Engineering Equipment Operator

Screen-out Element: Ability to do the work of the position without more than normal supervision. Applicants for the position must have operated a variety of heavy equipment such as water tenders, dozers, lowboys, etc. on fire lines for the purpose of suppressing wildfires. Selective Placement Factors: These positions require special qualifications 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 factors will be rated not qualified: 1. You must possess a valid Commercial Driver’s License. 2. Maximum Entry Age: As this is a covered primary fire position, your application package MUST include official government issued documentation (SF-50, driver’s license, etc.) indicating your date of birth. If over the maximum entry age (MEA), and you are not a Veteran, proof of prior covered service must be submitted (i.e. initial primary covered SF-50, copies of approved coverage letters based on individual claims, and any additional SF-50s showing beginning and ending dates of covered/creditable appointments if a break occurred). If over the MEA and you are a Veteran, you must supply a copy of your Defense Department Form 214 (DD-214) along with Standard Form 15 (if applicable) and any associated documentation. Failure to submit required documentation may result in loss of consideration. 3. You must have possessed the following National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) incident management qualification to be considered eligible for this position (currency not required): Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) OPM Job Qualifications System for Trades and Labor Occupations will be used in determining your qualifications. There is no specific length of training or experience required; however, you must be able to demonstrate through experience shown in the resume materials, that you possess the skill level that has equipped you with the particular job elements to successfully perform the duties of Engineering Equipment Operator without more than normal supervision. 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. You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement. This is a primary firefighter position under the special retirement provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8336 (c)(CSRS) and 5 U.S.C. 8412(d) (FERS). The position is subject to maximum entry age (MEA) requirements. The maximum entry-age for this position shall not exceed age 37 unless you have sufficient prior Federal civilian firefighter experience, or you are a preference eligible veteran. If you are a preference eligible veteran, you may be eligible for this position after your 37th birthday. You must supply a copy of your Defense Department Form 214 (DD-214) along with Standard Form 15 (if applicable) and any associated documentation in accordance with the instructions in this vacancy announcement. Failure to provide this documentation with your application will result in loss of eligibility to receive a waiver of the maximum entry age requirement. If over the MEA and you are not a veteran, proof of prior covered service must be submitted prior to employment. Acceptable proof consists of SF-50s showing beginning and ending dates of covered/creditable appointments and copies of approved letters based on individual claims. Physical Demands: Heavy physical effort is used by the operator in constantly reaching, bending, turning, and moving hands, arms, feet, and legs to handle controls to operate the equipment and attachments. Considerable strain is caused by the constant vibration of the equipment and the jerking and jolting from operating on rough surfaces. During fire suppression assignments, the operator is exposed to smoky conditions, fire burns, am other similar conditions. As a line firefighter this position is subject to the Bureau’s step test and arduous physical requirements for firefighters. Work Environment: Work is performed in all types of weather, often in an open driver’s seat on hills, slopes, grades, rolling surfaces, and forests. The operator is exposed to injury due to the possibility of the equipment overturning or to the possibility of being overrun by the wildfire. The operator is subject to noise, vibration, dust, dirt, and fumes from the motor am exhaust and to smoke from wildfires.
Explore a new career with the BLM – where our people are our most precious resource. These positions are located in Boise, Burley, Shoshone, and Twin Falls, Idaho. Information about these locations and the surrounding area can be found at here. We expect to fill 5 vacancies at this time; however, additional positions may be filled from this announcement if they become available.