Airtanker Base (Forestry Aid/Technician)

DutiesSummary

This announcement has a cut-off date of 01/05/2021. See below for specific details.

This is a Public Notice for positions being filled under the Direct Hiring Authority (DHA) for Wildland Fire. Under this recruitment procedure applications will be accepted for each location identified in this Public Notice. To learn more about Direct-Hire Authority, go to: OPM.GOV Hiring Information - DHA.


Responsibilities

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is looking for temporary employees to work as Airtanker Base (Forestry Aid/Technicians).

An Airtanker Base (GS-03 Forestry Aid) serves as a crewmember at an airtanker base. Assists in directing aircraft/vehicle parking in assigned area. May monitor activities such as fueling and loading fire retardant chemicals, and performs tasks associated with risk management and safety. Assists with wildland fire chemicals and retardant loading into airtankers and maintaining airtanker base, aircraft ramp facilities, vehicles and equipment. Responsible for recording times on forms and documents pertinent activity in logs. Utilizes computer system to record information, produce reports and detailed documents as necessary.

An Airtanker Base (GS-04 Forestry Technician) directs aircraft/vehicle movement, monitors activities such as fueling and loading fire retardant chemicals, and performs tasks associated with risk management and safety. Assists with loading of retardants into aircraft to meet contract and product specifications and limitations. Responsible for maintaining airtanker base, aircraft ramp, facilities, vehicles and equipment along with recording aircraft times on forms and documents pertinent activity in logs. Utilizes computer system to record information, produce reports and detailed documents as necessary.

An Airtanker Base (GS-05 Forestry Technician) performs as functional leader in various aviation, ground support, and logistical activities related to airtanker and base operations and all other fixed wing operations that may be used at designated bases. Ensures ramp operations are conducted in a safe manner, including parking, loading, and movement around the aircraft. Aids supervisors in compiling data for daily summaries and yearly reports.

Cut-off Date: The following locations will begin to consider applicants prior to the closing date of the announcement. You must apply on or before the date indicated below to receive first consideration. Thereafter, applications may be considered as needed, during the open period of the announcement:

01/05/2021
Grand Junction, CO
Boise, ID
Pocatello, ID
Twin Falls, ID
Battle Mountain, NV
Caliente, NV
Reno, NV
Wells, NV
Winnemucca, NV
Cedar City, UT

During the application process, you may select up to SEVEN (7) locations from the list of available locations in this announcement.

For contacts and information regarding housing availability visit Fire Contacts on the DOI FIRES Jobs website and select the state you are interested in.

For more information about temporary fire positions with DOI, go to the following link: https://www.firejobs.doi.gov/.

Travel Required

Occasional travel - Occasional travel is required.

Supervisory status

No

Promotion Potential

None

• Job family (Series)

  0462 Forestry Technician

• Requirements

  RequirementsConditions of Employment

  PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Medical examination may be required. The work involves a combination of sedentary and physically active work. The work frequently involves long irregular hours. Frequent standing, walking and long periods outside in high temperatures and direct sunlight. Must be able to lift and carry heavy equipment/materials and operate a variety of hand tools.
  
  DRUG TESTING: Positions require a mandatory pre-employment drug test. Applicants will not be appointed to the position if a verified positive drug test is received. The drug test will be provided at Government direction and expense. Once hired, employees are also subject to random drug testing during employment. This is in accordance with Executive Order 12564 and under the Department's Drug Free Workplace Program.
  
  Positions may require a valid state driver's license.
  
  You must be 18 years of age or older at the time of appointment.

  QualificationsTo qualify for a GS-03,you must meet at least one of the following:
  
  • 6 months of general work experience, which can be any work experience; OR
  • 1 year of education above the high school level, which included at least 6 semester hours in any combination of the following courses: range management; range conservation; agriculture; forestry; wildlife management; engineering; biology; mathematics; other natural or physical sciences; OR
  • a combination of education and work experience as described above
  
  To qualify for a GS-04, you must meet at least one of the following:
  
  • 6 months of general work experience, which can be any work experience AND 6 months of specialized work experience equivalent to the GS-03 level duties. Examples of specialized work experience includes working around aircraft performing duties such as aircraft start-up, taxiing, and parking. OR
  • 2 years of education above the high school level which included at least 12 semester hours in any combination of the following courses: forestry, agriculture, crop or plant science, range management or conservation, wildlife management, watershed management, soil science, natural resources (except marine biology and oceanography), outdoor recreation management, civil or forest engineering, or wildland fire science. No more than 3 semester hours of mathematics is creditable toward this requirement. OR
  • a combination of the education and work experience described above.
  
