These positions are located on the Ottawa NF in Ontonagon/Kenton/Watersmeet, MI, Daniel Boone NF in Big Creek, KY, National Forests in Texas, in New Waverly, TX and National Forests in Alabama, in Double Springs, AL.
The incumbent serves as a Lead Forestry Technician and will be responsible for leading a small marking crew performing a variety of timber sale preparation (TSP) duties.
Summary
These positions are located on the Ottawa NF in Ontonagon/Kenton/Watersmeet, MI, Daniel Boone NF in Big Creek, KY, National Forests in Texas, in New Waverly, TX and National Forests in Alabama, in Double Springs, AL.
The incumbent serves as a Lead Forestry Technician and will be responsible for leading a small marking crew performing a variety of timber sale preparation (TSP) duties.
Occasional travel - Travel to attend training and meetings.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—Basic moving expenses with discretionary expenses: Entitlements for payment of basic moving expenses, as required and to the extent allowed by the Federal Travel Regulations (FTR) 302-3.101, are authorized for eligible applicants changing duty station when the change meets the distance tests as provided in FTR 302-1.1 and 302-2.6. In addition, the following relocation benefits are available: house hunting trip and temporary quarters.
Males born after 12/31/59 must be Selective Service registered or exempt
Successful completion of a one-year probationary or trial period
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Selectee will be responsible for tax obligations related to payments for moving expenses (2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Public Law 115-97). Questions should be directed to the Travel Help Desk, 877-372-7248, Option 1, or email asc_tos@fs.fed.us
Duty Locations:
Ontonagon, MI (1 position):
Region 9-Ottawa National Forest, James Pelkola, (906) 852-3500, jkpelkola@fs.fed.us; Telework: No; Bargaining Unit: Yes; Full Performance Level: 07
Kenton, MI (1 position):
Region 9-Ottawa National Forest, James Pelkola, (906) 852-3500, jkpelkola@fs.fed.us; Telework: No; Bargaining Unit: Yes; Full Performance Level: 07
Watermeet,, MI (1 position):
Region 9-Ottawa National Forest, Paul Tikusis, (715) 264-2511 ex.t 2253, pdtikusis@fs.fed.us; Telework: No; Bargaining Unit: Yes; Full Performance Level: 07
Big Creek, KY (1 position):
Region 8-Daniel Boone National Forest, Robert Claybrook, (606) 598-2192, rclaybrook@fs.fed.us; Telework: No; Bargaining Unit: Yes; Career Ladder: 06/07
New Waverly, TX (1 position):
Region 8-National Forests in Texas, Warren Oja, (936) 344-6205 ext. 6226, woja@fs.fed.us; Telework: No; Bargaining Unit: Yes; Full Performance Level: 07
Double Springs, AL (1 position):
Region 8-National Forests in Alabama, William Addison, (205) 489-5111, wbaddison@fs.fed.us; Telework: No; Bargaining Unit: Yes; Career Ladder: 06/07
Qualifications
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement as defined below. For more information on the qualifications for this position, go to: http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/Standards/group-stds/gs-admin.asp
GS-6 level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-5); OR one full year (18 semester/27 quarter hours) of successfully completed graduate level coursework that 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 and specialized experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. Examples of specialized experience are: Provided support with tree measurements, map reading and compass use, species identification, defect recognition and determination, quality determination, traversing, use of aerial photos, and use of timber cruising tools and techniques; Interprets silvicultural prescriptions and timber marking guides to designate harvest timber; Measured amount and quantity of timber in designated timber sale areas; Applied instructions issued in a cruise plan.
GS-7 level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-6); OR one full year (18 semester/27 quarter hours) of successfully completed graduate level coursework that 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 and specialized experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. Examples of specialized experience are: Using computer programs required for data collection, cruise processing, traversing, and GPS. Experience in the fundamentals of timber cruising including: tree measurements, map reading and compass use, species identification, defect recognition and determination, quality determination, traversing, use of aerial photos, and use of timber cruising tools and instruments. Use of sampling systems such as 3P, fixed area, point, and sample tree to determine statistically sound cruise samples.
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 Experience: Your resume must clearly document the following for each block of work experience; the beginning day, month and year the work assignment started and ended; the hours worked per week; position title, and series and grade if applicable; and description of duties performed. This information must be provided for each permanent, temporary or seasonal appointment/work assignment or volunteer work and should be clearly documented as a separate block of time. Incomplete, inaccurate or conflicting work history may not be credited for qualifications purposes. This can result in an applicant not being considered for the position. TIME IN GRADE REQUIREMENT: If you are a current federal employee in the General Schedule (GS) pay plan and applying for a promotion opportunity, you must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirements of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. This requirement must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
To receive consideration for this position, you must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
Additional information
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION AND FINGERPRINT CHECK: Selection and retention in this position is contingent on a successfully adjudicated FBI National Criminal History Check (fingerprint check) and a background investigation.
