Wildland Firefighter (Aviation)

Full Job Description

This is a Direct-Hire advertisement. Veterans preference is not applicable to this advertisement.

Learn more about this authority at: Direct Hire Authority This position is a Wildland Firefighter (Aviation), GW-0456-6/7 working in Billings, MT for the US Wildland Fire Service.

Information available by clicking the link listed. In order to qualify for this position you must possess the Minimum Qualification requirements listed below.

Specialized Experience Requirements:In order to be rated as qualified for this position, we must be able to determine that you meet the specialized experience requirement(s); please be sure to include this information in your resume.

No assumptions will be made about your experience. To be creditable, this experience must have been equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade of the position to be filled.

To qualify for the GW-06 grade level, 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GW/GS-05 is required.

Examples of work experience include but are not limited to: Ensuring ramp operations are conducted in a safe manner, including parking, loading, and movement around the aircraft; operating two-way radios to monitor and conduct communications with ramp personnel, aircraft, or dispatch centers; and compiling data summaries and yearly reports.

To qualify for the GW-07 grade level, 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GW/GS-06 is required.

Examples of work experience include but are not limited to: Experience that demonstrates an understanding of aerial retardant and base activities in support of wildland fire suppression, management and administration of various contracts, and oversight and support of various aircraft at the base.

Examples of experience may include: 1) Performing duties which provided an understanding of aviation safety and retardant aircraft limitations that ensure individual aircraft weight limitations are not exceeded and effective product is delivered to meet fire management objectives.

2) Assisting in aerial retardant base maintenance activities that assure base buildings, grounds, and equipment are in a safe working condition and assists with base plans that address compliance with environmental protocols.

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. Substitution of Education for Experience: There is no substitution of education for experience for this position.

You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement. Physical Demands: Long irregular hours are required, much of it occurring during periods of fire operations.

Frequent standing, waling and long periods outside in high temperatures and direct sunlight may be required while working around multiple arriving and departing aircraft.

Activities in and around moving aircraft and other equipment require constant monitoring and alertness for hazardous conditions and safety of personnel.

Work Environment: Majority of activities are performed in an airbase environment, both inside and outdoors. Extreme variations in temperature and climactic conditions are common.

Work requires use of safety equipment including hearing and eye protection and high visibility clothing.

The work involves exposure to operating aircraft that result in high noise levels and exposure to turning propellers, prop wash, jet intake areas and jet blast, and flying dues and debris.

This is a secondary/administrative firefighter position under the special retirement provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) (CSRS) and 5 U.S.C. 8412(d) (FERS).

While secondary positions are not subject to the maximum entry age policy, the selectee must have prior service in a primary position (3 years of service in primary/rigorous position(s)) and meet the transfer requirement for movement from a primary to secondary position to be eligible for special retirement coverage.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure this office has enough information to determine your retirement status to ensure you do not lose benefits (normally through submission of your SF-50).

YOU MUST LET US KNOW IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY IN A PRIMARY POSITION. FACT SHEET for Fire Positions: Information on Special Retirement. Major Duties:

As a Wildland Firefighter (Aviation) your duties will include but are not limited to the following: Performs day-to-day administration of aircraft contracts and signs for receipt of services.

Contributes to direction and oversight of airtanker/SEAT Base Operations. Serves as a point of contact with airport management and various entities pertaining to aviation operations.

Ensures safe operations of aviation and ground support activities including radio and hand signal communication, aircraft movement, fueling, retardant mixing and loading, and vehicle movement on the ramp.

Leads aviation firefighting personnel by directing their activities when supporting suppression actions or by serving as a situational leader on an airbase by directing the work of a small crew of aviation firefighters or vendors.