Forestry Technician
Company Name:
Department Of Agriculture
US Citizens and Nationals; no prior Federal experience is required. Permanent Full-Time
A career with the Forest Service will challenge you to manage and care for more than 193 million acres of our nation's most magnificent lands, conduct research through a network of forest and range experiment stations and the Forest Products Laboratory, and provide assistance to State and private forestry agencies.
It's an awesome responsibility - but the rewards are as limitless as the views.
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.
This position is located on Deschutes National Forest, Sisters Ranger District. This position serves as a wildland firefighter Apprentice on various wildland fire crews with responsibility for the operation and maintenance of specialized tools or equipment. While in the Apprentice program the incumbent will be assigned into one or more types of positions to gain specialized skills and may be required to work at one or more locations throughout the forest service. The purpose of the position is wildland fire suppression/management/control as a specialized firefighter on an engine, helitack module, or hand crew with responsibility for the operation and maintenance of specialized tools or equipment. Other wildand fire related duties may involve fire prevention, patrol, detection, or prescribed burning. The incumbent may be assigned for varying periods of time into one or more types of positions within the wildfire program where the individual's specialized skills are required.
These are permanent positions with varying tours of duty and may include weekend work. Tours of duty are less than full-time seasonal (guaranteed minimum 6 months/13 pay periods of full-time employment).
This position may require the selectee to obtain or possess a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and therefore, is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Department of Transportation (DOT)/Forest Service Alcohol and Controlled Substance Testing Program. Applicant tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use unless they currently occupy a TDP under the DOT/Forest Service Testing Program. Final appointment is conditional on a negative drug test. This announcement constitutes the required 30 days advanced notice for testing requirements.
For additional information about the duties of this position, please contact James Osborne at or e-mail at .us. US Citizenship is required. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Minimum of 90 days of wildland firefighting experience is required. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license. Must meet Maximum Entry Age (MEA) requirements. Primary firefighter retirement covered position. Position requires a Work Capacity Test (WCT). Subject to negative drug test prior to entrance on duty if CDL required. USCITIZEN SSR Serves as an experienced firefighter on a hotshot/handcrew or engine or helitack crew performing fire suppression and/or fuels management duties under the most adverse conditions of climate, fuels, and terrain.
Performs the duties of a fully qualified chain saw operator and chainsaw repair technician. Performs all aspects of wildland and prescribed fire operations including preparation, ignition, monitoring, holding, and mop-up.
Drives engine to fire locations, frequently over unimproved roads. Performs and may direct others in starting pumps, priming pumps, adjusting engine speed and pump valves, laying hose, and using appropriate nozzles and nozzle adjustment in effective use of water and additives.
Loads helicopter personnel and cargo considering methods, weight distribution, necessity for securing, total weight, etc. and completes manifests of personnel and equipment being transported to the fire or other work site.
Responsible for operation and maintenance of specialized equipment used to respond to wildland and prescribed fire situations. Participates in wildland 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 fireline activities.
Collects fire weather data, fuel and/or soil moisture samples, maps projects, and maintains records.
May inventory fuel beds, prepare associated reports, perform hazard fuel reduction projects, monitor burning conditions, pile vegetation debris and act in assigned positions.
May perform project work such as road and trail maintenance, habitat manipulation, and miscellaneous equipment and facilities and grounds maintenance.
Performs wildfire suppression and other duties as assigned. Duties listed are at the full performance level. REQUIREMENTS:
Must be 18 years of age.
May be subject to satisfactory completion of one year probationary or trial period.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
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. The Arduous fitness (Pack) test requires completing a three (3) mile hike within forty-five (45) minutes, while carrying a forty-five (45) pound pack. You are strongly encouraged to consult with your physician and begin training immediately if applying for this position. This announcement constitutes the required 30 days advanced notice for testing requirements.
Initial appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of training.
APPRENTICE PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:
There are conditions of employment for this position. The selected applicant must complete the provision of the National Apprenticeship Standards. These conditions of employment may change during the term of the apprenticeship as approved by the National Interagency Joint Apprentice Committee (NIJAC). National Apprentice Standards can be found at
Conditions of employment include:
1. Formal Classroom training consisting of the Wildland Fire Academy (both Basic and Advance Academies) at the Wildland Fire Training Center.
