Forestry Technician-Direct Hire Authority

• 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.

• 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
• Have been National Wildlife Coordinating Group (NWCG) qualified as Firefighter II or to be certified as Department of Defense Wildland Firefighter I. Incumbent will be required to successfully complete additional training and certification.
• Position may require an appropriate security clearance
• This position is a covered secondary position description under the provisions of SUSC 8336 (c) and 8412 (d). Ninety days of experience as a primary/rigorous wild land firefighter or equivalent experience outside federal employment
• 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
• This position may be required to work shift work. Emergency overtime will be required. The employee will be required to work other than normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
• Disclosure of Political Appointments
• All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.
• This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur.
• Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period.
• Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
• At least two years experience in wildfire suppression and prescribed fire operations and required to use all safety equipment and clothing provided by management.
• The work requires the employee to drive/operate a vehicle weighing over 26,000 pounds. Must possess at least a Class B Commercial Drivers License.
• Ability to work long hours out-of-doors under adverse environmental conditions to include, but not be limited to, heat, dust, smoke and cold.
• This position has been designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program. Employee must pass initial and periodic short notice drug testing. Illegal drug use by employees
• This position requires the employee to work under adverse environmental conditions and falls under the respiratory protection program and hearing conservation program.

Experience requirements are described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, FORESTRY TECHNICIAN





In addition to the experience requirements described in the group coverage standard, seasonal experience may also be creditable. A season of experience is considered to be a period of no less than 3 months of continuous employment on a seasonal basis. Shorter periods may be combined to make a season, provided a total of at least 3 months' experience is shown. For any period where the work exceeded 3 months, the excess work is credited towards an additional season of experience. One season of experience is qualifying for GS-2; 2 seasons of experience qualify for GS-3; and 4 seasons of experience qualify for GS-4. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include:

• 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 nonforest 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.
  

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the next lower broadband NH-01, equivalent to the next lower grade GS-04 or equivalent in other pay systems. 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.
NOTE: Due to the use of 120-day rosters, this period of experience may be completed within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement.

OR

EDUCATION: 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts.

Employee is required to have been National Wildlife Coordinating Group (NWCG) qualified as Firefighter II or to be certified as Department of Defense Wildland Firefighter I. Incumbent will be required to successfully complete additional training and certification while in this position.

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.



For GS-5 & NJ-02: 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 GS-4. No more than 6 semester hours in mathematics is creditable.



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This is an acquisition demonstration project position NH-02 equivalent to a GS-05 to GS-08.

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

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