Forestry Technician (Recreation, Timber, Range)

Full Job Description

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).

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. Major 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.