2. 3,000 hours of on-the-job training as well as hours in the related instruction and supplemental technical training.
3. Formal class work at the identified passing level.
4. An examination of Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190) passes at 70% level or above at Fire Academy. This exam is given the first day of the Basic Academy.
Selected applicants who do not meet these conditions of employment may be subject to removal from position.
You will be evaluated in accordance with the category rating procedure as defined in the USDA Demonstration Project Plan. Applicants who meet the basic minimum qualification requirements established for the position will be placed in the Eligible category. Eligible applicants will be further evaluated against criteria for placement in the Quality category. This evaluation is based on the level of your experience, education, and/or training as determined by your responses to the Occupational Questionnaire. Applicants with veterans' preference are listed ahead of applicants who do not have veterans' preference within each category.
Clicking the link below will present a preview of the application form; i.e. the online questionnaire. The application form link below will only provide a preview and does not initiate the application process. To initiate the online application process, click the Apply Online button to the right.
To view the application form, visit: You must possess the Basic Requirements identified below to be considered eligible for this position. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Specialized experience is defined as experience that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled and has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Your application or resume must clearly show that you possess the appropriate experience requirements.
For GS-03: Qualifying experience includes six (6) months of general experience that demonstrates the applicants ability to perform the work of the position that provided familiarity with subject matter or processes of the occupation. Other work experience, paid or unpaid, that demonstrates and ability to learn and perform the work of this position. The experience requirements for the GS-03 level may be met by successful completion of 1 year of study that included at least 6 semester hours/9 quarter hours in a combination of courses such as range management or conservation, agriculture, forestry, wildlife management, engineering, biology, mathematics, or other natural or physical sciences. Examples of unpaid experience include volunteer work, such as at a park, youth camp, scouting organization, hospital, community sports league, local fire department, etc. Observing field work projects and recorded data; working with tools and equipment used in laboratories or field sites.
For GS-04: Six months of general experience and six months of specialized experience; or successful completion of 2 years of study that included 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 combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. Examples of qualifying general experience are: 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. Examples of qualifying specialized experience are: Performed a limited variety of manual tasks to accomplish fuels reduction work and suppress wildland fires using a variety of hand and power tools. At the instruction of a crew leader, patrolled fire line to locate and extinguish sparks, flareups, and hot spot fires that might threaten developed fire lines. At the instruction of a crew leader, moved dirt, chopped brush, or felled small trees to build fire line using various hand tools and power saws to control spreading wildland fires and to prepare lines prior to prescribed burning.
For GS-05: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-4 grade level; or successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelors degree (a) with major study in forestry, range management, agriculture, or a subject-matter field directly related to the position, or (b) that included at least 24 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 6 semester hours in mathematics is creditable; or combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. Examples of qualifying specialized experience are: Observed, recorded, and preserved evidence of cause of fires. Patrolled areas of controlled fires to mop-up by searching out and extinguishing any remaining burning material. Served on a specialty crew (hotshot, helitack, engines, etc.) to suppress the full range of difficult and complex fires.
Selective Placement Factors:
Primary firefighter positions include the following age requirements: Under age 37 -OR- less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Federal Service worked in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position -OR- a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and is requesting a waiver to the maximum age requirement.
To qualify at the GS-05 applicant must have a minimum 90 days experience performing on-the-line (Primary/Rigorous) wildland fire suppression duties as a member of an organized fire suppression crew or comparable unit that utilized knowledge of wildland fire suppression, containment or control techniques and practices under various conditions. This experience must be documented with specific dates in the online application or resume.
To qualify at the GS-05 journey worker level, the applicant must have successfully completed Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1). A copy of the Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) master record (or equivalent training document - Red Cards are not acceptable) which contains documented proof of certification or attainment of this requirement must be attached to application.
In order to be considered for the GS-05 positions, copies of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record (or equivalent training documents) which contain documented proof of the certification or attainment of the IFPM Selective Placement Factor for this position MUST be attached to your application. Currency Requirement: Required to maintain currency once hired into the position. Currency of NWCG qualifications is not required for selection. If not currently qualified, the applicant must provide documented evidence that they have been fully qualified in the past, and are able to regain currency within one year of being hired. Failure to provide this documentation will result in disqualification.
