Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Smokejumper Base Manager)

Summary This position is located in the Northern Region, Region 1. The position assists in managing and directing programs supporting the coordination, logistical support, and dispatch of fire and emergency resources across the nation, which includes all lands administered by various federal and state agencies. For additional information about the duties of this position, please contact Tiffany Counts at [email protected]. Duties Duties listed are at full performance grade GW-12 level. Provides expert guidance and advice concerning smokejumper and aviation activities, policies, and procedures. Provides leadership, supervision, and coordination for a designated Forest Service (FS) smokejumper program and base. Plans, executes, and reports on a variety of smokejumper and aviation activities. Performs evaluations of all activities to determine overall effectiveness, efficiency, safety, and productivity. Develops, organizes, and implements short- and long-range smokejumper operational plans. Recommends goals and objectives and formulates operational plans and programs to achieve them. Prepares annual budget submission considering goals and objectives, fluctuating workforce and workload. Manages financial resources within the allotted budget and in accordance with annual program of work. Serves as Contracting Officer Representative for smokejumper aircraft contracts (pilots, planes). Provides administrative supervision to a highly skilled fire staff consisting of several program experts. Plans work to be accomplished, sets and adjusts short-term priorities and prepares schedules for completion of work. Requirements Conditions of employment Must be a U.S. Citizen or National. Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service or exempt. Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check. Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served. Refer to the Next Steps section for more information. Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify. Must be 18 years of age. This is a drug testing designated position. You will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. Appointment is based on a negative result. This announcement constitutes 30 days advance notice. Must pass the Work Capacity Test for certain Interagency Fire Program Management or Fire Program Management positions. Subject to one year supervisory/managerial probationary period unless prior service is creditable. New USDA supervisors must successfully complete all components of the required training program before the end of their probationary period. Secondary Coverage: Prior wildland firefighting experience is required. Willing to live/work in remote locations (volatile/unpredictable). Some Fire positions may have Conditions of Employment such as: a valid state driver's license; a commercial driver's license (CDL); pre-appointment and random drug testing; or a physical or medical examination. There may be additional Conditions of Employment not listed here, however applicants will be notified of any specific requirements at the time a tentative job offer is made. Qualifications In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards. Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Specialized Experience Requirement: For the GW-11: You must have one year specialized experience equivalent to the GW-10 in the Federal service. Examples of Specialized Experience Include: Coordinated with aviation program managers to establish short term objectives with making recommendations including inspection procedures, planning and implementing testing of equipment to monitor results, and recommending changes in policies or procedures based on results to higher level manager; Assisted in conducting evaluations of project or program operations; and Recommended a proposal for a partial fire program budget. For the GW-12: You must have one year specialized experience equivalent to the GW-11 in the Federal service. Examples of Specialized Experience Include: Assessed smokejumper operations, make recommendations for implementation and execution for all phases of the operation to including inspection and evaluation procedures, planning and implementing the testing of equipment; Developed a proposal for a fire program budget; and Coordinated with aviation program managers to establish long term objectives such as evaluating types of aircraft for future smokejumper fleet. 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. FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a secondary firefighter position under 5 USC 8336 (CSRS) and 8412(d) (FERS). Prior wildland firefighting experience is required. There is no age limit for entry into secondary positions. Firefighter retirement coverage of the incumbent depends upon his or her individual work history. WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the ARDUOUS level is a condition of employment. To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Education There is no education qualification or substitution for this position. Additional information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. Government housing and federal day care facilities may be available. Salary range as shown is the locality pay Rest of U.S. (RUS). Pay rates vary by location. Please visit the Office of Personnel Management's website for additional information on pay rates. Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. Final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at time of job offer. The Forest Service may use certain incentives and hiring flexibilities, currently offered by the Federal government, to attract highly qualified candidates. Additional Information is available on the OPM Website. Selectee will be responsible for tax obligations related to payments for moving expenses - 2017 Tax Cuts and Job Act, Public Law 115-97. Questions should be directed to the Travel Desk, 877-372-7248, Option 1, or email [email protected] Subject to one-year supervisory/managerial probationary period (unless prior service is creditable). New USDA supervisors must successfully complete all components of the required new supervisory training program before the end of their probationary period. PROMOTION POTENTIAL: If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is neither implied or guaranteed. This is a non-bargaining unit position. Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.