Job Listing: Forestry Technician (Fire Operations & Prescribed Fire/Fuels

Duty Locations

 few vacancies - Kenai & Soldotna, AK Working for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is more than a career. It is a commitment shared by more than 9,000 men and women representing a diverse range of professions, backgrounds, and specialties who are dedicated to conserving, protecting, and enhancing fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats. From the Arctic Ocean to the South Pacific, from the Atlantic to the Caribbean, Service personnel are working hard to ensure future generations will be able to enjoy nature's beauty and bounty.

Located at the heart of the Kenai Peninsula, the City of Soldotna offers year round recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. Fishing opportunities include not only the Kenai River for King, Sockeye, and Silver Salmon throughout the summer season, but also easy access to nearby Cook Inlet for Halibut and numerous lakes and streams for Trout, Dolly Varden, and other species. Sightseeing and hiking are available within and around Soldotna.  Lands open for snow machining and cross-country skiing trails are readily accessible.  Further information can be found at:  http://www.soldotnachamber.com/.

The primary responsibilities of this position are: wildland fire preparedness and suppression and preparing and carrying out prescribed fire plans, fire effects, manual and mechanical hazardous fuels treatments, and smoke and wildland fire use monitoring.  It also conducts field surveys to determine the location of hazardous fuel conditions.

Major Duties

This position assists in wildland fire prevention and preparedness programs and activities.  It ensures readiness of wildland fire suppression equipment and personnel.  It prepares and reviews plans and or plan components such as annual operating plans, training, plans, fire suppression plans, safety plans, and individual project plans.
 
This position plans and conducts project assessments which determine the presence or absence of hazardous wildland fuels.  It reviews project plans and makes recommendations on appropriate levels of monitoring.   It establishes study plots to assess fire and fire suppression impacts on the ecosystem.  It participates in drafting prescribed fire/fuels management plans.  It creates, updates, and uses a database to model and analyze fire behavior and fire effects observation data.
 
This position also directs and performs wildland fire suppression efforts in initial attack and in follow-up actions to safely and effectively control wildland fires.  It implements components of the preparedness program such as detection, readiness, cooperative agreements, fire danger/behavior predictions, severity requests, and dispatching.  It serves on prescribed fire and fuels projects.  During the implementation of prescribed fire plans, fuels projects, and wildland fire use plans, it monitors fire behavior, evaluates fire effects, identifies potential problems and makes recommendations.  It conducts field reconnaissance of prescribed fire/fuels treatment units.  It participates in preparedness reviews.
 
For more detailed information about the duties of this position, contact the supervisor, Dianne Maclean at (907) 260-5994.

How to Apply

Applying for this position requires you to:

1) Complete the Assessment Questionnaire and;

2) Submit a resume and any applicable supporting documentation (see Required Documents section).

We encourage you to complete both of these steps online. Applying online is the most efficient and effective way to ensure your application is received and processed in a timely manner.  If you cannot submit all application materials online, you may submit some documents online and some offline.  For example, you may be able to submit the questionnaire and resume online but do not have an electronic copy of your transcripts.  In this case, you may submit the questionnaire and resume online and send the transcripts via fax. 

 

How to Submit An Online Application

Option 1

The USAJOBS web site provides a "Create a Resume" feature that you may use to develop and submit a resume for this position. The completed resume can be attached to this vacancy announcement and submitted electronically. To do so, scroll down to the end of the vacancy announcement. Click on the "Apply Online" icon. Then follow the USAJOBS web site instructions. Your resume will be attached only to the online Assessment Questionnaire you complete and Submit from this session, not to any Questionnaires you may already have Saved or Submitted. If you do not have all the requested documents stored in the USAJOBS resume builder you will be able to upload the rest of your documents and/or fax the remaining documents, such as veterans preference or transcript documentation. See information below for how to fax supporting documentation. 

OR

Option 2

If your resume is going to be one you prepared outside of the USAJOBS Resume Builder, click this link to begin the process: Online Questionnaire.  You will fill out the online Assessment Questionnaire and be able to upload documents through a browse feature.  After the assessment questionnaire is submitted, you will receive a notice that indicates the submission was successful.

 

All resumes must be submitted by midnight Eastern time on the Tuesday, April 08, 2008.

 

Instructions for answering the questions in the online Assessment Questionnaire:

You may omit any optional information; however, you must provide responses to all required questions. Be sure to double check your application before submission by viewing your answers before submitting your answers.  You must click the "Submit Your Answers" button when you are done.  Follow the instructions that appear on the screen until you receive an acknowledgment that your answers have been successfully submitted. The online Assessment Questionnaire must be completed and submitted by 12:00 midnight Eastern time on the Tuesday, April 08, 2008.