To receive consideration for this position, you must meet all qualification requirements as of the closing date of this announcement.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin.
The following instructions outline our application process.
You must complete this application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
We are available to assist you during business hours (normally 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday - Friday). Applying online is highly encouraged. If applying online poses a hardship, please contact our office during business hours well before the closing date for an alternate method. All hardship application packages with supporting documents must be submitted no later than noon on the closing date of the announcement in order to be entered into the system prior to its closing.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis; contact us if you are requesting this.
Step 1: Create a USAJOBS account (if you do not have one) at . It is recommended that as part of your profile you set up automatic email notification to be informed when the status of your application changes. If you choose not to set up this automatic notification, then you will have to log into your USAJOBS account to check on the status of your application.
Step 2: Create a resume with USAJOBS or upload a resume into your USAJOBS account. Customize your resume to ensure it documents duties and accomplishments you have gained that are directly related to this position in order to verify that qualifications are met. Your resume must support your responses to the online questionnaire (you may preview the online questionnaire by clicking on the link at the end of the How You Will Be Evaluated section of the job announcement).
Step 3: Click Apply Online and follow the prompts to complete the Occupational Questionnaire and attach any additional documents that may be required.
You can update your application or documents anytime while the announcement is open. Log into your USAJOBS account and click on Application Status. Click on the position title, and then select Update Application to continue.
NOTE: Verify that uploaded documents from USAJOBS transfer into the Agency's staffing system. Once in the Agency's staffing system you will have the opportunity to upload additional documents. Uploaded documents must be less than 3MB and in one of the following document formats: GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, PDF, or Word (DOC or DOCX).
You must submit a complete Application Package, prior to 11:59, ET, on the closing date of this announcement. The following documents must be submitted for your application package to be considered complete. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents are received within the required timeframes. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, illegible fax transmissions, delays in the mail service, system failure or downtime, etc. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.
Resume that includes the following information: 1) job information for which you are applying; 2) personal information; 3) education; 4) work experience including the work schedule and hours worked per week as well as dates of employment; and title, series and grade if applicable; 5) supervisors phone number and e-mail address for each work period listed and whether or not we may contact them for reference checks; and, 6) other qualifications.
College Transcripts if education is required for meeting basic qualifications and/or you are substituting education for specialized experience and/or if you are using education to meet the criteria for the quality category. An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application; however, if selected, an official college transcript will be required prior to entering on duty.
DD-214 (Member 4 Copy) if claiming Veterans' Preference. Veterans claiming 10 point preference must also submit a VA Letter and an SF-15 Application for 10-point Veteran Preference. Current Active Duty members must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions dated within the last 120 days.
Other required documents may include:
CTAP/ICTAP Required Documentation Reduction-In-Force: Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; AND most recent performance evaluation; AND SF-50 demonstrating your separation or the position you will be separated from.
Worker's Compensation Separation: Agency certification of inability to place employee AND Notification of Separation OR Separation SF-50.
Disability Annuity Termination: Notification from OPM of disability annuity termination AND Separation SF-50 of the last position held. Military Reserve or National Guard Technician Special Disability Retirement Annuity under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456: Certification of special disability retirement annuity from a military department or National Guard Bureau AND Separation SF-50 of the last position held.
NOTE: If a document is resubmitted, it replaces the previous submission, which means the previous document is no longer available to the Human Resources Office. If you are adding to, rather than replacing a previous submission, you must upload both the old document and the new document. Please verify that documents you are uploading from USAJOBS transfer into the Agency's staffing system as there is a limitation to the number of documents that can be transferred. However, once in the Agency's staffing system, you will have the opportunity to upload additional documents. Uploaded resumes must be less than 3MB and in one of the following document formats: GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, PDF, or Word (DOC or DOCX). If you set up your USAJOBS account to send automatic email notifications, you will receive an acknowledgement email that the submission of your online Occupational Questionnaire and resume was successful, if you were referred to the selecting official for consideration, and if you were selected or not selected. If you choose not to set up automatic email notifications, you must check your USAJOBS account for the latest status of your application. Your application may be reviewed to verify that you meet the qualifications and eligibility requirements for the position prior to issuing lists to a selecting official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. Normally, a final job offer to the selected candidate is made within 30-60 days after the issuance of the certificate. The Federal Government offers a comprehensive benefits package. Explore the major benefits offered to most Federal employees at: / We may select from this announcement or any other source to fill one or more vacancies.
