• Job Description

  Req#: 835179200
  This position is located on USDA Forest Service Region 2, Rocky Mountain Region
  
  This position manages permanent and temporary helibases, provides contract administration for, and plans and directs helicopter operations in support of, prescribed fire, fire suppression, emergency incidents and resource management functions.
  
  For additional information about the duties of this position, please see the ADDITIONAL INFORMATION section.
  
  Duties
  
  
  • Duties listed are at full performance grade GS-09 level.
  • Plans, coordinates, and directs aviation support or helicopter personnel in support of prescribed fire, fire suppression and resource management.
  • Participates in Forest, Regional and National planning committees related to helicopter operational policies and procedures.
  • Responsible for helicopter safety, risk management, and compliance with applicable policies and procedures. Required to adjust procedures quickly, as wildland fire conditions change rapidly.
  • Plans helicopter budget, including supplies, equipment, training, and personnel necessary for safe and efficient helicopter operation. Administers helicopter program budget and submits requisitions for supplies and materials.
  • Plans and prepares aviation training projects to support aviation personnel training programs.
  • Provides technical supervision necessary for accomplishing the fire management and other resource management work of the unit.
  
  
  Requirements
  
  
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service or exempt.
  • Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
  • Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
  • Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
  • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify.
  • Must be 18 years of age.
  • This is a drug testing designated position. You will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. Appointment is based on a negative result. This announcement constitutes 30 days advance notice.
  • Must pass the Work Capacity Test for certain Interagency Fire Program Management or Fire Program Management positions.
  • Secondary Coverage: Prior wildland firefighting experience is required.
  • Willing to live/work in remote locations (volatile/unpredictable).
  • Some Fire positions may have Conditions of Employment such as: a valid state driver's license; a commercial driver's license (CDL); pre-appointment and random drug testing; or a physical or medical examination.
  • There may be additional Conditions of Employment not listed here, however applicants will be notified of any specific requirements at the time a tentative job offer is made.
  
  
  Qualifications
  
  
  In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
  
  Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.
  
  Specialized Experience Requirement:
  
  For the GS-8 level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-7);
  
  OR
  
  two full years (36 semester/54 quarter hours) of successfully completed graduate level education or master's degree if the coursework is directly related to the work of the position (such as forestry, range management, agriculture);
  
  OR
  
  combinations of graduate level education that is directly related to the position (in excess of 18 semester/27 quarter hours) and specialized experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university.
  
  Examples of specialized experience include: Directs and monitors initial incident activities; determines forest aviation needs while ordering personnel, equipment, and supplies; provides technical expertise for helicopter projects within the forest, including aviation activities related to prescribed fire, fire suppression and resource management; assists in the development of training techniques related to helicopters and helicopter firefighting duties for the forest and regional fire management program.
  
  For the GS-9 level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-8);
  
  OR
  
  two full years (36 semester/54 quarter hours) of successfully completed graduate level education or master's degree if the coursework is directly related to the work of the position (such as forestry, range management, agriculture);
  
  OR
  
  combinations of graduate level education that is directly related to the position (in excess of 18 semester/27 quarter hours) and specialized experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university.
  
  Examples of specialized experience include:: Assisting in administering aircraft contracts, contract language changes, and in completing related reports, records, and payment documents; Assisting in planning and coordinating aviation support and helicopter personnel in support of prescribed fire, fire suppression and resource management; Participating as an instructor or coordinator of fire aviation training programs.
  
  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.
  
  FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a secondary firefighter position under 5 USC 8336 (CSRS) and 8412(d) (FERS). Prior wildland firefighting experience is required. There is no age limit for entry into secondary positions. Firefighter retirement coverage of the incumbent depends upon his or her individual work history.
  
  WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the ARDUOUS, MODERATE, or LIGHT level is a condition of employment.
  
  To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

• About the company

  The United States Department of Agriculture, also known as the Agriculture Department, is the federal executive department responsible for developing and executing federal laws related to farming, forestry, rural economic development, and food. It aims to meet the needs of commercial farming and livestock food production, promotes agricultural trade and production, works to assure food safety, protects natural resources, fosters rural communities and works to end hunger in the United States and internationally.

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