Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted from any U.S. citizen. Direct Hire Authority will be used to fill this position. Veterans Preference and traditional rating and ranking of applicants does not apply to this vacancy.

• Duties listed are at full performance grade GS-08 level.
• Supervise a group of employees.
• Resolve informal complaints and grievances.
• Responsible for directing a module of a 10 to 20 person Handcrew.
• Recognize, react to and communicates changes in predicted weather and fire behavior, topography and fuel types, and adapt planned strategies and tactics to identify and relocate firelines, escape routes and safety zones.
• Perform in other assignments on incidents involving wildland urban interface.
• Plan and implement work activities such as setting priorities, identifying objectives, coordinating resources, vehicles, supplies and equipment, developing job hazard analysis, and conducting job skill training.
• Assign resources, conducts safety meetings, monitor work quality and quantity, track budget expenditures, and report work progress and project accomplishments.
• Perform wildfire suppression support as directed within training and physical capabilities and other duties as assigned.
• Perform the administrative and human resource management functions.
• Establish guidelines and performance expectation of employee.
• Ensure a continuing affirmative application of policies concerning equal opportunity.

Conditions of employment

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
• Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify.
• Must be 18 years of age.
• Initial appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of training.
• This is a Test Designated Position. You will be tested for illegal drugs prior to appointment and randomly thereafter. Appointment and continued employment is conditional on negative results.
• Must pass the Work Capacity Test for certain Interagency Fire Program Management or Fire Program Management positions.
• Subject to one year supervisory/managerial probationary period unless prior service is creditable. New USDA supervisors must successfully complete all components of the required training program before the end of their probationary period.
• Willing to live/work in remote locations (volatile/unpredictable).
• There may be additional Conditions of Employment not listed here, however applicants will be notified of any specific requirements at the time a tentative job offer is made.
• Under age 37; less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position or a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and is requesting a waiver to the requirement.

Qualifications

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 Requirements

For the GS-07 level one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-6). Examples of specialized experience include: Served on a specialty crew (hotshot, helitack, engines, etc.) or assigned to lead fire suppression under the most adverse conditions of climate, fuels, and terrain. Performed interdisciplinary tactical methods and techniques for use of water and other additives in controlling and mopping-up fires in order to efficiently and effectively to accomplish objectives. Makes initial evaluation of fire situations, determines rate of spread, potential hazards to property and other improvements, suppression method to use, hose lays, deployment of crew, point of initial attack and type of tools to use.

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

A combination 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.

For the GS-08 level one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-7). Examples of specialized experience include: Independently practiced methods and procedures associated with wildfire suppression to resolve a full range of irregular or problem situations when suppressing wildland fires. Coordinated and assisted in the development of fire/aviation training and instructional programs. Independently implemented many technical specialized objectives such as coordinating resources, vehicle, supplies & equipment and other tactics used in fire suppression and prescribed fire.

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

A combination 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.

Selective Placement Factors

Successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Crew Boss (CRWB) - AND- Successfully completed the Secondary NWCG Core Requirement Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5).

Primary firefighter positions include the following age requirements: Under age 37 -OR- less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Federal Service worked in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position -OR- a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and is requesting a waiver to the maximum age requirement.

In order to be considered for this position, copies of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record (or equivalent training documents) which contain documented proof of the certification or attainment of the IFPM Selective Placement Factor for this position MUST be attached to your application. Red cards are not acceptable documentation. Currency Requirement: Required to maintain currency once hired into the position. Currency of NWCG qualifications is not required for selection. If not currently qualified, the applicant must provide documented evidence that they have been fully qualified in the past, and are able to regain currency within one year of being hired. Failure to provide this documentation will result in disqualification.

This position has been identified as High 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 primary/rigorous 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.

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.''

To receive consideration for this position, you must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

This is a Direct-Hire Authority position, all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, to include any selective placement factor(s), if applicable, will be referred to the selecting official. Before a certificate is issued to the selecting official, the resume is reviewed to ensure that you meet all the qualification requirements. A rating will not be used; veteran's preference does not apply due to the existence of the Direct Hire authority for this position.

Note: If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, you may be found ineligible. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating. Providing inaccurate information on Federal documents could be grounds for non-selection or disciplinary action up to including removal from the Federal service.

To view the application form, visit: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10896767