This position is a Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Branch Chief - Fuels & Planning), GW-0456-13 located within the Department of the Interior, US Wildland Fire Service, Eastern Area Program Office. The official duty location will be based on the selectee.
In order to be considered for any of the advertised duty locations, ensure desired locations are selected. Applicants will not be considered for locations not selected.
Summary
This position is a Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Branch Chief - Fuels & Planning), GW-0456-13 located within the Department of the Interior, US Wildland Fire Service, Eastern Area Program Office. The official duty location will be based on the selectee.
In order to be considered for any of the advertised duty locations, ensure desired locations are selected. Applicants will not be considered for locations not selected.
US Wildland Fire Service (USWFS) - This is a Merit Promotion announcement for current career and career conditional Wildland Fire Service employees, Career Transition eligibles (CTAP), and current or former time-limited employees eligible under Land Management Flexibility Act (LMWFA). Refer to Required Documents section for more information.
The major duties of this position include, but are not limited to the following:
Supervise and develop staff by planning workloads, setting priorities, managing performance, supporting employee development, and ensuring accomplishment of organizational goals.
Provides technical planning and program oversight by leading complex projects, integrating scientific and operational information, and recommending improvements to resource management and organizational effectiveness.
Coordinates policy implementation and partnerships by collaborating with Federal, Tribal, state, local, and interagency partners to ensure consistent program execution.
Evaluates program accomplishments, identifies emerging issues, recommends corrective actions, and develops process improvements that enhance program effectiveness, workforce development, and strategic initiatives.
Leads strategic planning for wildland fire management programs by developing long-range goals, priorities, implementation strategies, and performance measures aligned with agency objectives.
Physical Demands - Work is primarily sedentary, although it does require frequent travel by scheduled and chartered aircraft or ground vehicles to various destinations in the western U.S. Occasionally the incumbent must travel by foot to remote field locations to conduct technical investigations and
site visits. During fire season, the position demands extended, and variable work shifts and on-call status
while away from work.
Work Environment - Most work is performed in an office or meeting room setting; occasionally exposure to risk or discomfort is encountered while conducting visits to the field due to extreme temperatures, topography, and remote living conditions. While on incident assignments, the incumbent may be exposed to temperature extremes, dust, smoke, noise, rugged topography, high-risk flight in fixed or rotor wing aircraft, extended
outdoor living and high-stress emergency activities.
Salary Information
GW-13 $112,824 per annum. - $172,846 per annum. First time hires to the Federal government normally start at the lower salary range of the grade level.
Subject to a background/suitability investigation/determination.
This position requires completion of a one year supervisory/managerial probationary period, if one has not previously been completed.
Direct Deposit participation required.
Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must certify registration with the Selective Service system, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See http://www.sss.gov/.
Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
Prior to appointment, the selectee will be required to take and pass, at Federal expense: a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use. From thereon, the incumbent may be subject to random drug testing.
Selectee must pass a pre-employment medical examination and may be subject to post-employment medical examinations to determine if they are maintaining the fitness standards for this position.
Pass the work capacity test for arduous positions.
Must be 18 years of age or older to be assigned to a hazardous position.
Subject to frequent extended travel, particularly during fire season.
Complete training and obtain/maintain a government charge card with travel and/or purchase authority.
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period to evaluate your fitness and whether your continuation of employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
- your performance and conduct;
- the needs and interests of the agency;
- whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
- whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your probationary period or trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Qualifications
Applicants must have documented prior primary firefighting experience, with substantial service defined as either:
At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper, Wildland Fire Modules or Fire Suppression Crews, etc.) with a federal, state, tribal, local, or private-sector organization;
- OR -
At least 14 days of on-the-ground fire line experience (cumulative or consecutive).
Prior primary wildland fire experience must be clearly documented in your resume.
Note: an IQCS Master Record or equivalent document will not be used to determine or calculate prior primary wildland fire experience eligibility for this requirement.
Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. Please be sure to include this information in your resume. No assumptions will be made about your experience.
In addition to the requirements described above, you must possess the Minimum Qualification requirements listed below.
Minimum Qualification for GW-0456-13
Applicants must meet the following to qualify for the GS/GW-13 level: One year of specialized experience in or directly related to this position that equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position. To be creditable, the required specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the GS/GW-12 level in the Federal service.
Examples of GS/GW-12 level work may include but are not limited to: Applying comprehensive knowledge of wildland fire management principles, policies, and procedures to plan, implement, coordinate, and evaluate one or more fire management program areas. Experience analyzing program performance, interpreting policy, coordinating with partners, and providing technical guidance to support organizational objectives.
All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
Merit Promotion candidates must also meet Time-in-Grade requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
Education
IMPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE:There is not an option to qualify for the 0456 series utilizing education at the GW-13 level.
Additional information
The Eastern Area Program Office has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework only during an emergency or natural disaster.
This vacancy may be used to fill additional positions as vacancies become available.
Applicants who include vulgar, offensive, or inappropriate language or information in their application package will be ineligible for further consideration for this position.
The application contains information subject to the Privacy Act (P.L. 93-579, 5 USC 552a). The information is used to determine qualifications for employment, and is authorized under Title 5, USC, Section 3302 and 3361.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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.
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.
--Basis of Rating: Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., two-page resume, supporting documents) and the result of the identified assessment required for this position.
