Wildland Firefighter (Prevention) - Direct Hire Authority

Clarification from the agency

All U.S. Citizens - No previous federal service is required.This position is being advertised under an OPM government-wide Direct Hire authority.

CTAP and ICTAP candidates in the local commuting area.

Duties

• Plans and implements wildfire prevention and mitigation programs and plans.
• Prepares fire trespass cases.
• Writes and implements wildfire preventions plans.
• Serves as a fire investigation instructor.
• Identifies and analyzes major causes of wildland fire.
• Establishes and maintains a relationship with other cooperating activities regarding wildfire prevention and mitigation programs.
• Educates the public about the ecological principles and benefits of wildland fire and their relationship to the mission of the organization.
• Educates local communities on potential wildfire threats.
• Develops and implements educational school programs, meetings and events with tribal governments and local communities.
• Duties listed are for the full performance level (GS-09).

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Be sure to read the HOW TO APPLY and REQUIRED DOCUMENTS Sections.
• You cannot hold an active real estate license; nor can you have an interest or hold stocks in firms with interest in Federal Land.
• Direct Deposit Required.
• Background Investigation Required.
• Appointment will be subject to a favorably adjudicated background investigation. Failure to possess or obtain a favorable determination will result in the cancellation of the offer or will be grounds for termination.
• You must meet specified levels on annual physical fitness tests, and pass periodic medical exams for wildland fire personnel, commensurate with current incident management qualification.
• You must be 18 years of age or older to be assigned to a hazardous position.
• You must also pass the work capacity test for arduous positions.
• Applicant(s) tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use and to pass the test prior to appointment.

In addition, this position is subject to random testing for illegal drug use.

• This position requires regular and recurring overtime and shift work during peak fire season.
• May require completion of a one year probationary period.
• Applicants appointed to this position must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license.

Qualifications

Specialized Experience Requirements :

In order to be rated as qualified for this position, we must be able to determine that you meet the specialized experience requirement(s);

please be sure to include this information in your resume. No assumptions will be made about your experience. To be creditable, this experience must have been equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade of the position to be filled.

To qualify for the GS-07 grade level, 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-06 is required. Examples of work experience include, but are not limited to : assisting on plans for wildland fire mitigation, assisting in coordination of wildland fire educational programs with other agencies, institutions, and / or communities;

assisting in the development and implementation of prevention campaigns for internal and external wildfire causes.

• To qualify for the GS-08 grade level, 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-07 is required. Examples of work experience include, but are not limited to : making recommendations on plans for wildland fire mitigation;
• assisting in coordination of wildland fire educational programs with other agencies, institutions, and / or communities;

assisting in the development and implementation of prevention campaigns for wildfire causes; and acting as a wildland fire investigator.

• To qualify for the GS-09 grade level, 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-08 is required. Examples of work experience include, but are not limited to : writing plans for wildland fire mitigation;
• coordinating wildland fire educational programs with other agencies, institutions, and / or communities; serving as a spokesperson on controversial issues or policies to media, interest groups, public, and government officials;

developing prevention campaigns for wildfire causes; and acting as a wildland fire investigator and supporting the district fire trespass program.

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.

Substitution of Education for Experience :

There is no substitution of education for experience at the GS-06 and above grade levels for the 0456 series.

You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

Physical Demands : The work is primarily sedentary, although a level of physical fitness is required which will allow for work during periods of extended stress and in the field when wildland fire situations arise.

During the fire season, extended fire assignments away from the unit may be required under very stressful conditions.

Work Environment : Work is generally performed in an office setting. Field work involves exposure to temperature extremes, both from weather and fire conditions where falling trees and the presence of smoke and / or dust conditions create hazardous conditions.

The nature of fire investigation work requires that protective clothing (boots, hard hats, etc.) be worn. The incumbent must exercise a variety of safety practices and precautions for the well-being of self and of others.

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). While secondary positions are not subject to the maximum entry age policy, the selectee must have prior service in a primary position (3 years of service in primary / rigorous position(s)) and meet the transfer requirement for movement from a primary to secondary position to be eligible for special retirement coverage.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure this office has enough information to determine your retirement status to ensure you do not lose benefits (normally through submission of your SF-50).

YOU MUST LET US KNOW IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY IN A PRIMARY POSITION.

FACT SHEET for Fire Positions :

Education

See Qualifications Section