Wildland Firefighter (Prevention)

Selective Placement Factors: This is an administrative position in an organization having a firefighting mission and is clearly in an established career path. Prior firefighting experience, as gained by substantial service in a primary firefighter position or equivalent experience outside the Federal government is a MANDATORY PREREQUISITE. Those who do not provide evidence they possess the following selective factor will be rated not qualified:

90 Day Prior Firefighting Experience Requirement (resume must show to and from dates and a description of work performed). The Department of the Interior defines wildland firefighting experience as on-the-line wildland firefighting experience gained through containment, control, suppression, or use of wild land 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.

In order to be rated as qualified for this position, we must be able to determine that you meet the qualification requirements - please be sure to include this information in your resume. No assumptions will be made about your experience.

For the GS-08 level: You must possess one (1) full year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-07 level that is equivalent in difficulty and complexity as indicated by the following examples: Participates in the implementation of wildland fire prevention (reducing unwanted human-caused ignitions) and mitigation (reducing damage and loss from wildland fires that do occur) programs. Collaborates with the public to promote awareness of wildland fire prevention and facilitates wildland fire prevention through educational programs and activities.

For the GS-09 level: You must possess one (1) full year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-08 level that is equivalent in difficulty and complexity as indicated by the following examples: Implementing wildland fire prevention (reducing unwanted human-caused ignitions) and mitigation (reducing damage and loss from wildland fires that do occur) programs as well as a fire investigation and trespass (cost recovery) program. Participate in public outreach and education programs to prevent or mitigate wildfires, working with communities and other organizations with a vested interest in loss from wildfire, and investigating wildland fires.

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.

This is a SECONDARY/Administrative fire 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 (MEA) policy, the selectee must have prior service in a primary position 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.

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: Although work is generally performed in an office setting, intermittent field work is involved. 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.