Wildland Firefighter (Fire Dozer Operator Leader)

Full Job Description

This position is located USDA Forest Service Unit.

This position serves as a lead operator of heavy equipment on initial attack, fire and fuels management activities and operates this equipment in support of other natural resource projects, and is responsible for the operation of a variety of heavy equipment for fire suppression activities.

See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION section for regional contacts. 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 Federal Wage System Qualifications 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.

Basic Requirement: You must possess the Basic Requirements identified below to be considered eligible for this position.

Your application or resume must clearly show that you possess the appropriate experience requirements to successfully perform the duties of Engineering Equipment Operator Leader.

Applicants will be evaluated on their ability to perform the duties of the position rather than length of experience.

Eligibility will be determined by the relevance, scope and quality of all experience and training, regardless of where or how acquired.

Applicants will be rated based on their knowledge of the job elements identified in this announcement. Applicants who do not meet the screen-out job elements will not be further evaluated.

Screen-out Job Element: Ability to lead the work of an Engineering Equipment Operator Leader using equipment such as dozers, motor graders, backhoes, loaders, and excavators.

Job Element: Experience operating engineering and construction equipment, such as graders, tractors with bulldozer or angle-dozer blades, front-end loaders, backhoes, trench diggers, and large industrial tractors with pan or scraper attachments to push, pull, fill, pile or load gravel or earth.

Selective Placement Factors Successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of DZIA (Dozer Operator Initial Attack) qualification.

-AND- Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) within 90 Days of Entry on Duty.

Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) and Forest Service - Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) qualifications must be met by the time of selection.

Most recent IQCS master record and/or signed Agency Certified task book must be attached to your application.

If you are selected, you may be required to submit an updated IQCS master record or signed Agency Certified task book as proof of attainment of IFPM requirements prior to a final verbal offer.

In order to be considered for this position, 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.

Red cards are not acceptable documentation. 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.

Primary firefighter positions include the following age requirements: Under age 37 -OR- less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent 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-OR-currently occupy a permanent position with primary fire fighter retirement coverage.

For those who do not currently occupy a permanent Federal position covered under primary fire fighter retirement, you must be under age 37; less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position; or a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and requesting a waiver to the requirement.

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 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.

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 MODERATE level is a condition of employment.

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:

• Operates engineering and construction equipment, such as graders, between angle-dozer blades, tractors with bulldozer or angledozer blades, front-end loaders, backhoes, trench diggers, and large industrial tractors, on all types of terrains.
• The incumbent is required to have a good degree of mechanical ability and skill to perform preventive maintenance and minor repair of equipment. Transports heavy equipment to job site.
• May prepare time reports and travel vouchers for the crew to be submitted for approval by the Supervisor.
• Adjusts equipment attachments for proper positioning and working order, making adjustments without stopping the power unit or the equipment.
• May serve in positions as qualified on wildland and prescribed fire, ensuring that preparation, ignition, holding, mop-up and rehabilitation are completed to the standards specified.