 grade level: Directs the operation of a wildland fire engine, recommending the correct positioning, proper use and, operation to ensure the safety of the crew and equipment. Provides technical and administrative leadership to an Engine Module throughout the fire season. Reviews work daily, weekly, or monthly, assuring all standards are met.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

U.S. Citizenship required. Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication. Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males. Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program. You will be required to submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test result prior to appointment. In addition, this position is subject to random testing for illegal drug use. You will be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties; a valid driver's license is required. You may be required to complete training and operate a four-wheel drive vehicle. You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work. If you are a new employee or supervisor in the Federal government, you will be required to complete a one-year probationary period. Subject to frequent extended travel particularly during fire season, and you must obtain a government charge card for travel. You may be required to complete training and obtain/maintain a government charge card with travel and/or purchase authority.

Prior to appointment, you must be determined physically fit by an authorized government physician to perform strenuous and physically demanding duties; and also pass a medical examination (which includes vision, hearing, cardiovascular, and mobility of extremities) given by an authorized government physician. You will also be required to take periodic medical examinations throughout employment.

The Work Capacity Test (WCT-Pack Test) as a method for assessing an employee's fitness levels for fire qualifications in the positions covered by this recruitment notice. Arduous fitness (WCT-Pack Test) will consist of completing a three-mile hike, within 45 minutes, while carrying a 45 pound pack. Please use the link for additional information on the

Qualifications

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement 06/15/2024.

Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST clearly indicate the nature of the duties and responsibilities for each position, starting and ending dates of employment (month/year), and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40+ hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount qualified specialized experience.

This position has been identified as one of the key fire management positions under the Interagency Fire Program management (IFPM) Standard. This position has been categorized as a Engine Captain and requires selectee to meet the minimum qualification standards for IFPM prior to being placed into the position. For more information on IFPM, .

Selective Factors: The applicant must possess/have possessed all the following National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) incident management qualifications and training requirements to be considered eligible for this position:

ENGB/Engine Boss ICT5/Incident Commander Type 5 S-211 Portable Pumps and Water Use -AND-

This position is covered by the special retirement provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8336 (c) and 5 U.S.C. 8412 (d) as a Primary/Rigorous Firefighter. Applicants must be 18 years of age, but not have reached their 37th birthday by the closing date of this announcement . These positions are covered by the special enhanced annuity retirement provisions for Federal Firefighters and Law Enforcement officers and have a mandatory retirement age of 57. Two exceptions are allowed:
1) an applicant has prior Federal service in documented special retirement covered position(s) sufficient to count toward 20 years of covered service on or before the mandatory retirement age of 57;
or
2) an applicant is a qualified veterans' preference eligible, in which case the MEA is waived and their corresponding retirement age may be higher than 57 after completing 20 years of service. Applicants must submit proof of their previous and/or current status in the Fire Fighter or Law Enforcement special enhanced annuity retirement system.

-AND-

To qualify for this position at the GS-0462-06 grade level, you must possess at least one of the following:

A. One year specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 level providing leadership and oversight of wildland fire suppression/management/control work as a seasoned, experienced firefighter on an engine, helitack, prescribed fire, or wildland fire module or on a hand crew.

-OR-

B. One year of graduate level college education with major study in forestry, range management, agriculture, wildland fire management, fire science or a subject-matter field directly related to the position. A copy of your transcripts is required.

-OR-
C. Equivalent combination of specialized experience and education as described above.

IMPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE: If you are using education to qualify you must submit a legible copy of your transcripts (A copy of your official transcripts will be required before entrance on duty, if selected).

To qualify for this position at the GS-0462-07 grade level, you must possess at least one of the following:

A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-6 level providing leadership and oversight of wildland fire suppression/management/control as a seasoned, experienced firefighter on an engine, wildland fire module, or hand crew.. Ability to ensure fire policies, guidance, and procedures are safely and effectively carried out. Experienced in utilizing specialized engine equipment. Exchanges and presents technical and policy information to the engine crew. Ensures fire operation plans are performed safely and objectives are maintained.

-OR-

B. One year of graduate level college education with major study in forestry, range management, agriculture, wildland fire management, fire science or a subject-matter field directly related to the position. A copy of your transcripts is required.

-OR-

C. Equivalent combination of specialized experience and education as described above.

IMPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE: I f you are using education to qualify you must submit a legible copy of your transcripts (A copy of your official transcripts will be required before entrance on duty, if selected).

Volunteer Experience: 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.

Education

When submitting college transcripts, you must submit a legible copy of transcripts from an with your name, school name, credit hours, course level, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking. Transcripts do not need to be official, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.

If you are using to meet qualification requirements, you must show that your education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.

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