Explore a new career with the BLM - where our people are our most precious resource.
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. Veterans' Preference is not applicable to this announcement. To learn more about Direct-Hire Authority, go to: OPM.GOV Hiring Information - DHA.
Explore a new career with the BLM - where our people are our most precious resource.
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. Veterans' Preference is not applicable to this announcement. To learn more about Direct-Hire Authority, go to: OPM.GOV Hiring Information - DHA.
A supplemental pay increase of $20,000 or 50% of base pay per year, is authorized under the BIL as long as funding is available.
Applications will be accepted from all qualified U.S. Citizens. This is a public notice under the Direct Hiring Authority.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is looking for temporary employees to work as Fire Dispatchers. For more information on Dispatchers, click this video.
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.
Locations for these positions are:
Fairbanks, AK
Tucson, AZ
Arizona Strip District (Cedar City, UT)**
Craig, CO
Grand Junction, CO
Boise, ID
Idaho Falls District (Idaho Falls/Salmon, ID)*
Shoshone, ID
Eastern Montana/Dakota District (Billings/Miles City, MT)*
Lewistown, MT
Elko, NV
Las Vegas, NV
Lakeview, OR
Vale, OR
Color Country and Paria River Districts (Cedar City/Richfield, UT)**
Draper, UT
Moab, UT
Vernal, UT
Casper, WY
Cody, WY
*NOTE: For district locations, applicants may be assigned to any of the locations listed for that district.
**NOTE: The Arizona Strip District and the Color Country & Paria River Districts have duty locations in Cedar City, UT; the positions are separate. If you desire to be considered for the Arizona Strip District and/or the Color Country & Paria River Districts, you will be able to select your preference in the announcement questionnaire.
Alaska Pay Differential:
In addition to the base salary including 31.96% locality pay, you will receive a 1.69% cost of living allowance for Fairbanks, AK. 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.
For contact information and housing availability, visit Fire Contacts on the DOI FIRES website. To view a list of contacts by agency, 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/.
SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service or exempt. To register or verify your registration, go to the Selective Service System website.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS: Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check. Failure to satisfy the background check will result in cancellation of offer of employment or may be grounds for termination.
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.
Hours worked per week must be stated for each season and position held in your resume.
***Experience listed will need to include specific duties about the work being performed and should not be only the general language stated below in the examples.
To qualify for a GS-04
You must meet at least one of the following:
1). Six 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 may include but are not limited to:
Performing dispatch work, working with dispatch computer programs, knowledge of fire dispatch (such as performing wildland fire suppression duties), and/or receiving and reviewing fire incident reports.
-OR-
2). Two 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 fisheries 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-
3). A combination of the education and experience described above.
To qualify for a GS-05
You must meet at least one of the following:
1). One year of specialized work experience equivalent to the GS-04 level duties.
Examples of specialized work experience may include but are not limited to:
Performing dispatch or dispatch office functions related to wildland fire suppression activities such as determining priorities and selecting alternative resources while independently performing dispatch operations duties.
-OR-
2). A 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 fisheries 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-
3). A combination of education and experience as described above.
To qualify for a GS-06
You must meet at least one of the following:
1). One year of specialized work experience equivalent to the GS-05 level duties.
Examples of specialized work experience may include but are not limited to:
Dispatch and dispatch office functions related to wildland fire suppression activities; may include guidance and direction to subordinate dispatchers.
-OR-
2). One year of graduate level education directly related to this position.
-OR-
3). 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:
1). One year of specialized work experience equivalent to the GS-06 level duties.
Examples of specialized work experience may include but are not limited to:
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-
2). One year of graduate education directly related to this position.
-OR-
3). A combination of education and experience directly related to the work of the position.
**All locations may not be hiring for all grades; check with each location.**
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.'
Physical Demands: The work involves long hours of sitting, intense concentration, and working at peak proficiency/intensity levels with irregular breaks and mealtimes. Must be able to cope with the pressure of meeting timeframes and changing priorities. Mental concentration and accuracy are required. Vehicle and aircraft travel associated with field visits and other administrative travel may be required.
Work Environment: Work is performed primarily in an office setting. During peak activity, long hours, increased radio traffic, numerous ringing phones, and conversations result in high noise levels, which require a high level of concentration to perform duties. The duties of this position create a highly stressful environment during peak activity, requiring the ability to keep calm in emergency situations.
Proof of Education: To qualify based on education, you MUST submit a legible copy of transcripts from an accredited institution with your name, school name, credit hours, course level, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking. 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.
Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet qualification requirements, you MUST show that your education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.
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 the document(s) in the Document step at the end of the application process.
Resume MUST include your name and a list of each season and position held, duties performed, dates specified in month/year to month/year format. In addition, the resume must reflect full-time or total number of hours worked per week. Part-time hours can be pro-rated based on number of hours worked per week provided. If military or civilian, please include your rank and/or grade.
In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. Visit the USAJOBS Help Center for more information on what should I include in my federal resume: https://www.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include.
A complete Assessment Questionnaire: This is completed automatically during the online application process. The questions have to do with minimum qualifications, selective factors if applicable, a verification statement, etc. There is no additional document needed to complete this requirement.
Other Supporting Documents, if applicable, such as:
College transcripts - if qualifying based on education. For more information, see the Education section.
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.
Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - you must remove your image from any badges, licenses, etc.
* 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.
THIS IS AN ONLINE APPLICATION PROCESS THROUGH USAJOBS. Your application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time by the closing date of the announcement. If you need assistance in applying on-line, please contact the DOI FIRES Program Office at blm_fa_fires@blm.gov or call our toll-free number at 888-364-6432.
1. Review the Vacancy Announcement and Eligibility Criteria: 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.
2. 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.
INSUFFICIENT INFORMATION COULD RESULT IN AN INELIGIBLE RATING.
You must build a resume with the USAJOBS Resume Builder or have an Uploaded Resume on your profile BEFORE applying. Videos showing how to apply for federal jobs can be found here: https://www.nifc.gov/careers/how-to-apply. The USAJOBS Resume Builder was designed to ensure that your resume includes the standard information needed. Failure to follow these instructions in the announcement (resulting in insufficient information being provided with your resume / application) could result in an ineligible rating.
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 hours 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 position that were in the federal service.
- Complete Duties for each of the seasons and positions held.
- References personal and professional
3. Submit your resume and supporting documentation ONLINE through USAJOBS. You also must complete the online application and assessment questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the "Required Documents" section.
For detailed step-by-step instructions on How to Apply: https://www.firejobs.doi.gov/index.php/apply.
To verify the status of your application, please log into your USAJOBS account at: https://secure.login.gov/.
For information on what each Application Status means: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/application/status.
FOLLOW UP. Check your application status before the announcement closes. It is your responsibility to ensure that a complete application (including a resume, on-line questionnaire, and applicable supplemental documentation) is received by 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time on the closing date of the vacancy announcement. NOTE: Technical issues may take at least 1 business day to resolve; therefore, you are highly encouraged to complete the application process prior to the closing date.
Once you submit all the required documents and the online application (i.e., online questionnaire, resume, and any supporting documentation, etc.) in USAJOBS, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful.
After the evaluation process is complete, you will be notified via USAJOBs of a status change (i.e., referred, not eligible, not qualified, referred to the hiring official, etc.). Note, you must login to your USAJOBS profile to view details of the status change. Information regarding how to see your application status can be found in the USAJOBS Help Center.
If referred and further evaluation or interviews are required, you may be contacted by the hiring officials for the location in which you are referred.
You will receive a final notification if this job is filled or cancelled. Timelines for this process vary widely.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
