FORESTRY TECHNICIAN-Direct Hire Authority

Duties

• Supports initial attach on wildfires and implementation of prescribed fires for protection of valuable resources including Air Force facilities, timber, recreation sites, critical habitat of flora and fauna and private property.
• Establishes priorities, allocates resources, and supervises the mobilization, demobilization and reassignment of wildland fire suppression and prescribed fire resources necessary to support current and anticipated initial attack and logistical support for operations within the local, geographic and national area.
• The technician performs fireline activities such as line construction, hose layout, operation of pumps and water handling accessories, breaking up of fuel concentrations by lopping and scattering brush, wood, etc., using hand and power tools, and holding/patrol/mop-up operations.
• Operates mobile firefighting equipment, e.g., tenders, engines, tractor/transports and all-terrain vehicles (ATV's). Technician is responsible for the safe operation of various pieces of firefighting equipment. Utilizes and maintain aerial fire ignition devices and equipment. Participates in fire and safety training in the techniques, practices and methods of fire suppression and in the safe, efficient operation of tools, equipment and vehicles used in fireline activities, with emphasis on those used in the particular function assigned.
• The technician may be required to perform other natural resource related tasks related to ecological monitoring as well as forest and/or wildlife management.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship is required
• Males must be registered for Selective Service, see Legal and Regulatory Guidance
• This posn is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
• For more information on Acq Demo please go to DoD AcqDemo Homepage http://acqdemo.hci.mil/ and Fact Sheet http://acqdemo.hci.mil/faq.html
• Position may require an appropriate security clearance
• Employee must maintain current certifications
• Position may be subject to random drug testing
• Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends and/or holidays
• Shift work and emergency overtime may be required
• Disclosure of Political Appointments
• All federal employees are required to have direct deposit
• This position may require travel.
• This position may require drug testing, and the candidate may be subject to passing a drug test upon selection.
• Selectee is expected to be granted with and/or maintain the appropriate security clearance required for the position.
• Selectee may be required to serve a probationary or trial period.
• At least two years experience in wildfire suppression and prescribed fire operations.
• Employee is required to use all safety equipment and clothing provided by management.
• Ability to work long hours out-of-doors under adverse environmental conditions to include, but not be limited to, heat, dust, smoke and cold.

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, in Technical and Medical support positions.

BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT

Individual Occupational Requirements: Must have seasonal experience. A season of experience is considered to be a period of no less than 3 months of continuous employment on a seasonal basis.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower broadband NJ-01, equivalent to the next to lower grade GS-04 or equivalent in the Federal Service. Specialized experience includes which includes forestry aid or technician work; engineering, range, or soil conservation technician work that involved the application of cultural, resource conservation, or land management practices on non forest or ranch lands when combined with knowledge of forestry operations and equipment; farming or ranching work that involved application of cultural and soil and water conservation practices, including safety and use of equipment, and that provided a basic understanding of land use; forest or range fire control, prevention, or suppression work.
OR
EDUCATION: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree (a) with major study in forestry, range management, agriculture, or a subject-matter field directly related to the position, or (b) that included at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as those shown above for NJ-02/GS-5. No more than 6 semester hours in mathematics is creditable.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
1. Expert knowledge regarding interagency dispatch procedures including the ability to manage resource orders and produce report using the Resource Ordering and Status System {ROSS).
2. Knowledge of principles, practices, techniques, and procedures of general natural resources management and biological sciences to effectively perform functions associated with wildland fire suppression.
3. Knowledge of the policies, techniques and practices of wild land firefighting obtained through substantial service as a primary/rigorous firefighter of the Federal government or in a similar firefighting position outside the Federal government; knowledge of safety requirements as outlined in applicable safety standards, regulations, and/or technical orders.
4. Skill in operating communications equipment; and in detecting and recognizing fire hazards (potential and immediate); skill and ability to operate and maintain various types of equipment and vehicles used for fighting wildfire and carrying out prescribed burning operations.
5. Ability to maintain good working relations; to communicate orally and in writing; and to lift and carry heavy loads.
6. Ability to apply emergency first aid techniques.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Additional information

This public notice is to gather applications that may or may not result in selection.

This job announcement may close at any time - apply now!

Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.

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