About the role
Duties
Crew Member Work 70%
Serves as a skilled crewmember on a hand crew assigned to suppress the full range of difficulty and complexity of fires. Utilizes a variety of specialized tools, equipment, and techniques while actively suppressing wildfires, such as a pulaski, shovel, McLeod, ax and chainsaw to control the spread of wildfire. Performs basic fireline activities such as line construction, lopping and scattering of fuels using hand tools and holding, patrolling, monitoring, and mop-up operations. Moves dirt, chops brush and small trees, etc. to construct fire line. Is responsible for observing the rules of wildland firefighting safety. Applies practices and techniques to minimize resource damage.
Independently or with one or two other crewmembers may be assigned to carry out specialized assignments such as tree falling, backfire and burnout. Serves as a skilled wildland firefighter on an organized crew during prescribed burns, monitoring and controlling the fire, and collecting data on fire weather and fire behavior. Also performs project work such as fuel inventory and hazard fuel reduction projects. Depending on experience level, may be assigned to structure fire protection.
Additional Duties 30%
Performs the full range of standardized forestry support duties for fire, timber, silviculture, recreation, wilderness, or research activities. Participates in 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 to which assigned. Participates in crew proficiency checks and drills. Participates in safety sessions and fire critiques. Ensures own and others' welfare and safety in all aspects of the assignments. Cleans, maintains, reconditions, and stores fire fighting tools and equipment. Inventories fire supplies and equipment.
May be assigned to fire lookout to provide detection and reporting of wildfires. Reports smoke and fire to a dispatcher giving location, estimated size and other pertinent information. Reports weather and fire behavior information keeping the dispatcher and/or other officials informed of current conditions. May perform project work such as fuel inventory, preparing associated reports, and hazard fuel reduction projects.
May perform project work such as road and trail maintenance, habitat manipulation, and miscellaneous equipment and facilities maintenance. May assist higher level workers in forestry/range research efforts; in the marketing of forest/range resources; or in the scientific management, protection, and development of forest/range resources. Must possess a valid state driver's license and have the ability to operate light vehicles and 4X4s.
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-04: (6) six months of general experience and (6) six months of specialized experience equivalent to a GS-03 level.
General experience is defined as: Performed farm/ranch labor, such as feeding/tending livestock or general maintenance of farm/ranch facilities; worked in a greenhouse, nursery or landscaping e.g., planting, moving, watering, and tending plants; animal caretaker in a laboratory, zoo or pet store; volunteer work at a park, hospital, community sports league, local fire department, etc.
Specialized experience is defined as: Performed natural resource support work, e.g., forestry, range, park technician, wildland firefighter, or similar jobs; performed routine support assignments in a forestry specialty area, e.g., wilderness, timber, fire prevention/control, etc. –OR
Successful completion of 2 years of study above high school that include at least 12 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 3 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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