Forestry Technician (Recreation, Timber, Range)

Summary This position is located on a Forest Service unit. This position performs a variety of routine and somewhat complex tasks requiring the application of techniques and practices as related to the unit's natural resource program (i.e., timber, recreation, and range). Duties Executes timber cruises and sample surveys for resource information. Estimates quantity and quality of timber for the purpose of appraisal and logging plans. Assembles and summarizes data and prepares reports and maps of cruise areas. Assists with laying out sales in accordance with operational standards, guidelines, and other instructions. Points out variables such as accessibility, steep slopes, stream protection, nesting tree protection, wildlife and heritage impacts, fuels management, and regeneration requirements. Assists in marking trees using and adapting complex marking rules in areas complicated by variations in type, species composition, defect, site, age, class, etc. Plans projects based on priority and other requirements such as number of personnel required, length of time, etc. Conducts assigned portions of surveys and studies of recreation trail areas, facilities, and activities on the unit. Maintains existing recreation sites and assists with developing or improving existing sites to achieve Forest goals and objectives. Assists with putting together project proposals and with conducting studies for providing input in National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) project analysis. Collects, compiles, and summarizes recreation data as required for data systems. Performs limited law enforcement duties under close supervision of a qualified law enforcement officer. Patrols recreation areas for compliance by day visitors and campers with established rules and regulations posted in the area. Inspects recreation areas, areas of concentrated public use, and special use permits for compliance with the permit and the management plans, public health, and safety. Monitors and maintains existing trails, facilities, etc. to ensure they are in operable condition. Assists with the selection and recommendation of new trail and facility locations or with the closing of old sites. Assists on range analysis and maintenance and construction of range structural improvements. Contacts range permittees and communicates to them Forest Service range policies and basic requirements of permit. Counts designated permitted livestock to ensure number are in compliance with permit, checks range condition including structures, and checks for trespass livestock. Requirements Conditions of employment You must be a US Citizen or US National. Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check. Direct Deposit Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of your choosing. Must be 18 years of age. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-Verify. 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. GS-06: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-5). GS-06: There is no substitution of education for this position. Examples of specialized experience include: Performing Forestry technician work; or engineering, range, or soil conservation technician work that involved the application of cultural, resource conservation, or land management practices on non-forest or ranch lands when combined with knowledge of forestry operations and equipment. Farming or ranching work that involved application of cultural and soil and water conservation practices, including safety and use of equipment, and that provided a basic understanding of land use. Forest or range fire control, prevention, or suppression work. Techniques and practices relating to natural resources management programs, (i.e., timber and silviculture, recreation and trails, wildlife, fisheries, watershed improvement, range, special uses, and others). 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. Additional information PLEASE NOTE: This vacancy is being used to fill positions for FY2026 Temporary Employment Hiring season. The expected start date for this position will be between April 19, 2026 to June 14, 2026. By selecting the "Location Negotiable" option during the application process, implies your willingness to be considered for any official duty location listed on this announcement and/or those duty locations not listed for this National announcement. Pay rates vary depending on location. The salary shown is for the Rest of the U.S. See OPM.gov for additional information on pay rates. If you are selected, you must respond to the requested documentation outlined in your tentative section notice within 72 hours. Failure to respond within 72 hours will result in the cancellation of your selection. This position is temporary, has a Not-to-Exceed date and will be filled for up to 6 months or as a not to exceed (NTE) 1 year, however an extension of the appointment may be possible without further competition. The appointment may also end early due to lack of work or lack of funds. Applicants who apply under this job opportunity announcement agree to have their application, associated documents and applicable personal information shared with other groups within the Nation who have vacancies within the same occupational series, grade, full performance level and in any of the geographic location(s) listed on the announcement. Applying to this announcement does not replace the need to apply to other job opportunity announcements for which you wish to receive consideration. The duty station for this position 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. The USDA Forest Service has legislative authority to recruit and fill Permanent (Career/Career-Conditional), Temporary, and Term Appointments under the USDA Demonstration Project. Under this authority, any U.S. citizen may apply. Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP eligible must meet the agency's definition for a quality candidate as provided in the How You Will Be Evaluated section of this announcement to be considered. If you are retired from the Federal Government and are selected for this vacancy, your retirement annuity may be offset from your pay. This position is not eligible for telework. Availability of government housing and federal day care facilities will vary by location. Positions filled from this announcement may be a bargaining or a non-bargaining unit position represented by either NFFE, AFGE or NAGE. 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. Review our 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.