This is a bargaining unit designated position.
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 nor guaranteed.
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, provide proof of eligibility. CTAP/ICTAP eligibles must meet the agency's definition for a quality candidate to be considered. Information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at .
Initial appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of training.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION AND FINGERPRINT CHECK: Selection and retention in this position is contingent on a successfully adjudicated FBI National Criminal History Check (fingerprint check) and a background investigation.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a primary/rigorous position covered under the special retirement provisions of 5 USC 8336(c) for the Civil Service Retirement System and of 5 USC 8412(d) for the Federal Employees Retirement System. This position is subject to a Maximum Entry Age (MEA) requirement which has been set at age 37. Applicants must be under age 37 prior to their appointment date for entry into this position. An applicant's entry age may be adjusted based on credit for past primary/secondary service which is otherwise creditable for retirement. Temporary primary/rigorous service will only be credited if performed prior to January 1, 1989 (temporary service performed beginning 1/1/89 or later is not creditable for retirement). Applicants who are entitled to veteran's preference are eligible to request a waiver to the maximum age requirement. In instances where the maximum entry-age is waived, the corresponding mandatory retirement age for these individuals will also be higher because it will be reached after 20 years of coverage under special retirement provisions for the entitlement to an immediate enhanced annuity.
Have your salary sent to a financial institution of your choice by Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer.
If you are newly hired, the documentation you present for purposes of completing the Department Homeland Security (DHS) Form I-9 on your entry-on-duty date will be verified through the DHS E-VERIFY system. Federal law requires the use of E-VERIFY to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires. Under this system, the new hire is required to resolve any identified discrepancies as a condition of continued employment.
Applications received become the property of the USDA Forest Service and will not be returned.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Check our website at: for general information on the Forest Service.Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
Department Of Agriculture
US Citizens and Nationals; no prior Federal experience is required. Permanent Full-Time
A career with the Forest Service will challenge you to manage and care for more than 193 million acres of our nation's most magnificent lands, conduct research through a network of forest and range experiment stations and the Forest Products Laboratory, and provide assistance to State and private forestry agencies.
It's an awesome responsibility - but the rewards are as limitless as the views.
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.
This position is located on Deschutes National Forest, Sisters Ranger District. This position serves as a wildland firefighter Apprentice on various wildland fire crews with responsibility for the operation and maintenance of specialized tools or equipment. While in the Apprentice program the incumbent will be assigned into one or more types of positions to gain specialized skills and may be required to work at one or more locations throughout the forest service. The purpose of the position is wildland fire suppression/management/control as a specialized firefighter on an engine, helitack module, or hand crew with responsibility for the operation and maintenance of specialized tools or equipment. Other wildand fire related duties may involve fire prevention, patrol, detection, or prescribed burning. The incumbent may be assigned for varying periods of time into one or more types of positions within the wildfire program where the individual's specialized skills are required.
These are permanent positions with varying tours of duty and may include weekend work. Tours of duty are less than full-time seasonal (guaranteed minimum 6 months/13 pay periods of full-time employment).
This position may require the selectee to obtain or possess a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and therefore, is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Department of Transportation (DOT)/Forest Service Alcohol and Controlled Substance Testing Program. Applicant tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use unless they currently occupy a TDP under the DOT/Forest Service Testing Program. Final appointment is conditional on a negative drug test. This announcement constitutes the required 30 days advanced notice for testing requirements.
For additional information about the duties of this position, please contact James Osborne at or e-mail at .us. US Citizenship is required. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Minimum of 90 days of wildland firefighting experience is required. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license. Must meet Maximum Entry Age (MEA) requirements. Primary firefighter retirement covered position. Position requires a Work Capacity Test (WCT). Subject to negative drug test prior to entrance on duty if CDL required. USCITIZEN SSR Serves as an experienced firefighter on a hotshot/handcrew or engine or helitack crew performing fire suppression and/or fuels management duties under the most adverse conditions of climate, fuels, and terrain.
