Forestry Technician (Smokejumper – Assistant Paracargo Manager) – Direct Hire Authority

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: Parachuting into mountainous, remote, and/or rugged terrain and performing as a wildland firefighter, primarily as an Incident Commander or other leadership role. Assignments include initial attack, extended attack, and point protection throughout the contiguous United States and Alaska. Packing, inspecting, repairing, and maintaining parachutes and related smokejumper equipment, coordinating logistical needs instructing or independently directing work projects of crewmembers. 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: Short narrative of types of qualifying work experience; not positions Parachuting into mountainous, remote, and/or rugged terrain and performing as a wildland firefighter, primarily as an Incident Commander or other leadership role. Assignments include initial attack, extended attack, and point protection throughout the contiguous United States and Alaska. Packing, inspecting, repairing, and maintaining parachutes and related smokejumper equipment, coordinating logistical needs, and interfacing with management, cooperators, and the public; operating as an initial Attack Incident Commander, instructing and/or independently directing work projects of crewmembers. Substitution of Education for Experience: To qualify for the GS-09: Two full years (36 semester hours) of GRADUATE level college education or received a master’s degree in a field related to range work such as a major study in fire science, fire management or a field directly related to this position; OR an equivalent combination of specialized experience and education. To qualify for the GS-10: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree -OR-3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree in a field of study that is directly related to this position. 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. 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. **You must meet all qualification and selective placement factor requirements by the closing date of the announcement.** Medical Requirements: Please see the Department of Interior Medical Standards Program website for the Federal Interagency Wildland Firefighter Medical Standards for your position: http://www.nifc.gov/medical_standards/index.html Physical Requirements Employment in this position is conditional upon your successful completion of the following BLM smokejumper physical fitness performance tests: When you report for duty, you will be given a physical condition test. The test is given in one time period with a 5-minute break between exercises. The test consists of performing the following exercises: 30 push-ups 6 pull-ups Run 1.5 miles in 10.47 minutes or less OR backpacking a 110 pound load three miles in less than 65 minutes. Work Capacity Test at the Arduous Level: All arduous wildland firefighters must backpack a 45 pound load for three miles in 45 minutes or less. 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. Work Environment: The majority of work is performed outdoors in a wide variety of weather and terrain conditions or in a crowded airplane. 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 office 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: Information on Special Retirement.
This is a Direct-Hire advertisement. Veterans preference is not applicable to this advertisement. Learn more about this authority at: DHA Explore a new career with the BLM – where our people are our most precious resource. This position is located in Fairbanks, AK. Information about the surrounding area may be found by clicking on the location name listed. We expect to fill 1 vacancy at this time; however, additional positions may be filled from this announcement if they become available.