Wildland Firefighter (Fuels Management)

Full Job Description

This position is located within a National Forest. The position is located on a fire crew as a crewmember within the fire management organization.

The position serves as a skilled member of a fuels management crew.

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.

GW-05: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GW-04 grade level in federal service or equivalent; OR successful completion of a 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university with major study in Fire Science, Fire Training, Fire Technology or other related fields of study; OR a combination of education and experience.

Examples of specialized experience includes: Serving as an advanced trainee performing specific wildland fire suppression duties, such as extinguished burning materials by moving dirt, or applying water by hose or retardant.

Using a variety of hand and power tools, including chainsaws, firing equipment, or portable pumps to suppress fires.

Or performing standard fuels management duties involving broadcast burning, hand and machine piling, helitorch, and other brush disposal techniques.

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.

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, which means you must maintain the required level of physical fitness in order to remain in the position.

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.

In accordance with USDA Department Regulation 4430-792-2, this position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the USDA Drug Free Workplace Program and subject to pre-employment drug testing.

All applicants selected for this position will be required to submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.

Incumbents of this position will be required to submit to a urinalysis on an ongoing random basis, after appointment as directed.

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:

• Collects and compiles resource data for long and medium range planning, treatment, and reporting of natural and created fuel hazard management program.
• Executes fuel treatment plans, slash hazard appraisals, and hazard reduction plans for slash creating projects or contracts. Records fuel treatment activity records for required reports and final project completion.
• Works with timber sales and the Contracting Officer's Representative on thinning contracts in laying out fuel breaks, fuel reduction corridors, piling areas, and other fuel treatments.
• Conducts pre-attack plans, providing input used in setting annual priorities for fuel treatment projects according to budget and weather constraints.
• Maintains fuel management inventories as they are completed and updates the files as conditions change.
• Coordinates fuel treatment plans and activities with other functions to ensure efficient use of workforce resources to accomplish program objectives.
• Carries out prescribed burning plans for less complex projects and fuel types, supervising burning projects according to qualifications.
• Locates areas for commercial and free use fuel wood removal according to fuel wood availability, accessibility, and consistency with related fuel management program.
• Works independently or as a skilled member of a fuels management crew engaged in fuels management, may include broadcast burning, hand and machine piling, helitorch, and other brush disposal techniques.
• Uses a variety of hand and power tools, including chainsaws, firing equipment, or portable pumps. Gathers data and records information on fuel types, weather conditions, fire behaviors, and status of work accomplished.
• Works independently or as a member of a skilled crew in wildfire suppression or in fire prevention as assigned.