Performs the duties of a fully qualified chain saw operator and chainsaw repair technician. Performs all aspects of wildland and prescribed fire operations including preparation, ignition, monitoring, holding, and mop-up.
Drives engine to fire locations, frequently over unimproved roads. Performs and may direct others in starting pumps, priming pumps, adjusting engine speed and pump valves, laying hose, and using appropriate nozzles and nozzle adjustment in effective use of water and additives.
Loads helicopter personnel and cargo considering methods, weight distribution, necessity for securing, total weight, etc. and completes manifests of personnel and equipment being transported to the fire or other work site.
Responsible for operation and maintenance of specialized equipment used to respond to wildland and prescribed fire situations. Participates in wildland 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 fireline activities.
Collects fire weather data, fuel and/or soil moisture samples, maps projects, and maintains records.
May inventory fuel beds, prepare associated reports, perform hazard fuel reduction projects, monitor burning conditions, pile vegetation debris and act in assigned positions.
May perform project work such as road and trail maintenance, habitat manipulation, and miscellaneous equipment and facilities and grounds maintenance.
Performs wildfire suppression and other duties as assigned. Duties listed are at the full performance level. REQUIREMENTS:
Must be 18 years of age.
May be subject to satisfactory completion of one year probationary or trial period.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
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. The Arduous fitness (Pack) test requires completing a three (3) mile hike within forty-five (45) minutes, while carrying a forty-five (45) pound pack. You are strongly encouraged to consult with your physician and begin training immediately if applying for this position. This announcement constitutes the required 30 days advanced notice for testing requirements.
Initial appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of training.
APPRENTICE PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:
There are conditions of employment for this position. The selected applicant must complete the provision of the National Apprenticeship Standards. These conditions of employment may change during the term of the apprenticeship as approved by the National Interagency Joint Apprentice Committee (NIJAC). National Apprentice Standards can be found at
Conditions of employment include:
1. Formal Classroom training consisting of the Wildland Fire Academy (both Basic and Advance Academies) at the Wildland Fire Training Center.
2. 3,000 hours of on-the-job training as well as hours in the related instruction and supplemental technical training.
3. Formal class work at the identified passing level.
4. An examination of Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190) passes at 70% level or above at Fire Academy. This exam is given the first day of the Basic Academy.
Selected applicants who do not meet these conditions of employment may be subject to removal from position.
You will be evaluated in accordance with the category rating procedure as defined in the USDA Demonstration Project Plan. Applicants who meet the basic minimum qualification requirements established for the position will be placed in the Eligible category. Eligible applicants will be further evaluated against criteria for placement in the Quality category. This evaluation is based on the level of your experience, education, and/or training as determined by your responses to the Occupational Questionnaire. Applicants with veterans' preference are listed ahead of applicants who do not have veterans' preference within each category.
Clicking the link below will present a preview of the application form; i.e. the online questionnaire. The application form link below will only provide a preview and does not initiate the application process. To initiate the online application process, click the Apply Online button to the right.
To view the application form, visit: You must possess the Basic Requirements identified below to be considered eligible for this position. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Specialized experience is defined as experience that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled and has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Your application or resume must clearly show that you possess the appropriate experience requirements.
For GS-03: Qualifying experience includes six (6) months of general experience that demonstrates the applicants ability to perform the work of the position that provided familiarity with subject matter or processes of the occupation. Other work experience, paid or unpaid, that demonstrates and ability to learn and perform the work of this position. The experience requirements for the GS-03 level may be met by successful completion of 1 year of study that included at least 6 semester hours/9 quarter hours in a combination of courses such as range management or conservation, agriculture, forestry, wildlife management, engineering, biology, mathematics, or other natural or physical sciences. Examples of unpaid experience include volunteer work, such as at a park, youth camp, scouting organization, hospital, community sports league, local fire department, etc. Observing field work projects and recorded data; working with tools and equipment used in laboratories or field sites.
