The National Park Service (NPS) is looking for temporary employees to work Fire Lookouts. For more information on Crew Types, click here.
For contacts and information regarding housing availability visit Fire Contacts on the DOI Fire Jobs website and select the state you are interested in.
For more information about temporary fire positions with DOI, go to the following link: https://www.firejobs.doi.gov/.
Summary
The National Park Service (NPS) is looking for temporary employees to work Fire Lookouts. For more information on Crew Types, click here.
For contacts and information regarding housing availability visit Fire Contacts on the DOI Fire Jobs website and select the state you are interested in.
For more information about temporary fire positions with DOI, go to the following link: https://www.firejobs.doi.gov/.
A Fire Lookout (GS-04 Forestry Technician) maintains surveillance to detect and report the occurrence of fires, status for fires, suspicous smokes, smoke like dusts, or unusual volumes of legitimate smoke. Uses standard equipment to locate smokes reported by others, estimate distances, ascertain probable distances to smokes, ascertain the probable size and characteristics of fires. Reports and locates fires on maps. Records and reports daily weather observations. Maintains or directs others in maintaining records and log books.
A Fire Lookout (GS-05 Forestry Technician) is responsible for ensuring lookout checks are conducted and weather data from each lookout is obtained and properly recorded. Maintains surveillance to detect and report occurrences of fires, status of fires, suspicious smokes, or unusual volume of legitimate smoke. Uses standard equipment to locate smokes reported by others, estimate distances, ascertain the probable size and characteristics of fires, and locate fires on maps. Reports fires to designated coordinators providing distance, location, volume, color, behavior of smoke and other pertinent facts. Makes recommendations on number of crew, equipment, and type of initial attack forces to be dispatched. Records and reports or directs others in taking daily weather observation. Maintains or directs others in maintaining records and log books.
Locations for these positions are: Mineral, CA (Lassen National Park) Marblemount, WA (North Cascades National Park) Yellowstone National Park, WY
Positions may require a valid state driver's license.
You must be 18 years of age or older prior to appointment.
These positions have no promotion potential.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/TESTING: You must pass a physical exam prior to employment.
Qualifications
To qualify for a GS-04, you must meet at least one of the following: - 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 on-the-line wildland fire experience or work as a wildland fire lookout. 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 - an equivalent combination of the education and experience specified above.
To qualify for a GS-05, you must meet at least one of the following: - 1 year of specialized work experience equivalent to the GS-04 level duties. Examples of specialized work experience include on-the-line wildland fire experience, or prior work as a wildland fire lookout. 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 specialized work experience described above.
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 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 will be made to ensure basic qualification requirements are met. Ratings are determined by your responses given to the job specific questions and validated with the information stated in your resume. If qualification requirements are met, your application will be placed in one of three categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified. An applicant’s category level could be changed due to KSA’s not being supported in one’s resume. Additionally, applicants eligible for veteran’s preference will receive selection priority over non-veterans. The job specific questions relate to the following knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA’s) required to do the work of this position and must be supported in your resume.
GS-04/05 1. Skill in the use of fire location and detection equipment. 2. Ability to communicate and use communication equipment. 3. Ability to observe, relay and record daily weather observations.
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 Close Date.
**Please note that documents selected to transfer from your USAJOBS profile are NOT automatically added to your application. You need to transfer the 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 a legible copy of 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 closing date of the announcement.
Step 1 – Register with USAJOBS (www.usajobs.gov) and Create a Resume. You must build a resume with the USAJOBS Resume Builder or have an Uploaded Resume on your profile BEFORE applying. Your Resume MUST include the following information:
• From and To dates (month/year to month/year) for each season and position held. (Ex: 05/2018 - 11/2018) • Work schedule (number of hours worked per week) for all seasons and positions held. One year of experience is equivalent to 12 months at 40 hour per week (full-time). Part-time hours are prorated. You will not receive any credit for a position listed that does not indicate hours per week. • Grade level for each season and positions that were in the federal service. • Duties for each of the seasons and positions held.
Step 2 – Review the Vacancy Announcement. Review the announcement thoroughly. The 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. Click the “APPLY” link on the right side of the vacancy announcement. This will direct you to the login page for USAJOBS. Select your USAJOBS resume to submit with your application and proceed through the application process answering all questions.
Step 4 - Supporting Documentation. If applicable, attach all required documents (refer to the “Required Documents” section of this vacancy announcement).
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 closing date of the announcement.
INTERIOR, National Park Service
DOI 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 Close Date.
**Please note that documents selected to transfer from your USAJOBS profile are NOT automatically added to your application. You need to transfer the 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 a legible copy of 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 closing date of the announcement.
Step 1 – Register with USAJOBS (www.usajobs.gov) and Create a Resume. You must build a resume with the USAJOBS Resume Builder or have an Uploaded Resume on your profile BEFORE applying. Your Resume MUST include the following information:
• From and To dates (month/year to month/year) for each season and position held. (Ex: 05/2018 - 11/2018) • Work schedule (number of hours worked per week) for all seasons and positions held. One year of experience is equivalent to 12 months at 40 hour per week (full-time). Part-time hours are prorated. You will not receive any credit for a position listed that does not indicate hours per week. • Grade level for each season and positions that were in the federal service. • Duties for each of the seasons and positions held.
Step 2 – Review the Vacancy Announcement. Review the announcement thoroughly. The 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. Click the “APPLY” link on the right side of the vacancy announcement. This will direct you to the login page for USAJOBS. Select your USAJOBS resume to submit with your application and proceed through the application process answering all questions.
Step 4 - Supporting Documentation. If applicable, attach all required documents (refer to the “Required Documents” section of this vacancy announcement).
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 closing date of the announcement.
INTERIOR, National Park Service
DOI 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.