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100.
Direct Deposit - Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of your choosing.
E-Verify: Federal law requires agencies to use the E-Verify system to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires. If you are selected as a newly hired employee, the documentation you present for purposes of completing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Form I-9 on your entry-on-duty date will be verified through the DHS E-VERIFY system. Under the system, the new hire is required to resolve any identified discrepancies as a condition of continued employment.
Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) provides current or former temporary and term employees the opportunity to compete for permanent competitive service positions. Individuals must have more than 24 months of service without a break between appointments of two or more years and the last temporary or term appointment must have been with the Forest Service. Service must be in the competitive service and have been at a successful level of performance or better.
For more information on applying under special hiring authorities such as the Veteran’s Recruitment Act (VRA), 30 percent disabled veterans, certain military spouses and Schedule A Disabled may be found on the USAJOBS website.
This position is not eligible for telework.
This is a bargaining unit position represented by the National Federation of Federal Employees, IAMAW.
Government housing is not available.
Forest Service daycare facilities are not available.
If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is not guaranteed.
We may select from this announcement or any other source to fill one or more vacancies.
Recruitment or Relocation Incentive is authorized for certain locations. Final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at time of job offer.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
You will be evaluated based on your qualifications for this position as evidenced by the experience, education, and training you described in your application package, as well as the responses to the Assessment Questionnaire to determine the degree to which you possess the knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies listed below:
Ability to coordinate and conduct timber pre-sale activities.
Ability to maintain written records, prepare documents and reports.
Knowledge of the methods and techniques used in timber cruising.
Ability to lead a diverse workforce.
Your application, including the online Assessment Questionnaire, will be reviewed to determine if you meet (a) minimum qualification requirements and (b) the resume supports the answers provided to the job-specific questions. Your resume must clearly support your responses to all the questions addressing experience and education relevant to this position. Applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements and are determined to be among the best qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration. Noncompetitive candidates and applicants under some special hiring authorities need to meet minimum qualifications to be referred.
Note: If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your rating may be lowered to more accurately reflect the submitted documentation. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating. Providing inaccurate information on Federal documents could be grounds for non-selection disciplinary action up to including removal from the Federal service.
Clicking the link below will present a preview of the application form; i.e. the online questionnaire. The application form link below will only provide a preview and does not initiate the application process. To initiate the online application process, click the "Apply" button to the right.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
The following documents are required for your applicant package to be complete. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, illegible fax transmissions, delays in the mail service, your system failure, etc. Encrypted documents will not be accepted. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.
Resume that includes: 1) personal information such as name, address, contact information; 2) education; 3) detailed work experience related to this position as described in the major duties including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); 4) supervisor’s phone number and whether or not the supervisor may be contacted for a reference check; 5) other qualifications.
In addition to the above, you must submit the documents below if you claim any of the following:
Current and former Federal employees: 1) Most recent non-award Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) showing that you are/were in the competitive service, highest grade (or promotion potential) held on a permanent basis, position title, series and grade AND 2) Most recent performance appraisal (dated within 18 months) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable. Do not submit a performance plan.
Surplus or displaced employees eligible for CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP priority: proof of eligibility (RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a transfer of function or directed reassignment to another commuting area, notice of disability annuity termination), SF-50 documenting separation (as applicable), and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with your application per 5 CFR 330.
Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act Eligible Applicants: Notification of Personnel Actions (SF-50s) showing you have served in appropriate appointment(s) for a period/periods that total more than 24 months without a break in service of two or more years. You must include the initial hire actions, extensions, conversions and termination/separation SF-50s for each period of work; AND Performance Rating(s) or other evidence showing acceptable performance for ALL periods counted toward the more than 24 months of service. You must provide: 1) Performance Rating(s) showing an acceptable level of performance for period(s) of employment counted towards your eligibility, signed by your supervisor(s); or 2) If documentation of a rating does not exist for one or more periods, a statement from your supervisor(s) or other individual in the chain of command indicating an acceptable level of performance for the period(s) of employment counted towards your eligibility; or 3) If you do not have a Performance Rating or other performance documentation (outlined in 1 and 2 above) for any period that you are using to qualify for eligibility under the LMWFA, you must provide: A stated reason as to why the appraisal/documentation is not available, and a statement that your performance for all periods was at an acceptable level, your most recent separation was for reasons other than misconduct or performance, and you were never notified that you were not eligible for rehire based on performance. (This shall be accepted in lieu of providing copies of the performance appraisals).