For GS-04: Six months of general experience and six months of specialized experience; or successful completion of 2 years of study that included 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 combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. Examples of qualifying general experience are: 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. Examples of qualifying specialized experience are: Performed a limited variety of manual tasks to accomplish fuels reduction work and suppress wildland fires using a variety of hand and power tools. At the instruction of a crew leader, patrolled fire line to locate and extinguish sparks, flareups, and hot spot fires that might threaten developed fire lines. At the instruction of a crew leader, moved dirt, chopped brush, or felled small trees to build fire line using various hand tools and power saws to control spreading wildland fires and to prepare lines prior to prescribed burning.
For GS-05: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-4 grade level; or successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelors degree (a) with major study in forestry, range management, agriculture, or a subject-matter field directly related to the position, or (b) that included at least 24 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 6 semester hours in mathematics is creditable; or combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. Examples of qualifying specialized experience are: Observed, recorded, and preserved evidence of cause of fires. Patrolled areas of controlled fires to mop-up by searching out and extinguishing any remaining burning material. Served on a specialty crew (hotshot, helitack, engines, etc.) to suppress the full range of difficult and complex fires.
Selective Placement Factors:
Primary firefighter positions include the following age requirements: Under age 37 -OR- less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Federal Service worked in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position -OR- a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and is requesting a waiver to the maximum age requirement.
To qualify at the GS-05 applicant must have a minimum 90 days experience performing on-the-line (Primary/Rigorous) wildland fire suppression duties as a member of an organized fire suppression crew or comparable unit that utilized knowledge of wildland fire suppression, containment or control techniques and practices under various conditions. This experience must be documented with specific dates in the online application or resume.
To qualify at the GS-05 journey worker level, the applicant must have successfully completed Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1). A copy of the Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) master record (or equivalent training document - Red Cards are not acceptable) which contains documented proof of certification or attainment of this requirement must be attached to application.
In order to be considered for the GS-05 positions, copies of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record (or equivalent training documents) which contain documented proof of the certification or attainment of the IFPM Selective Placement Factor for this position MUST be attached to your application. Currency Requirement: Required to maintain currency once hired into the position. Currency of NWCG qualifications is not required for selection. If not currently qualified, the applicant must provide documented evidence that they have been fully qualified in the past, and are able to regain currency within one year of being hired. Failure to provide this documentation will result in disqualification.
To receive consideration for this position, you must meet all qualification requirements as of the closing date of this announcement.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin.
The following instructions outline our application process.
You must complete this application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
We are available to assist you during business hours (normally 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday - Friday). Applying online is highly encouraged. If applying online poses a hardship, please contact our office during business hours well before the closing date for an alternate method. All hardship application packages with supporting documents must be submitted no later than noon on the closing date of the announcement in order to be entered into the system prior to its closing.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis; contact us if you are requesting this.
Step 1: Create a USAJOBS account (if you do not have one) at . It is recommended that as part of your profile you set up automatic email notification to be informed when the status of your application changes. If you choose not to set up this automatic notification, then you will have to log into your USAJOBS account to check on the status of your application.
Step 2: Create a resume with USAJOBS or upload a resume into your USAJOBS account. Customize your resume to ensure it documents duties and accomplishments you have gained that are directly related to this position in order to verify that qualifications are met. Your resume must support your responses to the online questionnaire (you may preview the online questionnaire by clicking on the link at the end of the How You Will Be Evaluated section of the job announcement).
Step 3: Click Apply Online and follow the prompts to complete the Occupational Questionnaire and attach any additional documents that may be required.
You can update your application or documents anytime while the announcement is open. Log into your USAJOBS account and click on Application Status. Click on the position title, and then select Update Application to continue.
NOTE: Verify that uploaded documents from USAJOBS transfer into the Agency's staffing system. Once in the Agency's staffing system you will have the opportunity to upload additional documents. Uploaded documents must be less than 3MB and in one of the following document formats: GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, PDF, or Word (DOC or DOCX).
You must submit a complete Application Package, prior to 11:59, ET, on the closing date of this announcement. The following documents must be submitted for your application package to be considered complete. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents are received within the required timeframes. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, illegible fax transmissions, delays in the mail service, system failure or downtime, etc. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.