 

How to properly save and return to complete your online Assessment Questionnaire:

If you want to "Save" an incomplete online Assessment Questionnaire and return later, select the "Save" button at the top or bottom of each of the application pages and click the "Logout" button.

If you have "Saved" an incomplete online Assessment Questionnaire, you may finish it and/or upload documents by clicking on or inserting this link into your internet browser https://www.ApplicationManager.org. Insert your USAStaffing Application Manager User Name and Password and click the "Go" button. Once you are logged in, click on the Vacancy ID  OU183200 number on which you would like to work.

If you submit more than one online Assessment Questionnaire for this position, the most recent one submitted is the one that is used. Therefore, it is important for you to complete it in its entirety.

 

How to Verify Your Application Materials Have Been Successfully Submitted

1. Go to https://www.ApplicationManager.org and log in using your USAStaffing Application Manager User Name and Password.

2. Verify that your questionnaire, resume, and supporting documents were submitted successfully by clicking on the appropriate Vacancy ID  OU183200.

3. Verify that all of your documents where submitted by reviewing the table.

- If an Item (Type of Document) on the table appears with a status of "OK", that Item was successfully submitted.  Veterans Please Note: Submittal of veteran documentation is REQUIRED.  VETERANS MUST SUBMIT VETERAN DOCUMENTATION AT TIME OF APPLICATION.

 

What to Do If You Cannot Apply Online

Your application and all supporting documents must be submitted online and/or by fax.  If you cannot submit online or by fax, give the specialist handling this announcement a call.  We encourage you to submit your assessment questionnaire, resume, and supporting documentation online. Applying online is the most efficient and effective way to ensure your application is received and processed in a timely manner.

 

If you are able to complete the assessment questionnaire online, as outlined above, but unable to submit your resume/supporting documentation online, you may fax all or part of your other documentation to the Office of Personnel Management office in Macon, GA. If you fax your resume/documentation you must use a special cover page. To print a copy of the required cover page insert this internet address into your browser http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf. The information contained on the cover page must match the information you provided on the assessment questionnaire. The vacancy ID number OU183200, your name, and SSN should be written accurately and neatly in large block letters. This special cover page is used to match your documents with the record you established when you submitted the online assessment questionnaire. If the information is inaccurate or incomplete you may not receive consideration for this position. The fax number to submit your documents is: 1-478-757-3144.

 

Likewise, you may submit your assessment questionnaire by fax.  To complete the assessment questionnaire in hard copy form, click this link to print a copy of the OPM Form1203-FX or insert or type this internet address into your browser http://www.opm.gov./Forms/pdf_fill/OPM1203fx.pdf   You can also obtain a copy of the OPM Form 1203-FX by calling USAJOBS by phone at (703)724-1850. Print a copy of this job announcement and use the Form 1203-FX as a response sheet when answering the assessment questionnaire portion of this announcement. 

 

Please do not fax or mail applications to our Anchorage office.  Any materials received in the Anchorage office will not be considered.

 

Individuals who have special priority selection rights under the DOI Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) must be well-qualified for the position to receive consideration for special priority selection. They must meet the qualification standard and eligibility requirements for the position, including minimum educational and experience requirements, meet all selective factors where applicable and be able to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry. Well qualified for CTAP and ICTAP eligibles applies to individuals with experience that is directly related to the type of work described in the "Major Duties," who have obtained a rating of 90 or above in the automated evaluation process. Information about the DOI career transition assistance program (CTAP) and Interagency
Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) may be found at http://www.doi.gov/hrm/guidance/fctap97.pdf

If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or you may be subject to fine, imprisonment, or other disciplinary action.

Who Can I Contact if I Have a Question?
If you have questions about this announcement or the application process, contact Joy Edge at (907) 271-3338 or toll free at (888) 859-4183 or email at Joy_Edge@blm.gov. Reference the title of this announcement and this vacancy announcement number  R7-08-183200-JE.

Required Documents:

NOTE:  FAILURE TO SUBMIT THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS THAT APPLY TO YOU BEFORE MIDNIGHT EASTERN TIME (EIGHT O’CLOCK ALASKA TIME) ON Tuesday, April 08, 2008 WILL RESULT IN YOUR APPLICATION NOT BEING CONSIDERED.

