Job Listing: Fire Management Specialist (Prescribed Fire/Fuels)

Duty Locations

 1 vacancy - Indiahoma, OK

The Mission of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service: working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. 

Full Performance Level: 9

This position is located in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Indiahoma, Oklahoma.

 

Major Duties

This position is located at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge under the supervision of the Prescribed Fire/Fuels Specialist. This position is responsible for planning and implementing the fuels management program for the Oklahoma/North-Texas Fire Management Zone (Wichita Mountains. Washita/Optima, Salt Plains, Buffalo Lake, Muleshoe/Grulla, Tishomingo, Hagerman, Deep Fork, Sequoyah/Ozark Plateau, Little River, Little Sandy National Wildlife Refuges and Tishomingo National Fish Hatchery). Fifty-three Communities at Risk (CAR) are associated with these stations. Fuel-types range from deciduous forest through tall-grass, prairie to short-grass prairie, and canyon lands. Incumbent provides professional advice and assistance to meet resource management objectives with prescribed fire and community assistance. Interprets and analyzes environmental influences and fire behavior, makes judgments and adjusts tactics as conditions change. Develops and directs a comprehensive fuel-sampling program, directs fuel management surveys. Review and analyze pertinent research and fire effects monitoring data and applies information to the fuels program as appropriate. Coordinates the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) program. Provides expertise in development and review of prescribed burn plans, and is responsible for burn unit preparation and mitigation. Make recommendations for prescribed fire projects, multi-year project scheduling, and estimating resource needs. Provides field supervision of fuels treatment projects and performs as a Burn Boss (RXB2) during prescribed fire operations, prepares post-burn reports and maintains records of work accomplishments and documents burn results. May direct initial attack operations and serve on wildfire suppression assignments as qualified. Maintains suppression qualifications as an Incident Commander (ICT4) and Single Resource Boss.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package, which includes both of the following parts:

1.      Your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire, and

2.      Your résumé and any other documents specified in the Required Documents section of this job announcement.

 

We highly recommend you apply using Application Manager for convenience and quickest processing. Track your progress to a Complete Application Package using the My Application Packages checklist and status displays in Application Manager. Your Application Package status must be Complete by Tuesday, April 15, 2008 

Option A:  Application Manager

To begin, choose one of these options:

·         If your résumé is going to come from the USAJOBS Resume Builder, you begin the process by clicking the Apply Online button near the bottom of this page. Your résumé will be attached only to the Application Package you complete and Submit immediately after you click the Apply Online button for this job announcement, not to any Application Packages you may already have created.

·         If your résumé is going to be one you prepared outside of USAJOBS Résumé Builder, click this link to begin the process: Online Questionnaire 

 

To return to Application Manager at any time, use whichever one of the links  you used to begin as described above, or simply go to https://ApplicationManager.org. 

 

Help is also available online at the following link  applicationmanagerhelpdesk@opm.gov.   

 

Option B:  Paper Qualifications Questionnaire

If it is not possible for you to use Application Manager, you can write your answers on paper.  Follow these steps:

1.      You can print a copy of this job announcement so that you can read the questions offline.

2.      Obtain and print a copy of the OPM Form 1203-FX, which you will use to provide your answers. You can obtain the form at this URL http://www.opm.gov/Forms/pdf_fill/OPM1203fx.pdf or by calling USAJOBS by Phone at (703) 724-1850; after the introduction, press 1, and listen for instructions.

3.      You may submit the Form 1203-FX, resume, and any supporting documents either by fax or email.

·         By Fax: If you are faxing a Form 1203-FX, do not use a separate cover sheet. Simply make sure the Form 1203-FX is on top of any other documents you are faxing. If you are faxing any documents without the Form 1203-FX on top, always use the official cover sheet which is here -- http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf -- and be sure to fill it out completely and clearly.  The fax number is 1-478-757-3144.  Feed all documents into your fax machine top first so that we receive them right-side up.

·         By Email:  You may also submit your application and forms directly to: nathan.conn@opm.gov

-   In the Subject line of your email include the Vacancy Identification Number DS180079.  Be sure you provide all of the information requested below:

-   Full name, mailing address (with zip code) and day/evening telephone numbers (with area code).

