The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is looking for temporary employees to work as Fire Dispatchers.
For contacts and information regarding housing availability visit Fire Contacts on the DOI Fire Jobs website and select the state you are interested in.
Summary
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is looking for temporary employees to work as Fire Dispatchers.
For contacts and information regarding housing availability visit Fire Contacts on the DOI Fire Jobs website and select the state you are interested in.
A Fire Dispatcher (GS-04 Forestry Technician) provides a wide range of fire dispatch support functions; including mobilization, demobilization, logistics support. This involves the movement of aircraft, personnel and equipment in accordance with local dispatch mobilization guides and planning documents.
A Fire Dispatcher (GS-05 Forestry Technician) receives fire reports, determines location, land status, and current fire information, and dispatches personnel, equipment, aircraft, and/or supplies. Collects, processes, collates and submits incident information to support fire operations. Processes and interprets weather information. Inputs data into a number of fire-related computer applications.
A Fire Dispatcher (GS-06 Forestry Technician) serves as a dispatcher receiving fire reports, determines location, land status, and current fire information, and dispatches personnel, equipment, aircraft, and/or supplies. Interprets weather information and gives to management for making decisions. Inputs data into a number of fire-related computer applications. May train other dispatchers.
A Fire Dispatcher (GS-07 Forestry Technician) serves as a senior fire dispatcher in a dispatch center. Performs and directs others in receiving fire reports, determining location, land status, and current fire information. Determines appropriate resource response to incidents. Anticipates fire suppression needs and determines resource allocation. Coordinates aviation dispatch operation. Inputs data into a number of fire-related computer applications.
Cut-off Dates: This is an open continuous announcement, in which applications are collected over several months, and have multiple cut-off dates. Applications will be considered throughout the open period of the announcement. A certificate will only be issued upon the location request, once they have a need to fill positions.
January 2, 2019
February 5, 2019
*In addition to the base salary, you will receive a 5.31% cost of living allowance for Fairbanks, Alaska. This allowance is subject to annual review, adjustment and gradual decrease.
During the application process, you may select up to SEVEN (7) locations from the list of available locations in this announcement.
You must be 18 years of age or older prior to appointment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work is primarily performed in an office setting, but demands long hours of sitting and irregular shifts. Long periods of intense concentration and working at peak proficiency/intensity levels.
DRUG TESTING: Positions require a mandatory pre-employment drug test. Applicants will not be appointed to the position if a verified positive drug test is received. The drug test will be provided at Government direction and expense. Once hired, employees are also subject to random drug testing during employment. This is in accordance with Executive Order 12564 and under the Department’s Drug Free Workplace Program.
Qualifications
To qualify for a GS-04, you must meet at least one of the following AND the Selective Factor listed below: - 6 months of general work experience, which can be any work experience AND 6 months of specialized work experience equivalent to the GS-03 level duties. Examples of specialized work experience include working in any type of dispatch office; performing dispatch related work. OR - 2 years of education above the high school level which included at least 12 semester hours in any combination of the following courses: forestry, agriculture, crop or plant science, range management or conservation, wildlife management, watershed management, soil science, natural resources (except marine biology and oceanography), outdoor recreation management, civil or forest engineering, or wildland fire science. No more than 3 semester hours of mathematics is creditable toward this requirement; OR - a combination of the education and experience described above.
To qualify for a GS-05, you must meet at least one of the following AND the Selective Factor listed below: - 1 year of specialized work experience equivalent to the GS-04 level duties. Examples of specialized work experience include working with dispatch and dispatch office functions related to wildland fire suppression activities. Work should have included experience such as determining priorities, and selecting alternative resources while performing dispatch operations duties independently. OR - successful completion of a 4 year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with either 1. a major study in forestry, range management or agriculture; or a subject matter field directly related to the position; OR 2. at least 24 semester hours in any combination of the following courses: forestry, agriculture, crop or plant science, range management or conservation, wildlife management, watershed management, soil science, natural resources (except marine biology and oceanography), outdoor recreation management, civil or forest engineering, or wildland fire science. No more than 6 semester hours of mathematics is creditable. The level of the course work must have been equivalent to at least the junior and senior year levels of a baccalaureate program; OR - a combination of education and experience as described above.
To qualify for a GS-06, you must meet the specialized work experience AND the Selective Factor listed below: - 1 year of specialized work experience equivalent to the GS-05 level duties. Examples of specialized work experience include dispatch and dispatch office functions related to wildland fire suppression activities; may include guidance and direction to subordinate dispatchers; OR - 1 year of graduate level education directly related to this position. OR - a combination of education and experience directly related to the work of the position.
