This is a Public Notice for positions being filled under the Direct Hiring Authority (DHA) for Wildland Fire. Under this recruitment procedure applications will be accepted for each location identified in this Public Notice. To learn more about Direct-Hire Authority, go to: OPM.GOV Hiring Information - DHA.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is looking for temporary employees to work as Fire Dispatchers.
This is a Public Notice for positions being filled under the Direct Hiring Authority (DHA) for Wildland Fire. Under this recruitment procedure applications will be accepted for each location identified in this Public Notice. To learn more about Direct-Hire Authority, go to: OPM.GOV Hiring Information - DHA.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is looking for temporary employees to work as Fire Dispatchers.
Applications will be accepted from all qualified U.S. Citizens. This is a public notice under the Direct Hiring Authority.
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.
*In addition to the base salary, you will receive a 2.86% cost of living allowance for Fairbanks, Alaska. This allowance is subject to annual review, adjustment and gradual decrease.
For contacts and information regarding housing availability visit Fire Contacts on the DOI FIRES 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/.
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.
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 at least one of the following 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 closing date of the announcement.
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.
Because this vacancy will be filled through OPM's Direct Hire Authority, Veterans' Preference and traditional rating and ranking of applicants does not apply to positions filled under this announcement. All qualified candidates will be referred for consideration; the hiring office may conduct interviews at their discretion.
You MUST upload "Required Documents" PRIOR to the 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 a legible copy of your college transcripts.
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 upload documents that apply to you. For 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 DOI FIRES Program Office.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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. USAJOBS has a template to ensure a complete resume: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YX7o1PBoFk.
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 DOI FIRES Program Office for an application packet PRIOR to the closing date of the announcement.
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.
