Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Smokejumper Loft Manager)

Full Job Description

These positions are located on a USDA Forest Service Unit. Serves as the Smokejumper Loft Manager for a national shared resource smokejumper program.

The incumbent is responsible for all aspects of loft operations such as parachute rigging, gear manufacturing, and research and development for the smokejumper group.

See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION section for Regional Contacts. Smokejumpers are a National resource.

Jumpers travel all over the country, including Alaska, to provide highly-trained, experienced firefighters and leadership for quick initial attack on wildland fires in remote areas.

For more information about the smoke jumping program in the Forest Service click Here.

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.

T Specialized Experience Requirement: For the GW-10: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GW-09 grade level in the Federal service.

Examples of specialized experience are: Assisting with one or more program responsibilities such as: loft, operations, training, loadmaster, and/or prescribed fire.

Directing initial and extended attack suppression actions such as determining incident needs, and dispatch/deployment of personnel and equipment.

Assisting in anticipating needs for loft-related equipment. Assisting in maintaining service life records of parachuting equipment and determining air worthiness of equipment.

For the GW-11: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GW-10 level in the Federal service.

Examples of specialized experience are: Assisting with more than one smokejumper program responsibilities such as: loft, operations, training, loadmaster, and/or prescribed fire.

Assessing various fire management factors such as fuels, suppression capability, resistance to control, ignition probability, predicted rate of spread, and flame height and weather.

Maintaining accurate inventory of loft materials, parachutes, supplies, and equipment.

Assisting in researching and/or developing smokejumper equipment design improvements and development of new equipment.

Smokejumper duties present unusual hazards and require that personnel be in excellent physical condition and possess a high degree of emotional stability and mental alertness.

The health of individuals must be such that they have the capacity to meet demands for performance in the position and for human reliability.

Before entrance on duty, and periodically during employment, smokejumpers must undergo a medical exam, physical conditioning, and an adeptness test.

Failure to meet any of the required standards will be considered disqualifying for employment or a basis of termination.

See Medical Requirements for Smokejumper Positions During the training period, incumbents are continually evaluated on their ability to demonstrate a high level of proficiency in various aspects of parachute jumping and smokejumper-related tasks, including aircraft exit procedures, parachute landing falls, parachute maneuvering, timber let-down procedures, parachute and cargo retrieving, tree climbing, and chainsaw and hand tool use.

Incumbents who cannot perform up to the required standards of proficiency will be terminated from the smokejumper program.

Smokejumpers must perform safely and efficiently in extreme temperatures and weather conditions, often with severe smoke and dust.

Terrain may be extremely steep, uneven, rocky, and covered with thick tangled vegetation. Conditions riding in aircraft may be hot, cramped, and extremely turbulent, which may promote airsickness.

The hazardous nature of the work requires that protective clothing (jump suit, helmet, boots, gloves, fire resistant clothing, etc.) be worn and protective equipment, including fire shelters, be carried.

Selective Placement Factors: Serves as, or has previously served as, an active smokejumper.

If not currently qualified, applicant must have the ability to recertify as an active smokejumper and perform as a smokejumper spotter.

Must be licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a Master Parachute Rigger.

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." 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 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:

• Duties listed are at full performance grade GW-11 level.
• Directly supervise an Assistant Loft Manager and is the 2nd Line Supervisor for smokejumper squads which include Spotters, Squad Leaders and Smokejumpers.
• Serve as the smokejumper group's technical expert for Smokejumper loft operations and is the main contact between the smokejumper group and land managers who utilize the group's loft services.
• Perform the administrative and human resource management functions relative to the staff supervised. Develop and maintain roles and responsibilities for smokejumper loft personnel and fire specialists.
• Plan, schedule and coordinate all aspects of smokejumper loft operations. Responsible for formulating budget requirements for all loft operations and submits budget proposal for inclusion in the group annual work plan.
• Plan for and checks on the safety and welfare of the crew and arranges communication and liaison with other units as required. Train smokejumper pilots in smokejumper operations.
• Maintain individual records of smokejumper utilization, training and experience throughout the group. Formulate and develop plans, contract specifications, and schedules for well-precedent fire management operations.