To qualify for a GS-07, you must meet at least one of the following AND the Selective Factor listed below: - 1 year of specialized work experience equivalent to the GS-06 level duties. Examples of specialized work experience include performing and directing others in dispatch and dispatch office functions related to wildland fire suppression activities, providing logistical support information and making recommendations for efficient use of available resources. OR - 1 year of graduate education directly related to this position; OR - a combination of education and experience directly related to the work of the position.
Selective Factor for GS-04/05/06/07: In addition to the basic qualifications listed above, you must have the following: 90 days of wildland fire experience. Wildland fire experience is defined as any non-structure fire that occurs in the wildland. Wildland firefighting experience is gained through work on the wildland fire line in containment, control, suppression or use of wildland fire. This experience can be met by serving in a temporary, seasonal or equivalent private sector fire position. Periods of wildland firefighting experience gained through militia and rural fire departments can also be credited.
For more information regarding basic qualifications and combining education and experience click here.
**All Locations may not be hiring for all grades; check with each location.**
You must meet all qualification requirements by the cut-off/closing date of the announcement.
Additional information
SELECTIVE SERVICE: Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must certify that they have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. To register or verify your registration go to the Selective Service System website.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS: These positions are subject to a pre-employment background investigation. If applicable, the appointment will be subject to successful completion of the background investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to satisfy the background check will result in cancellation of offer of employment or may be grounds for termination.
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): CTAP provides eligible surplus and displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. Information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility is available from OPM's Career Transition Resources website at CTAP or ICTAP. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration or that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) This vacancy is within your CTAP/ICTAP eligibility; 2) You apply under the instructions in this announcement; and 3) You are found well-qualified for this vacancy. You must provide proof of eligibility with your application to receive selection priority. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, or a copy of your separation personnel action form.
CTAP and ICTAP eligibles will be considered well qualified if they fall within the Well or Best Qualified categories on the rating criteria for this position.
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.
Temporary employees hired in wildland fire or wildland fire support positions are eligible for the following: -Annual and Sick Leave -Depending on tour of duty – Sunday, holiday, shift differential and/or hazard pay -Paid federal holidays -Participation in the Federal Employees Health Benefit (FEHB) program - Employees electing to participate in the FEHB will be responsible for the employee share of the premium while on the official agency roles, which is deducted from bi-weekly earnings. After separating from federal employment, employees will be offered to continue participation in FEHB under the Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC) option. Employees electing to continue coverage under the TCC provision will be responsible for the full premium amount plus a 2% administration fee.
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.
Upon receipt of your complete application package, a review of your application will be made to ensure you meet the qualification requirements. Your rating will be based on your responses to the Job Specific Questionnaire and the information stated in your resume. If you meet the qualification requirements, your application will be placed in one of three categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified for each grade. Within these categories, applicants eligible for veteran's preference will receive selection priority over non-veterans. The job specific questions for each grade relate to the following knowledge, skills and abilities required to do the work of this position and must be supported in your resume; otherwise you will be changed to a lower category.
GS-04/05/06/07 1. Knowledge of wildland fire suppression and prescribed fire strategies, tactics, methods, and procedures to effectively dispatch fire resources. 2. Knowledge of fire management operations, dispatch procedures, and resources used for the tactical and logistical support for wildland and prescribed fire incidents. 3. Knowledge of wildland fire management computer programs and procedures for mobilizing resources.
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.
Temporary employees hired in wildland fire or wildland fire support positions are eligible for the following: -Annual and Sick Leave -Depending on tour of duty – Sunday, holiday, shift differential and/or hazard pay -Paid federal holidays -Participation in the Federal Employees Health Benefit (FEHB) program - Employees electing to participate in the FEHB will be responsible for the employee share of the premium while on the official agency roles, which is deducted from bi-weekly earnings. After separating from federal employment, employees will be offered to continue participation in FEHB under the Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC) option. Employees electing to continue coverage under the TCC provision will be responsible for the full premium amount plus a 2% administration fee.
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.
You MUST fax or upload "Required Documents" PRIOR to the Cut-off Date or Closing Date.
**Please note that documents selected to transfer from your USAJOBS profile are NOT automatically added to your application. You need to transfer your document(s) in the Document step at the end of the application process.
College transcripts - If you are qualifying using education above high school, you MUST submit your college transcripts.
Veteran Preference Documentation - If you are claiming Veteran Preference, you MUST submit evidence of eligibility. DD-214 MUST show character of service. Failure to submit a DD-214 which shows the character of service and other appropriate supporting documentation, if applicable, will result in NOT granting preference. Note: If you are still on active duty, contact the FIRES Help Desk for acceptable alternative documentation. - 0-point Sole Survivorship preference (SSP), please provide the documentation you received granting this preference. - 5-point preference - DD-214 which shows character of service or other documentation which proves your military service was performed under honorable conditions. - 10-point preference - DD-214, SF-15, an official letter dated 1991 or later from the Department of Veteran's Affairs, or other appropriate source. For further information, please refer to the "Veteran Information" link at the bottom of the screen.
Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP you MUST submit documentation verifying your CTAP/ICTAP eligibility - this includes a copy of the agency notice and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level and duty location.
* You only need to fax or upload documents that apply to you. For faxing and uploading instructions please click here.
You will not be contacted for additional information. If you have questions regarding what is considered appropriate supporting documentation, contact the FIRES Help Desk.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
Applications must be received ON-LINE through USAJOBS. On-line applications must be submitted prior to 12:00AM (Midnight) Eastern Standard Time of the cut-off/closing date of the announcement.
Step 1 - Register with USAJOBS (www.usajobs.gov) and Create a Resume. Your Resume must include the following information: from / to dates (month/year to month/year), work schedule (hours worked per week), grade level (if federal) and duties for each season and position held.
Step 2 - Review the Vacancy Announcement. Review the announcement thoroughly. These sections describe who is eligible to apply, what education and/or experience is required for the position, and which documents are needed for your application package.
Step 3 - Apply Online. Click the "Apply Online" link at the side of the page. Select your USAJOBS resume to submit with your application and answer the vacancy questions.
Step 4 - Supporting Documentation. Submit required supporting documentation that applies to you; refer to the Required Documents section below.
For detailed step-by-step instructions on How to Apply click here.
If applying online poses a hardship for you, or you do not have Internet access, contact the FIRES Help Desk for an application packet PRIOR to the cut-off/closing date of the announcement.
INTERIOR, Bureau of Land Management
FIRES Program Office
(call toll free number for address information)
Boise, Idaho 83705-5354
United States
Next steps
If you are determined to be eligible and qualified, you may be referred to the location(s) you selected in the vacancy question during the application process. You can check your application status by logging into "My Account" on USAJOBS. You will only be notified through e-mail when you are referred; no other notifications will be sent.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
You MUST fax or upload "Required Documents" PRIOR to the Cut-off Date or Closing Date.
**Please note that documents selected to transfer from your USAJOBS profile are NOT automatically added to your application. You need to transfer your document(s) in the Document step at the end of the application process.
College transcripts - If you are qualifying using education above high school, you MUST submit your college transcripts.
Veteran Preference Documentation - If you are claiming Veteran Preference, you MUST submit evidence of eligibility. DD-214 MUST show character of service. Failure to submit a DD-214 which shows the character of service and other appropriate supporting documentation, if applicable, will result in NOT granting preference. Note: If you are still on active duty, contact the FIRES Help Desk for acceptable alternative documentation. - 0-point Sole Survivorship preference (SSP), please provide the documentation you received granting this preference. - 5-point preference - DD-214 which shows character of service or other documentation which proves your military service was performed under honorable conditions. - 10-point preference - DD-214, SF-15, an official letter dated 1991 or later from the Department of Veteran's Affairs, or other appropriate source. For further information, please refer to the "Veteran Information" link at the bottom of the screen.
Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP you MUST submit documentation verifying your CTAP/ICTAP eligibility - this includes a copy of the agency notice and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level and duty location.
* You only need to fax or upload documents that apply to you. For faxing and uploading instructions please click here.
You will not be contacted for additional information. If you have questions regarding what is considered appropriate supporting documentation, contact the FIRES Help Desk.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
Applications must be received ON-LINE through USAJOBS. On-line applications must be submitted prior to 12:00AM (Midnight) Eastern Standard Time of the cut-off/closing date of the announcement.
Step 1 - Register with USAJOBS (www.usajobs.gov) and Create a Resume. Your Resume must include the following information: from / to dates (month/year to month/year), work schedule (hours worked per week), grade level (if federal) and duties for each season and position held.
Step 2 - Review the Vacancy Announcement. Review the announcement thoroughly. These sections describe who is eligible to apply, what education and/or experience is required for the position, and which documents are needed for your application package.
Step 3 - Apply Online. Click the "Apply Online" link at the side of the page. Select your USAJOBS resume to submit with your application and answer the vacancy questions.
Step 4 - Supporting Documentation. Submit required supporting documentation that applies to you; refer to the Required Documents section below.
For detailed step-by-step instructions on How to Apply click here.
If applying online poses a hardship for you, or you do not have Internet access, contact the FIRES Help Desk for an application packet PRIOR to the cut-off/closing date of the announcement.
INTERIOR, Bureau of Land Management
FIRES Program Office
(call toll free number for address information)
Boise, Idaho 83705-5354
United States
Next steps
If you are determined to be eligible and qualified, you may be referred to the location(s) you selected in the vacancy question during the application process. You can check your application status by logging into "My Account" on USAJOBS. You will only be notified through e-mail when you are referred; no other notifications will be sent.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
