About the role
Duties
Serves as senior wildland firefighter on a wildland fire engine. Independently performs engine operation duties in the suppression of wildland fires and prescribed fire. Drives engine to fire locations in consideration of safety of crew and equipment, and how the equipment can be best used in control and mop-up operations. Personally performs and may direct others in starting pump engine, priming pump, adjusting engine speed and pump valves, laying hose, and using appropriate nozzles and nozzle adjustment in effective use of water and additives. Has specialized duties such as water handling specialist, fully qualified chain saw operator, or responsible for maintenance of specialized equipment used to respond to wildland urban interface/intermix situations. May serve as Incident Commander on initial attack.
Gathers and considers information on weather data, topography, fuel types, and fire behavior in responding to wildland fire incidents. When positioning and deploying personnel and equipment, recommends best approaches and practices to use in protection of the values at risk.
Responsible for operation and maintenance of specialized equipment used to respond to wildland and prescribed fire situations. Accomplishes emergency repairs as necessary to permit continued use of equipment. In those instances when the apparatus cannot be used effectively in suppressing the fire, the incumbent takes aggressive control action in attacking the fire, using other means.
Participates in wildland fire and safety training in the techniques, practices, and methods of fire suppression and in the safe, efficient operation and use of tools, equipment, and vehicles used in fire line activities, with emphasis on those used in the particular function assigned. Participates in crew proficiency checks and drills, safety sessions, and fire critiques. Ensures own and others' welfare and safety in all aspects of the assignment.
May inventory fuel beds, prepare associated reports, perform hazard fuel reduction projects, monitor burning conditions, pile vegetation debris and act in assigned positions such as ignition or holding specialist or other designated positions during actual fuel reduction efforts by prescribed fire.
May perform other duties as designated on Incident Qualification Card.
May perform project work such as road and trail maintenance, habitat manipulation, miscellaneous equipment, facilities maintenance, and other resources.
May assist in forestry/range research efforts; in the marketing of forest/range resources; or in the scientific management, protection, assist in monitoring efforts and development of forest/range resources.
May be required to fill in for other work leaders on established crews.
Serves as an experienced firefighter on a hand crew or other related fire suppression crews performing fire suppression and/or fuels management duties under the most adverse conditions of climate, fuels, and terrain.
Qualifications
You must possess the Basic Requirements identified below to be considered eligible for this position. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Your application or resume must clearly show that you possess the appropriate experience requirements.
GS-05: (1) One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-4.
Specialized Experience is defined as one or more of the following: Controlled operation of the engine, operated pump and adjusted controls under close supervision; performed regular maintenance and minor repairs on fire engine; served as a skilled wildland firefighter on an organized crew during prescribed burns, monitoring or controlling the fire and collecting data on fire weather and fire behavior. –OR
Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree (a) with major study in forestry, range management, agriculture, or a subject-matter field directly related to the position, or (b) that included at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as forestry, agriculture, crop or plant science, range management or conservation, wildlife management, watershed management, soil science, natural resources (except marine fisheries and oceanography), outdoor recreation management, civil or forest engineering, or wildland fire science. No more than 6 semester hours in mathematics is creditable. –OR
A combination of education and experience listed above.
To receive consideration for this position, you must meet all qualification requirements on the closing date of this announcement.
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.
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