Wildland Firefighter (Helicopter Manager)

Full Job Description

These positions will be located at a USDA Forest Service Unit.

This position manages permanent and temporary helibases, provides contract administration for, and plans and directs helicopter operations in support of, prescribed fire, fire suppression, emergency incidents and resource management functions.

See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 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 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.

Specialized Experience Requirement: For the GW-08: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-07) in the Federal Service; OR two full years (36 semester/ 54 quarter hours) of successfully completed graduate level education or master's degree if the coursework is directly related to the work of the position (such as forestry, range management, agriculture); OR combinations of graduate level education that is directly related to the position (in excess of 18 semester/ 27 quarter hours) and specialized experience.

The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university.

Examples of specialized experience: Provided input into long range and broad planning efforts to comply with USDA Forest Service policies, procedures, and objectives.

Assessed readiness to meet short term project and emergency needs.

Recommended forest aviation needs; ordered personnel, equipment, and supplies; directed and monitored aviation activities related to prescribed fire, fire suppression and resource management.

Completed and maintained reports and records for helicopter use.

For the GW-09: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-08) in the Federal Service; OR two full years (36 semester/ 54 quarter hours) of successfully completed graduate level education or master's degree if the coursework is directly related to the work of the position (such as forestry, range management, agriculture); OR combinations of graduate level education that is directly related to the position (in excess of 18 semester/ 27 quarter hours) and specialized experience.

The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university.

Examples of specialized experience: Assisted in administering aircraft contracts, contract language changes, and in completing related reports, records, and payment documents.

Assisted in planning and coordinating aviation support and helicopter personnel in support of prescribed fire, fire suppression and resource management.

Participated as an instructor or coordinator of fire aviation training programs.

This position has been identified as (MODERATE) Complexity under the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) or Forest Service Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) and is subject to selective placement factor requirements contained in the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard and Guide when filling this vacancy.

IFPM or FS-FPM selective placement factors are made up of a primary and secondary National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) core Incident Management Qualifications and Required Training.

The applicant must possess these qualifications at the applicable complexity level to be considered eligible for this position.

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, MODERATE, or LIGHT 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:

• Duties listed are at full performance grade GW-09 level.
• Plans, coordinates, and directs aviation support or helicopter personnel in support of prescribed fire, fire suppression and resource management.
• Assesses readiness to meet short-term project and emergency needs. Orders personnel equipment and supplies; directs and monitors aviation activities related to prescribed fire, fire suppression and resource management.
• Acts as Contracting Officer Representative and effectively administers aircraft contracts, recommends contract language changes to the Contracting officer, and completes related reports, records, and payment documents.
• Participates in Forest, Regional and National planning committees related to helicopter operational policies and procedures.
• Plans helicopter budget, including supplies, equipment, training, and personnel necessary for safe and efficient helicopter operation.