Wildland Firefighter (Regional Helicopter Program Specialist)

Full Job Description

This position is located in the PACIFIC SOUTHWEST REGION, REGION 5. The primary purpose of the position is fire prevention and wildland fire management.

This position is responsible for development, implementation and administration of the unit's Fire Prevention Program and also functions in initial attack fire suppression.

See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Section for location representative details.

On 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: GW-12: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GW-11 grade level.

Specialized experience is experience that demonstrates a knowledge of the transportation function(s) of the position to be filled.

Examples of specialized experience include: Assisting and administering a helicopter operations program and has served as an advisor on all helicopter administrative and technical matters.

Provides advice on aviation safety operations and on the implementation of aviation policies, and procedures, evaluates ground facilities, and assists with developing and conducting training programs for aviation and non-aviation personnel, and has participated in inspections of facilities and operations.

Participated in the development and recommendation of contract specifications. Have served as the technical representative or Contract Officer Representative (COR).

GW-13: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GW-12 grade level.

Specialized experience is experience that demonstrates a knowledge of the transportation function(s) of the position to be filled.

Examples of specialized experience include: Providing operational oversight for helicopter operations and wildfire and project activities.

Providing technical direction for aviation safety operations and providing advice on the implementation of aviation policies, procedures, and requirements for helicopter operations and specialized aviation projects, including high risk missions.

Assisting with the planning and coordination of training programs for aviation and non-aviation personnel, and leading inspections of facilities and operations.

Selective Placement Factors Experience performing on-the-line (Primary/Rigorous) wildland fire suppression duties as a member of an organized fire suppression crew or comparable unit that utilized knowledge of wildland fire suppression, containment or control techniques and practices under various conditions.

This experience must be documented with specific dates in the online application or resume.

OR Aerial wildland fire suppression experience such as: delivery of fire retardants or suppressants via fixed or rotor wing aircraft; aerial ignition (helitorch or Plastic Sphere Dispenser - PSD), smokejumper operations, helitack or aerial supervision operations (Air Tactical, Aerial Supervision Module - ASM, Helicopter Coordinator - HLCO), fire retardant drops or air attacks (ATGS).

Documentation must include, specific WLFF duties, dates; including reference names, and current phone numbers for verification.

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 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.

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-13.
• Serves as the principle advisor in the development and implementation of policies, programs, and standard practices for helicopter operations and specialized aviation projects.
• Provides oversight in the planning, development, and performance of specialized missions for the Forest Service and cooperator units in the use of helicopters to perform high risk missions.
• Represents aviation Safety Management Systems (SMS) in committees or work groups involving several Regions or agencies to assure that safety concerns and operational standards are adequately provided for in policy.
• Recommends the establishment or revision of agency standards and procedures as appropriate to facilitate efficiencies and enhance safety.
• Prepares reports documenting findings and recommendations. Prepares comprehensive reports to include technical and detailed analysis.
• Establishes and maintains collaborative relationships and partnerships with State, local government and Federal land management agencies. Coordinates with these partners to achieve common goals.