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Please view Tips for Applicants – a guide to the Forest Service application process. Please read the entire announcement and all instructions before you begin. You must complete this application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
Applying online is highly encouraged. We are available to assist you during business hours (normally 8:00a.m. - 4:00p.m., Monday - Friday). If applying online poses a hardship, contact the Agency Contact listed below well before the closing date for an alternate method. All hardship application packages must be complete and submitted no later than noon ET on the closing date of the announcement in order to be entered into the system prior to its closing.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis; contact the Agency Contact to request this.
To begin, click "Apply Online" and follow the instructions to complete the Assessment Questionnaire and attach your resume and all required documents.
NOTE: You must verify that uploaded documents from USAJOBS transfer into the Agency's staffing system. Applicants may combine all like required documents (e.g., all SF-50s) into one or more files and scan for uploading into the application. Each file must not exceed 3MB. Grouping like documents into files will simplify the application process. Documents must be in one of the following formats: GIF, JPEG, JPG, PDF, PNG, RTF, or Word (DOC or DOCX). Uploaded documents may not require a password, digital signature, or other encryption to open.
USDA Forest Service
Do not mail applications, see instructions on How to Apply tab.
Albuquerque, NM, 87109
United States
Next steps
Your application will be reviewed to verify that you meet the eligibility and qualification requirements for the position prior to issuing referral lists to the selecting official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. Log in to your USAJOBS account to check your application status. We expect to make a final job offer approximately 40 days after the deadline for applications.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
The following documents are required for your applicant package to be complete. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, illegible fax transmissions, delays in the mail service, your system failure, etc. Encrypted documents will not be accepted. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.
Resume that includes: 1) personal information such as name, address, contact information; 2) education; 3) detailed work experience related to this position as described in the major duties including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); 4) supervisor’s phone number and whether or not the supervisor may be contacted for a reference check; 5) other qualifications.
In addition to the above, you must submit the documents below if you claim any of the following:
Current and former Federal employees: 1) Most recent non-award Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) showing that you are/were in the competitive service, highest grade (or promotion potential) held on a permanent basis, position title, series and grade AND 2) Most recent performance appraisal (dated within 18 months) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable. Do not submit a performance plan.
Surplus or displaced employees eligible for CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP priority: proof of eligibility (RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a transfer of function or directed reassignment to another commuting area, notice of disability annuity termination), SF-50 documenting separation (as applicable), and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with your application per 5 CFR 330.
Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act Eligible Applicants: Notification of Personnel Actions (SF-50s) showing you have served in appropriate appointment(s) for a period/periods that total more than 24 months without a break in service of two or more years. You must include the initial hire actions, extensions, conversions and termination/separation SF-50s for each period of work; AND Performance Rating(s) or other evidence showing acceptable performance for ALL periods counted toward the more than 24 months of service. You must provide: 1) Performance Rating(s) showing an acceptable level of performance for period(s) of employment counted towards your eligibility, signed by your supervisor(s); or 2) If documentation of a rating does not exist for one or more periods, a statement from your supervisor(s) or other individual in the chain of command indicating an acceptable level of performance for the period(s) of employment counted towards your eligibility; or 3) If you do not have a Performance Rating or other performance documentation (outlined in 1 and 2 above) for any period that you are using to qualify for eligibility under the LMWFA, you must provide: A stated reason as to why the appraisal/documentation is not available, and a statement that your performance for all periods was at an acceptable level, your most recent separation was for reasons other than misconduct or performance, and you were never notified that you were not eligible for rehire based on performance. (This shall be accepted in lieu of providing copies of the performance appraisals).
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Please view Tips for Applicants – a guide to the Forest Service application process. Please read the entire announcement and all instructions before you begin. You must complete this application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
Applying online is highly encouraged. We are available to assist you during business hours (normally 8:00a.m. - 4:00p.m., Monday - Friday). If applying online poses a hardship, contact the Agency Contact listed below well before the closing date for an alternate method. All hardship application packages must be complete and submitted no later than noon ET on the closing date of the announcement in order to be entered into the system prior to its closing.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis; contact the Agency Contact to request this.
To begin, click "Apply Online" and follow the instructions to complete the Assessment Questionnaire and attach your resume and all required documents.
NOTE: You must verify that uploaded documents from USAJOBS transfer into the Agency's staffing system. Applicants may combine all like required documents (e.g., all SF-50s) into one or more files and scan for uploading into the application. Each file must not exceed 3MB. Grouping like documents into files will simplify the application process. Documents must be in one of the following formats: GIF, JPEG, JPG, PDF, PNG, RTF, or Word (DOC or DOCX). Uploaded documents may not require a password, digital signature, or other encryption to open.
USDA Forest Service
Do not mail applications, see instructions on How to Apply tab.
Albuquerque, NM, 87109
United States
Next steps
Your application will be reviewed to verify that you meet the eligibility and qualification requirements for the position prior to issuing referral lists to the selecting official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. Log in to your USAJOBS account to check your application status. We expect to make a final job offer approximately 40 days after the deadline for applications.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.