-   ONLY the last four digits of your Social Security Number (for security and privacy purposes).

 

All documents and applications must received by midnight Eastern Time on Tuesday, April 15, 2008.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ANSWERING THE QUESTIONS IN THE OCCUPATIONAL QUESTIONNAIRE:

Please use the following step-by-step instructions as a guide to filling out the occupational questionnaire.  If you are applying via Fax or Paper you will need to print out 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. You must submit your on-line questionnaire by midnight, Eastern Time on Tuesday, April 15, 2008.

 Social Security Number

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

Vacancy Identification Number

The Vacancy Identification Number is: DS180079

1. Title of Job

Fire Management Specialist (Prescribed Fire/Fuels)

2. Biographic Data

All biographic information is required, except for your telephone number and the contact time.

3. E-Mail Address

4. Work Information

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

5. Employment Availability

Indicate your availability for employment.

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 (07-07) you will accept.

07
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

Select your claim for Veterans' Preference.

15. Dates of Active Duty - Military Service

These dates are required if you have claimed Veterans' Preference unless you have claimed derived Preference (i.e., widows, spouse, etc.)
Please use this format: (mm/dd/yyyy)

16. Availability Date

You may omit the availability date if you can begin work immediately. 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

Select/enter at least one occupational specialty. The specialty code for this position is:

001 Fire Mgt. Spec. (Prescribe Fire/Fuels)
21. Geographic Availability

Select/enter at least one geographic location in which you are interested and will accept employment. The location code for this position is:

0009 Indiahoma, OK
22. Transition Assistance Plan

In this section indicate if you are a surplus or displaced Federal employee requesting special priority consideration under the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP).

Note: To receive consideration for CTAP or ICTAP, you must submit the necessary supporting documentation. Refer to the vacancy announcement for additional information and instructions.

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:

For each of the following questions, choose the response that best describes your experience and training. Mark only one response for each question. Please note that your answers will be verified against the information you provided in your resume or application and information provided by your references.

1. From the descriptions below, select the letter corresponding to the statement that most clearly and accurately describes your basic education for Fire Management Specialist (Prescribed Fire/Fuels). Select only one letter. SUBMIT COPY OF TRANSCRIPT(S).

A. I have a bachelor's degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate fish and wildlife biology.
B. I have a combination of education and experience--Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in 1A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education related to this position.
C. I do not have education and/or experience described above.

2. From the descriptions below, select the letter corresponding to the statement that most clearly and accurately describes your highest level of education or professional experience. Select only one letter.

A. I have a degree as stated in "A" above and I meet one of the requirements for Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) at the undergraduate level as follows: 1) Class standing Graduated in the upper third of the class based on completed courses in the college, university or major subdivision; 2) Grade Point Average 2.95 or higher out of a possible 4.0 scale as recorded on official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of curriculum; or 3) Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society. Submit a copy of your transcript and documented proof of your GPA, Class Standing, or Honor Society membership.
B. I have successfully completed 1 full year (18 semester hours) of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's degree or equivalent graduate degree in a Fish and/or Wildlife Biology or related fields.
C. I have one or more years of specialized experience that demonstrates knowledge of the theories, principles, and methods of fish and wildlife biology, including habitat restoration and prescribed burning; knowledge of Federal laws, regulations, and conservation programs related to natural resources management; ability to assess the effects of upland, wetland, in-stream and riparian restoration projects on other fish and wildlife resources of an area; ability organize, plan, and forecast; ability to convey technical information orally and in writing to individuals with diverse interests and backgrounds; ability to work cooperatively and effectively with public agencies, tribal governments and private groups in natural resources project development and valuation. This experience must be equivalent to the GS-5 level in the Federal service but may be gained in the private or public sectors. Work at this level is entry level and is performed under close supervision and guidance.
D. I have less than the full amount of specialized experience described above and less than the full amount of education described in A or B above. However, I have an equivalent combination of specialized experience and education. To compute, first determine your total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required; then determine your total qualifying education as a percentage of the education required. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal to 100 percent to qualify.
E. I do not have the experience or education described in the statements above.

