Wildland Firefighter (Fuels)

This key fire management position is a categorized under the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard as a Prescribed Fire and Fuels Specialist, Moderate Complexity. Minimum IFPM qualification standards must be met prior to being placed into the position. Detailed information regarding IFPM positions can be found at https://www.ifpm.nifc.gov/. Prior experience in wild land firefighting is required in order to carry out the duties of this position. You will not be considered for this position if you do not have prior wild land firefighting experience. 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). PLEASE NOTE: Applicants may meet qualification requirements but may not be eligible for special retirement coverage. If such an applicant is selected, they will be placed in the regular retirement system. Only experience and education obtained by 11/04/2024 will be considered. You may qualify at the GS-09 level, if you fulfill the following qualification requirement: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-08 grade level in the Federal service that demonstrates your ability to o work closely with other resource specialists to integrate vegetation management project designs in fuels program direction; provide input and recommend strategies for fuels and fire management; develop resource objectives and guidance for implementation of projects and programs; and evaluate post burn fire effects, identify potential problems and make appropriate recommendations. You may qualify at the GS-11 level, if you fulfill one of the following qualification requirements: If you are a current or former federal employee who served in a competitive or excepted appointment, your resume must show that you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level that demonstrates your ability to assist in directing a prescribed fire/fuels management program. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include: review and evaluate fire management plans for ecological soundness and technical adequacy; conduct field inspections before and after prescribed or wildland fires to determine if resource objectives were achieved and/or to evaluate the effectiveness of actions taken; and develop analyses on the ecological role of fire and its use and/or exclusion, and smoke management. OR If you have never been or are NOT a current federal employee who served in a competitive or excepted appointment, your resume must show that you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-10 grade level that demonstrates your ability to direct a prescribed fire/fuels management program. Examples of specialized experience include: review and evaluate fire management plans for ecological soundness and technical adequacy; conduct field inspections before and after prescribed or wildland fires to determine if resource objectives were achieved and/or to evaluate the effectiveness of actions taken; and develop analyses on the ecological role of fire and its use and/or exclusion, and smoke management. In addition to the specialized experience above, you must have the qualifications described below: You must provide a copy of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record or other equivalent documentation which verifies you meet the required minimum qualifications for this IFPM position. Failure to provide this documentation by the closing date of the announcement will result in you being rated as not qualified. IFPM Qualifications for Prescribed Fire and Fuels Specialist (PFFS) (Moderate Complexity) (Selective Factor): Primary Core Requirement: Prescribed Fire Burn Boss, Type 2 (RXB2) AND Secondary Core Requirement: Single Resource Boss, Engine (ENGB) OR Single Resource Boss, Crew (CRWB) OR Single Resource Boss, Helicopter (HMGB) 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. Promotion Potential: This position involves a multi-grade career ladder. The major duties listed represent the full performance level of GS-9/11. At lower grade levels, you will perform assignments of a more limited scope and with less independence. You will progressively acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level of GS-9/11. Promotion is at the discretion of the supervisor and is contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of higher level work, and availability of funds.The selectee may be promoted without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.
This position will be filled under the Office of Personnel Managements Direct Hire Authority and is open to all United States citizens and U.S. nationals. Veterans preference and traditional rating and ranking of applications do not apply. All qualified applicants will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration for this position. To learn more about Direct-Hire authority, go to: OPM.GOV Hiring Information: Direct Hire Fact Sheet