 

* Resume – You may submit your resume, curriculum vitae, the Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF-612), or any other written format you choose to describe your job-related qualifications.  This must be submitted electronically or faxed. Please ensure that your resume contains your full name, address, phone and at least your last four digits of your social security number.  If you are submitting your resume other than online there is a 10 page limit.  The system will not accept pages beyond the limit and that information will be lost.  There is no limit for submitting online.

 

* DD-214/SF-15 for Veteran’s Preference - Individuals wishing to claim Veteran’s Preference must submit a copy of their DD-214.  Applicants who fail to submit a copy of their DD-214 will not be given Veteran’s Preference. If you are currently on active duty and do not yet have a DD-214, you must submit a letter from your commanding officer certifying that you have completed at least 180 consecutive days of active service and you are being discharged under honorable conditions. To claim 10-point veteran’s preference, submit an SF-15 along with your supporting documents as shown on the SF-15.  You must submit the required documentation to verify/confirm your claim, or you will NOT be given 10 points Veteran’s Preference. Additional information about veteran’s preference is found at http://www.opm.gov/veterans/html/vetguide.asp .   If you are submitting your veteran’s preference documentation other than online there is a 6 page limit.  The system will not accept pages beyond the limit and that information will be lost.  There is no limit for uploading documents.

 

* SF-50 – CTAP/ICTAP Eligibles - If you are a current or former Federal employee eligible for the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Program (ICTAP), you must submit a copy of the agency notice, a copy of your most recent performance rating and a copy of your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location by the closing date of this announcement. Annotate on the cover sheet or prominently on page 1 of your application that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible.  If you fail to submit this documentation by midnight Eastern Time of the closing date of this announcement, you will not receive priority consideration.  If you are submitting your CTAP/ICTAP documents other than online there is a 6 page limit.  The system will not accept pages beyond the limit and that information will be lost.  There is no limit for uploading documents.

Contact Information:
Joy Edge

Phone: (907)271-3338

Email: joy_edge@blm.gov


Or write:
US Fish and Wildlife Service Alaska
222 West 7th Street Ave 13
Anchorage, AK 99513


What To Expect Next:

Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful.  After a review of your complete application is made you will be notified of your rating and or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required you will be contacted.

Instructions for answering the questions in the Occupational Questionnaire: If you are applying to this announcement by completing the OPM 1203-FX form instead of using the Online Application method, please use the following step-by-step instructions as a guide to filling out the required questionnaire. You will need to print the vacancy announcement and refer to it as you answer the questions. You may omit any optional information; however, you must provide responses to all required questions. Be sure to double check your application before submission.

Social Security Number

Enter your Social Security Number. Providing your Social Security Number is voluntary, however we can not process your application without it.

Vacancy Identification Number

The Vacancy Identification Number is: OU183200

1. Title of Job

Forestry Technician (Fire Operations & Prescribed Fire/Fuels

2. Biographic Data

3. E-Mail Address

4. Work Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

5. Employment Availability

6. Citizenship

Are you a citizen of the United States?
7. Background Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

8. Other Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

9. Languages

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

10. Lowest Grade

Enter the lowest grade level (06-07) you will accept.

0607
11. Miscellaneous Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

12. Special Knowledge

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

13. Test Location

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

14. Veteran Preference Claim

15. Dates of Active Duty - Military Service

16. Availability Date

You may omit the availability date if you can begin work immediatley. Otherwise you must provide the date you will be available for employment. Please use this format: (mm/dd/yyyy)

17. Service Computation Date

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

18. Other Date Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

19. Job Preference

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

20. Occupational Specialties

The occupational specialty will be selected for you if there is only one, otherwise, select/enter at least one occupational specialty code for this position. The specialty code for this position is:

001 Fire Operations & Prescribed Fire/Fuels
21. Geographic Availability

The geographic location code will be selected for you if there is only one, otherwise, select/enter at least one geographic location in which you are intrested and will accept employment. The location code for this position is:

0718 Kenai & Soldotna, AK
22. Transition Assistance Plan

23. Job Related Experience

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

24. Personal Background Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

25. Occupational/Assessment Questions:

1. I have at least one year of forest or range fire control, prevention, or suppression work equivalent to the GS-05 grade level in the Federal Service to qualify for the GS-06.

A. YES.
B. NO.

2. I have at least one year of forest or range fire control, prevention, or suppression work equivalent to the GS-06 grade level in the Federal Service to qualify for the GS-07.

A. YES.
B. NO.

The following selective factor is a requirement for this position.

