The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is looking for temporary employees to work Fire Lookouts in Boise, ID.
For contacts and information regarding housing availability visit Fire Contacts on the DOI FIRES Jobs website and select Idaho.
For more information about temporary fire positions with DOI, go to the following link: https://www.firejobs.doi.gov/.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is looking for temporary employees to work Fire Lookouts in Boise, ID.
For contacts and information regarding housing availability visit Fire Contacts on the DOI FIRES Jobs website and select Idaho.
For more information about temporary fire positions with DOI, go to the following link: https://www.firejobs.doi.gov/.
Applications will be accepted from all qualified U.S. Citizens.
A Fire Lookout (GS-04 Forestry Technician) maintains surveillance to detect and report the occurrence of fires, status for fires, suspicious 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.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/TESTING: You may have to pass a physical exam prior to appointment.
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.
Positions may require a valid state driver's license.
You must be 18 years of age or older at the time of appointment.
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.
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. 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 competency 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 competency and are required to do the work of this position and must be supported in your resume.
GS-04/05
Technical Competence - skill in the use of fire location and detection equipment; ability to communicate and use communication equipment; ability to observe, relay and record daily weather observations.
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.
Resume which includes a list of all significant jobs held and duties performed, dates specified in month and year format, and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40+ hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount qualified specialized experience. If military or civilian, please include your rank and/or grade.
A complete Occupational Questionnaire.
Other Supporting Documents, if applicable, such as:
College transcripts - To qualify based on education, you MUST submit a legible copy of transcripts from an accredited institution (http://www2.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html) with your name, school name, credit hours, course level, major(s), grade-point average or class ranking, and if applicable, degree and date conferred. Transcripts do not need to be official, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.
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 DOI FIRES Program Office 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 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. To view the assessment questionnaire, click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10966768.
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.
