Aviation Management Specialist
Job Description
Summary
These positions are located within the Washington Office Fire and Aviation Management (WO-FAM).
The incumbent will be responsible for developing and recommending aviation objectives, plans, policies, standards, and procedures for the full range of aviation programs in support of National Forest System resource management and protection activities.
The two positions being filled are:
Helicopter Program Manager
Smokejumper Program Manager
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Duties
Duties listed are at full performance grade GW-13 level.
Provides national and interagency helicopter or smokejumper leadership and program responsibility in the development and implementation of all policies, standards, and procedures to guide/control the wide range of aviation activities.
Leads or participates with committees and work groups of aviation managers developing and recommending aviation related programs, plans, studies, and specific actions.
Participates in or leads FAM program and activity reviews to evaluate conformance with Service-wide direction, responsiveness of aviation programs, management needs, opportunities, cost-effectiveness, and safety.
Applies knowledge of forest fire protection resources, methods, organization, tactics, and costs; development of new or improved methods of utilizing aircraft for fire detection and suppression.
Represents aviation management in more broadly-based committees or work groups involving several staff groups, Regions, Stations, Area, Forests, or agencies to assure that aviation concerns and interests are adequately provided.
Manages, develops, protects, and utilizes forest and range resources to the formulation of aviation plans, direction, controls, and procurement of aviation resources to support functional natural resource activities.
Coordinates aviation safety and accident prevention matters.
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.
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. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
GW-12: You must have one year specialized experience equivalent to the GW-11 in the Federal service. Examples of specialized experience include: Assisted in developing new or proposed aviation policies, procedures, and guidelines; and/or participated with committees and work groups of aviation managers in developing and recommending aviation-related programs, plans, studies, and specific actions; and/or provided advice and assistance to aviation technology, safety, and operational staff specialists to integrate aviation programs.
GW-13: You must have one year specialized experience equivalent to the GW-12 in the Federal service. Examples of specialized experience include: Advised and consulted with employees, contractors and cooperators to assist in the evaluation and implementation of proposed complex regulatory changes in aviation management; and/or developed and implemented all policies, standards, and procedures to guide and control the whole range of complex, often unique and hazardous aviation activities supporting resource management and protection programs; and/or served as a qualified technical investigator on aviation accident investigations, reviews, and follows-up on actions.
Selective Placement Factors
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.
Recommended Additional Experience: Previous work experience in Helicopter operations and contract development and/or Smokejumper operations and leadership.
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.
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
The two positions that will be filled from this announcement will be located at one of the following listed locations:
Helicopter Program Manager
Boise, ID
Broomfield, CO
Missoula, MT
Prescott, AZ
Redmond, OR
Sacramento, CA
Wenatchee, WA
Smokejumper Program Manager
Boise, ID
Missoula, MT
Redding, CA
Redmond, OR
Your preference on the position(s) you would like to be considered for should be annotated within your application assessment.
For additional information about the duties of these position, please see the appropriate contact below:
Helicopter Program Manager - Beau Dobberstein at [email protected]
Smokejumper Program Manager - Chris Tipton at [email protected]
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.
These are permanent full-time positions and may include weekend work.
The duty station for these positions will be at one of the duty locations listed in this announcement. 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.
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.
These are non-bargaining unit position.
Forest Service daycare facilities and Government Housing are not available.
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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.
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Date Posted
05/01/2026
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