3. I currently have fire qualifications of ICT4 or higher.

A. YES.
B. NO.

4. I have a minimum of 90 days of wildland firefighting experience. Wildland firefighting experience is defined as on-the-line wildland firefighting experience gained through containment, control, suppression, or use of wildland fire. Wildland fire is defined as any non-structure fire that occurs in the wildland. The three types of wildland fire are wildfire, wildland fire use, and prescribed fire. Wildfire is defined as an unplanned, unwanted wildland fire, including unauthorized human-caused fires, escaped wildland fire use events, escaped prescribed fire projects, and all other wildland fires where the objective of the firefighter is to put the fire out. Wildland fire use is described as the application of the appropriate management response to naturally ignited wildland fires to accomplish specific resource management objectives in predefined designated areas outlined in Fire Management Plans. Prescribed Fire is defined as any fire ignited by management actions to meet specific objectives. A written, approved prescribed fire plan must exist, and the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) requirements (where applicable) must be met, prior to ignition. This description includes only fireline experience on a Prescribed Fire; it does not include experience in the planning stages. Prescribed fire experience must be supplemented by fire suppression experience in order to be creditable as previous wildland firefighting experience.

A. YES.
B. NO.

Describe your 90 days wildland firefighting experience and where you received it.

Knowledge of suppression methods and techniques.

For each factor in the following groups choose the statement from the Level Descriptions that best describes your level of proficiency acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience and/or training for the tasks listed below. Select only one letter for each task.

A- I have not had education, training or experience in performing this task.
B- I have had education or training in performing this task, but have not yet performed it on the job.
C- I have performed this task on the job. My work on this task was monitored closely by a supervisor or senior employee to ensure compliance with proper procedures.
D- I have performed this task as a regular part of a job. I have performed it independently and normally without review by a supervisor or senior employee.
E- I am considered an expert in performing this task. I have supervised the performance of this task or am normally the person who is consulted by other workers to assist them in doing this task because of my expertise.

5. Perform Initial Attack on Wildland Fires

6. Plan and execute hose lays using engines, pumps and water delivery equipment

7. Perform as an assistant Prescribed or Wildland Fire Firing Boss

8. Perform as a member of a wildland fire helicopter crew

9. Perform as an instructor/evaluator for basic fire and chainsaw training

10. Perform wildland urban-interface structure assessment and/or triage

Ability to perform as a wildland firefighter in leadership positions.

11. Perform as a qualified Engine Boss (ENGB) on wildland fires

12. Determine suppression tactics

13. Train subordinate firefighters in use of suppression tactics and equipment

14. Order supplies and resources for accomplishment of wildland fire missions

15. Supervise wildland firefighters on fire assignment

FACTPR: Ability to operate heavy equipment in support of suppression and prescribed fire operations.

Ability to operate heavy equipment in support of suppression and prescribed fire operations.

16. Perform as (at a minimum) a Type 3 Bulldozer Operator on prescribed or wildland fires.

17. Perform as off-road engine operator (tracked vehicle)

18. Perform as heavy (Type 4 Minimum) Engine Operator

19. Do you possess a Commercial Drivers License?

A. YES
B. NO

20. Are you currently qualified as an Engine Boss (ENGB) on an Incident Qualification Card?

A. YES
B. NO

Ability to organize and manage fire cache and equipment.

For each factor in the following groups choose the statement from the Level Descriptions that best describes your level of proficiency acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience and/or training for the tasks listed below. Select only one letter for each task.

A- I have not had education, training or experience in performing this task.
B- I have had education or training in performing this task, but have not yet performed it on the job.
C- I have performed this task on the job. My work on this task was monitored closely by a supervisor or senior employee to ensure compliance with proper procedures.
D- I have performed this task as a regular part of a job. I have performed it independently and normally without review by a supervisor or senior employee.
E- I am considered an expert in performing this task. I have supervised the performance of this task or am normally the person who is consulted by other workers to assist them in doing this task because of my expertise.

21. Maintain fire cache capable of supporting minimum of 20-person crew

22. Perform check-in/out and refurbishment of all equipment

23. Perform inventory and ordering of necessary supplies and equipment

24. Are you willing to frequently travel by scheduled or charted aircraft or ground vehicles to various destinations in the western U.S.?

A. Yes
B. No

25. This is a career seasonal permanent position. Initial tour of duty will be full-time. Your services will not be required at certain times due to lack of work, lack of funds, weather conditions or for other reasons. During these periods you will be placed in a non-work, non-pay status. It is expected that you will work at least 6 months per year, but not more than 50 weeks or 25 pay periods on a full-time basis. Are you willing to accept these conditions?

A. Yes
B. No

26. Are you willing to undergo a urinalysis drug test?

A. Yes
B. No