3. You must have prior firefighting experience, as gained by substantial service in a primary firefighting position or equivalent experience outside the Federal Government, that involved on-the-line wildland firefighting experience gained through containment, control, suppression, or use of wildland fire. This experience can be met by serving in a temporary, seasonal, or equivalent private sector fire position for no less than 90 days. Periods of wildland firefighting experience, gained through militia and rural fire departments, can also be credited, as long as the total amount of this experience equates to at least 90 days. Wildland fire is defined as any non-structure fire that occurs in the wildland.
Do you possess the experience stated above (qualifications will be verified against materials provided in your application package)?

A. Yes
B. No

For each task in the following group, choose the statement from the list below that best describes your experience and/or training. Darken the oval corresponding to that statement in Section 25 of the Qualifications and Availability Form. Please select only one letter for each item.

A- I do not have education, training or experience in performing this task.
B- I have had education or training in performing the 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 performance of this task or I have normally been the person who is consulted by other workers to assist them in doing this task because of my expertise.

4. Provide professional expertise in the development and implementation of multiple resource objectives.

5. Develop fuels treatment alternatives to support management decisions while adhering to applicable laws, regulations, policies, and guidelines.

6. Evaluate individual fuels treatments as well as the effectiveness of the assigned program and make recommendations for improvements.

7. Coordinate with the next higher organizational level, other agencies, cooperators, and stakeholders to develop interagency fuels strategies.

8. Represent the organization in multi-agency fuels management activities.

9. Maintain awareness of technological developments in wildland fire science and related disciplines.

10. Collect information through a variety of methods, including field surveys, computer modeling, and specific literature searches.

11. Coordinate multi-disciplinary field studies related to fuels management program issues to determine effectiveness of treatments.

12. Coordinate and provide transfer of findings to the appropriate personnel.

13. Manage the smoke management program to ensure compliance with state air quality standards.

14. Coordinate with federal, state, and local government air quality officials in their development of operational procedures and reporting requirements.

15. Assist in formulating the annual fuels management budget, including maintaining a system of accounts to track program expenditures.

16. Serve as a member of an interdisciplinary team planning, developing, and implementing land management plans, documents, and agreements.

17. Recommend strategies for fuels and fire management.

18. Provide information on fuels management methods to enhance, restore, and protect the ecosystems.

19. Develop, review, and monitor fuels management plans.

20. Work with others to integrate vegetation management project designs in fuels program direction.

21. Review environmental documents, prescribed fire plans, and wildland fire use plans of other agencies and stakeholders which will affect the unit.

22. Prepare wildland fire risk assessments incorporating wildland/urban interface considerations into all agreements, operating plans, and land and fire management plans.

23. Participate in the development of cooperative agreements to facilitate multi-agency projects.

24. Implement and administer prescribed fire activities, wildland fire use, and fuels management activities to ensure targets are achieved, management objectives are met and mitigation measures are adequate.

25. Monitor fire behavior, evaluate fire effects, identify potential problems, and take appropriate actions.

26. Design and implement fuels management surveys to document presence, amount, and types of hazardous fuels.

27. Participate in prescribed fire and fuels management, and wildland fire and safety training.

28. Participate in preparedness reviews, proficiency checks and drills, safety sessions, and after action reviews.

29. Serve as the representative and prepare fuel management contracts.

 

Required Documents:

The Assessment Questionnaire
A resume, or application of your choice
Veterans documentation (if applying for veterans preference), and
College transcripts (if applicable) are required. 

Refer to Step Two under "How to Apply" for instructions on how to submit these forms.  

Note: Please ensure that your resume contains the basic information outlined under the Applying for a Federal Job link:   http://www.gpo.gov/careers/pdfs/of0510.pdf

Your resume, curriculum vitae, or any other written format you choose to describe your job-related qualifications can be submitted electronically through the Application Manager.  Please ensure that all submitted document contain your full name, address, phone and at least your last four digits of your social security number.

 

Contact Information:
Nathan E. Conn

Phone: (210)805-2403

Email: nathan.conn@opm.gov


Or write:
San Antonio Services Section
8610 Broadway Rm 305
San Antonio, TX 78217

USA


What To Expect Next:

Applicants that are found among the most highly qualified may be referred to the hiring official for consideration.  If your name is referred to the hiring agency, you will be contacted directly by that office for a possible interview.  You will receive notice via email or by mail if no email address was provided by you during your application process.