Wildland Firefighter (Aviation) (Airtanker Base Manager) - Direct Hire Authority

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 located in Worland, WY and Miles City, MT. Information about the surrounding area may be found by selecting the location.

We expect to fill 2 vacancies at this time; however, additional positions may be filled from this announcement if they become available.

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-09 grade level, 1 year of creditable specialized experience equivalent to the GW-08 is required.

Examples include, but are not limited to: experience managing an aviation program in the absence of the Unit Aviation Manager and functioning as the Air Tanker Base Manager including, scheduling resource flights as needed, updating and developing the aviation plans, monitoring and evaluating aviation operations in both fire and resource activities; assisting with preparation, review, and disseminate aviation policy statements, safety bulletins, manuals and handbooks; administering applicable aircraft and retardant contracts as the Project Inspector (PI); performing day to day administration of the contracts in place and enforcing contract provisions.

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 at this grade level.

Selective Placement Factor(s): This position requires a special qualification that has been determined to be essential to perform the duties and will be used as a screen out element.

Those who do not provide evidence they possess the following selective factor(s) will be rated not qualified.

You must have possessed all of the following National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) incident management (qualifications to be considered eligible for this position (currency not required): Ramp Manager (RAMP) You must meet all qualification and selective placement factor 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, walking 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 in an office environment and long periods of sedentary work occurs when reports and flight records are prepared.

Lifting and carrying heavy equipment/materials and operating a variety of hand and power tools is required for base set-up, tear down, and maintenance/repair.

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. Exposed to irritant chemicals is possible.

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 dust and debris.

Concurrent movement of multiple mixed aircraft types and service vehicles in the ramp area creates potential for serious accident, injury, or property damage.

Fatigue and mental stress could be present due to extensive work periods and emergency nature of work.

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:

• Directs and oversees the activities of an airtanker base in support of wildland fire suppression.
• Serves as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) in all elements of airtanker base operations for the unit.
• Delegated the responsibilities of a project inspector of a full-service retardant contract and provides daily oversight and support for various aircraft contracts.
• Serves as the primary point of contact with airport management.
• Responsible for identifying and coordinating the logistical needs for the Airtanker Base.
• Manages the mixing and loading of retardant chemicals on to aircraft and responsible for ensuring all retardant quality assurance standards are meet.
• Responsible for the implementation of Risk Assessment and Aviation Safety Management Systems (SMS) procedures and implementing all aviation/airport safety and security protocols.
• Ensures all aircraft data records are input correctly.
• Develops comprehensive airtanker base operations plans.
• Exercises delegated supervisory authorities and responsibilities of personnel assigned to the air base, and all air base operations on the ramp and office operations area.
• Ensures all workplace policies and regulations are followed. (HR, travel, credit card etc.)
• Evaluates work performance and, if required, initiates minor disciplinary measures.
• Supervisory duties are performed 20% of the time.