  To qualify for a GS-05,you must meet at least one of the following:
  
  • 1 year of specialized work experience equivalent to the GS-04 level duties. Examples of specialized experience include working around wildland support aircraft performing duties such as aircraft start-up, taxiing and parking. OR
  - successful completion of a 4 year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with either 1. a major study in forestry, range management or agriculture; or a subject matter field directly related to the position; OR 2. at least 24 semester hours in any combination of the following courses: forestry, agriculture, crop or plant science, range management or conservation, wildlife management, watershed management, soil science, natural resources (except marine biology and oceanography), outdoor recreation management, civil or forest engineering, or wildland fire science. No more than 6 semester hours of mathematics is creditable. The level of the course work must have been equivalent to at least the junior- and senior-year levels of a baccalaureate program; OR
  
  • a combination of education and experience that is directly related to the work of this position.
  
  For more information regarding basic qualifications and combining education and experience click here.
  
  **All Locations may not be hiring for all grades; check with each location.**
  
  You must meet all qualification requirements by the cut-off/closing date of the announcement. Education
  Additional informationSELECTIVE SERVICE: Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must certify that they have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. To register or verify your registration go to the Selective Service System website.
  
  BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS: These positions are subject to a pre-employment background investigation. If applicable, the appointment will be subject to successful completion of the background investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to satisfy the background check will result in cancellation of offer of employment or may be grounds for termination.
  
  Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): CTAP provides eligible surplus and displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. Information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility is available from OPM's Career Transition Resources website at CTAP or ICTAP. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration or that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) This vacancy is within your CTAP/ICTAP eligibility; 2) You apply under the instructions in this announcement; and 3) You are found qualified for this vacancy. You must provide proof of eligibility with your application to receive selection priority. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, or a copy of your separation personnel action form.
  
  Temporary employees hired in wildland fire or wildland fire support positions are eligible for the following:
  
  • Annual, sick leave, and paid federal holidays
  -Depending on tour of duty - Sunday, holiday, shift differential and/or hazard pay
  -Participation in the Federal Employees Health Benefit (FEHB) program - Employees electing to participate in the FEHB will be responsible for the employee share of the premium while on the official agency roles, which is deducted from bi-weekly earnings. After separating from federal employment, employees will be offered to continue participation in FEHB under the Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC) option. Employees electing to continue coverage under the TCC provision will be responsible for the full premium amount plus a 2% administration fee.
  
  If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Alternate_Application_Information.
  How You Will Be Evaluated

  You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

  Upon receipt of your complete application package, a review will be made to ensure basic qualification requirements are met.
  
  Because this vacancy will be filled through OPM's Direct Hire Authority, Veterans' Preference and traditional rating and ranking of applicants does not apply to positions filled under this announcement. All qualified candidates will be referred for consideration; the hiring office may conduct interviews at their discretion.

  
  
  Background checks and security clearanceSecurity clearance

  Not Required

  Drug test required

  Yes

• Required Documents

  Required DocumentsYou MUST fax or upload "Required Documents" PRIOR to Cut-off Date/Closing Date.
  
  **Please note that documents selected to transfer from your USAJOBS profile are NOT automatically added to your application. You need to transfer the document(s) in the Document step at the end of the application process.
  
  Resume which includes a list of all significant jobs held and duties performed, dates specified in month and year format, and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40+ hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount qualified specialized experience. If military or civilian, please include your rank and/or grade.
  
  A complete Occupational Questionnaire.
  
  Other Supporting Documents, if applicable, such as:
  
  College transcripts - If you are qualifying using education above high school, you MUST submit a legible copy of your college transcripts.
  
  Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) - If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP you MUST submit documentation verifying your CTAP/ICTAP eligibility - this includes a copy of the agency notice and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level and duty location.
  
  
  • You only need to upload documents that apply to you. For uploading instructions please click here.
  
  You will not be contacted for additional information. If you have questions regarding what is considered appropriate supporting documentation, contact the DOI FIRES Program Office. If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

• Benefits

  Benefits

  Review our benefits

• Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

  Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.

• The public

  U.S. citizens, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Applications will be accepted from all qualified U.S. Citizens. This is a public notice under the Direct Hiring Authority.