Wildland Firefighter

Clarification from the agency

ALL U.S. CITIZENS. DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: These positions will be filled using Direct Hire Authority for this occupation. CTAP and ICTAP candidates in the local commuting area.

Duties

Directs a prescribed fire/fuels management program that includes fuels management activities and functions at the unit/tribal level to include prescribed fire, mechanical and biological fuels treatments, and monitoring (fire effects, fuels and smoke) Prepares and implements routine aspects of the prescribed fire/fuels plans. Develops and recommends plans and schedules for prescribed fire, wildfire response, and fuels treatment projects. Reviews project plans and make recommendations on appropriate levels of monitoring. Utilizes a database to model and analyze fire behavior and fire effects observation data. Participates in planning and coordinating routine or limited aspects of the fuels management program. Reviews and comments as necessary on routine sections of the Fire Management Plan pertaining to prescribed fire and fuels treatments. Coordinates and implements the technical and administrative aspects of the prescribed fire/fuels plan, ensuring that preparation, ignition, holding, mop-up, and rehabilitation are completed to the specified standards.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

U.S. Citizenship Required You will be required to have federal payments made by Direct Deposit You may be required to successfully complete a probationary period A background security investigation will be required for all new hires. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. If you are a male applicant born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency. This position requires the incumbent to possess and maintain a valid state driver's license. This is a Testing Designated Position and is subject to both pre-employment and random drug testing as a condition of employment. Applicants will not be appointed to the position if a verified positive drug test is received. This position is subject to pre-employment and annual medical screening and physical fitness testing.

Qualifications

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:
NOTE: 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 Prescribed Fire and Fuels Specialist (PFFS) and requires selectee to meet the minimum qualification standards for IFPM prior to being placed into the position. Detailed information regarding IFPM positions can be found at

GS-08 : 1 year of specialized wildland fire work experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level or equivalent pay band in the Federal service. Examples of specialized experience include assisting in prescribed fire and fuels program planning and coordination; recommending plans and schedules for prescribed fire, wildfire response, and fuels treatment projects; participating in technical aspects of prescribed fire operations, ensuring preparation, ignition, holding, mop-up, and rehabilitation meet prescription standards; monitoring fire behavior and evaluating fire effects; participating in wildland fire and safety training and preparedness reviews.

GS-09 : 1 year of specialized wildland fire work experience equivalent to the GS-8 grade level or equivalent pay band in the Federal service. Examples of specialized experience include developing fire management plans and schedules for prescribed fire, wildfire response, and fuels treatment projects; evaluating prescription treatments, monitoring methods; conducting surveys; using a database to model and analyze fire behavior and fire effects observation data; implementing technical aspects of prescribed fire operations, ensuring preparation, ignition, holding, mop-up, and rehabilitation meet prescription standards; conducting field reconnaissance and summarize findings; providing for training needs to support prescribed fire and fuels management programs.

SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTORS: These are MANDATORY qualification prerequisites to qualify for this position. This position is one of the key fire management positions under the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard categorized as a Prescribed Fire and Fuels Specialist (PFFS) - Moderate Complexity and requires the following National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) incident management qualifications and training requirements to be considered eligible for this position: Primary Core Requirement : Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2) or higher Secondary Core Requirement : Engine Boss (ENGB) or Crew Boss (CRWB) or Helicopter Manager (HMGB) or higher NOTE: Selective factors are knowledges, skills, abilities, or special qualifications that are in addition to the minimum requirements in a qualification standard but are determined to be essential to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. Applicants who do not meet the selective factors are ineligible for further consideration. You MUST provide a current copy of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record or other agency equivalent documentation which verifies you meet this required qualification for this position when submitting your application. Selectees for IFPM positions requiring currency will be required to obtain and maintain currency for the NWCG qualifications listed above

FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This position is covered under the secondary/administrative firefighter special retirement provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8336(c)(CSRS) and 5 U.S.C. 8412(d)(FERS) when it is filled by an incumbent who transfers directly from a primary or another secondary law enforcement or firefighting position with no break in service to this position. Firefighter retirement coverage of the incumbent will depend upon his or her individual work history. You may meet the qualification requirements, but not be eligible for special retirement coverage. If you are not eligible for special retirement coverage, you will be placed in the regular retirement system.

Prior Wildland Firefighting Experience : This is a secondary-administrative position in an organization having a firefighting mission, and is clearly in an established career path. Prior firefighting experience, as gained by substantial service in a primary firefighter position or equivalent experience outside the Federal government is a MANDATORY PREREQUISITE.

All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

Additional selections may be made from this announcement if identical vacancies occur within 90 days from the closing date .

Physical Demands : Work in the office is primarily sedentary. Field work does require frequent physical exertion, involving walking over rough terrain, sometimes for extended periods, and working under occasionally inclement (hot, cold, snow, wind, etc.) weather conditions.

The incumbent must be in good physical condition in order to safety perform field activities. The incumbent must be able to perform duties in areas of uncontrolled wildfire where hazardous conditions exist. The incumbent must be able to fly as a passenger in helicopters and single engine fixed wing aircraft.

Work Environment : Work is performed in both an office and field setting with field work. Field work involves exposure to temperature extremes, both from weather and fire conditions where falling trees and the presence of smoke and/or dust conditions create hazardous conditions. The nature of fire management work requires that protective clothing (boots, hard hats, etc.) be worn. The incumbent must exercise a variety of safety practices and precautions for the well-being of self and of others.

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