Resume that includes the following information: 1) job information for which you are applying; 2) personal information; 3) education; 4) work experience including the work schedule and hours worked per week as well as dates of employment; and title, series and grade if applicable; 5) supervisors phone number and e-mail address for each work period listed and whether or not we may contact them for reference checks; and, 6) other qualifications.
College Transcripts if education is required for meeting basic qualifications and/or you are substituting education for specialized experience and/or if you are using education to meet the criteria for the quality category. An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application; however, if selected, an official college transcript will be required prior to entering on duty.
DD-214 (Member 4 Copy) if claiming Veterans' Preference. Veterans claiming 10 point preference must also submit a VA Letter and an SF-15 Application for 10-point Veteran Preference. Current Active Duty members must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions dated within the last 120 days.
Other required documents may include:
CTAP/ICTAP Required Documentation Reduction-In-Force: Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; AND most recent performance evaluation; AND SF-50 demonstrating your separation or the position you will be separated from.
Worker's Compensation Separation: Agency certification of inability to place employee AND Notification of Separation OR Separation SF-50.
Disability Annuity Termination: Notification from OPM of disability annuity termination AND Separation SF-50 of the last position held. Military Reserve or National Guard Technician Special Disability Retirement Annuity under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456: Certification of special disability retirement annuity from a military department or National Guard Bureau AND Separation SF-50 of the last position held.
NOTE: If a document is resubmitted, it replaces the previous submission, which means the previous document is no longer available to the Human Resources Office. If you are adding to, rather than replacing a previous submission, you must upload both the old document and the new document. Please verify that documents you are uploading from USAJOBS transfer into the Agency's staffing system as there is a limitation to the number of documents that can be transferred. However, once in the Agency's staffing system, you will have the opportunity to upload additional documents. Uploaded resumes must be less than 3MB and in one of the following document formats: GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, PDF, or Word (DOC or DOCX). If you set up your USAJOBS account to send automatic email notifications, you will receive an acknowledgement email that the submission of your online Occupational Questionnaire and resume was successful, if you were referred to the selecting official for consideration, and if you were selected or not selected. If you choose not to set up automatic email notifications, you must check your USAJOBS account for the latest status of your application. Your application may be reviewed to verify that you meet the qualifications and eligibility requirements for the position prior to issuing lists to a selecting official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. Normally, a final job offer to the selected candidate is made within 30-60 days after the issuance of the certificate. The Federal Government offers a comprehensive benefits package. Explore the major benefits offered to most Federal employees at: / We may select from this announcement or any other source to fill one or more vacancies.
This is a bargaining unit designated position.
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 nor guaranteed.
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, provide proof of eligibility. CTAP/ICTAP eligibles must meet the agency's definition for a quality candidate to be considered. Information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at .
Initial appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of training.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION AND FINGERPRINT CHECK: Selection and retention in this position is contingent on a successfully adjudicated FBI National Criminal History Check (fingerprint check) and a background investigation.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a primary/rigorous position covered under the special retirement provisions of 5 USC 8336(c) for the Civil Service Retirement System and of 5 USC 8412(d) for the Federal Employees Retirement System. This position is subject to a Maximum Entry Age (MEA) requirement which has been set at age 37. Applicants must be under age 37 prior to their appointment date for entry into this position. An applicant's entry age may be adjusted based on credit for past primary/secondary service which is otherwise creditable for retirement. Temporary primary/rigorous service will only be credited if performed prior to January 1, 1989 (temporary service performed beginning 1/1/89 or later is not creditable for retirement). Applicants who are entitled to veteran's preference are eligible to request a waiver to the maximum age requirement. In instances where the maximum entry-age is waived, the corresponding mandatory retirement age for these individuals will also be higher because it will be reached after 20 years of coverage under special retirement provisions for the entitlement to an immediate enhanced annuity.
Have your salary sent to a financial institution of your choice by Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer.
If you are newly hired, the documentation you present for purposes of completing the Department Homeland Security (DHS) Form I-9 on your entry-on-duty date will be verified through the DHS E-VERIFY system. Federal law requires the use of E-VERIFY to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires. Under this system, the new hire is required to resolve any identified discrepancies as a condition of continued employment.
Applications received become the property of the USDA Forest Service and will not be returned.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Check our website at: for general information on the Forest Service.Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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