--Structured Resume Assessment: If you meet the eligibility and basic qualification requirements for this position, subject-matter-experts (SMEs) will perform a structured review of your resume to evaluate your knowledge, skills, abilities, and competences as they directly relate to the duties of this position. SMEs will review ONLY two (2) pages of your resume. The assessments will evaluate you on the following general/technical competencies required to perform the job; please do not provide a separate written response:
Fire Management
Planning and Evaluating
Leadership
Administration and Management
--NOTE: Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials may result in your removal from consideration.
--Resume Length: Please limit your resume to no more than 2 pages. If more than 2 pages are submitted, only the first 2 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.
DUE WEIGHT
Due Weight Consideration is a review process used to provide consideration to performance appraisals and awards submitted with each application on a used merit promotion certificate and factoring the results into the merit promotion selection process.
Please submit 1) a copy of your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation and 2) a list of any awards (e.g. superior performance awards, special act or achievement awards, quality step increase, etc.) you received in the last 5 years. Any performance appraisal/evaluation and award documentation you provide will be forwarded to the selecting official. The selecting official will review this documentation and give it due weight consideration during the overall selection process.
If you do not have your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation, please submit a statement as to why it is not available. Please indicate if any prior performance appraisals/evaluations were at an acceptable level.
It is your responsibility to obtain and upload your performance appraisal/evaluation and/or list of awards prior to the closing of the vacancy announcement.
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.
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.
Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents. Adobe portfolio documents are not viewable by our agency's staffing offices.
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
1. Your resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
2. Other supporting documents (if applicable):
SF-50's showing (1) your highest FPL, and (2) most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, tenure, and duty station. Please note that all SF-50's submitted must show that you are a status candidate or eligible under this announcement. Please refer to the eligibility in the online questionnaire for more information.
Certificates, license, etc.
Form DD-214 OR VA letter and Standard Form 15, if eligible under VEOA
Proof of eligibility if applying under a special appointing authority
Current or former Government employees are strongly encouraged to submit a recent performance appraisal
Your resume must contain information sufficient to make a valid determination that you fully meet the specialized experience requirements as stated in this vacancy announcement and OPM qualification standards for the grade level for which you are applying. It is strongly recommended that you use the USAJobs Resume Builder as it was designed to ensure that your resume includes the standard information needed. The Resume Builder is available at https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/account/documents/resume/build.
NOTE: Applicants claiming eligibility under VEOA, must submit a copy of your DD-214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," (Member 4 copy is preferred), showing the dates of active duty, type of discharge, and character of service (must be honorable); OR acceptable proof of verification of your preference (i.e., official document, dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs, or from a branch of the Armed Forces, certifying that the veterans total combined serviced-connected disability rating is 10% or more).
NOTE: Applicants claiming eligibility based on 30% or more service connected disability, you are required to submit documentation that is indicated on the SF-15 as acceptable proof of verification of your preference (i.e., official document, dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs, or from a branch of the Armed Forces, certifying that the veterans total combined serviced-connected disability rating is 30% or more.
If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, you must submit proof by the closing date of the announcement that you meet the requirements of 5 CFR 330.605(a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP or you will not receive priority consideration. The proof includes a copy of the agency notice, your most recent Performance Rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty station. To be considered well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, you must earn a minimum score of 85 or above (prior to the assignment of veteran's preference) on the rating criteria for this position.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include the initial online assessment and submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
To update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account (https://usajobs.gov). There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account at https://www.usajobs.gov. On the Home page, scroll down and locate your job application. Once the job has been located, click the "Track this application" link on the right under the application date. The page will refresh to display the Agency's Application Information page where you can scroll down and review any notifications the agency has sent you. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Applicants who apply under this job opportunity announcement agree to have their application, associated documents and applicable personal information shared with other Bureaus/Offices within the Department of the Interior (DOI) who have vacancies within the same occupational series, grade, full performance level and in the same geographic location(s), including within the same metro/commuting area. Applying to this announcement does not replace the need to apply to other job opportunity announcements for which you wish to receive consideration.
NOTICE: This employer participates in E-Verify and will utilize your Form I-9 information to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S.
A preliminary background check must be completed before a new employee can begin work with the U.S. Department of the Interior. The preliminary background check consists of a search of Office of Personnel Management and Department of Defense background investigation files and an FBI National Criminal History Fingerprint Check; it may take up to 3 weeks to complete. If selected for this position, you will be extended a tentative offer of employment pending a satisfactory background check. Current Federal employees or individuals with an existing completed background investigation may not be required to undergo another background check; these will be handled on a case-by-case basis in coordination with the Bureau security office.
Office of the Secretary
1849 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20240
US
Next steps
Once you submit all the required documents and the online application in USAJOBS, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After the evaluation process is complete, you will be notified of your status and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted by the hiring official.
You will be notified if this job is filled or canceled. Timelines for this process vary widely.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging in to your USAJOBS account as we will not be responding to inquiries about the status of applications as long as the system has been updated.
If you were not referred and/or have questions or concerns regarding your rating determination or referral status, in the interest of time, please submit your inquiry in writing within seven (7) calendar days of receiving a Notice of Results and Referral notification email. Inquiries may be submitted to contact listed on this announcement. Be sure to include the announcement number to assist our team in reviewing your inquiry.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents. Adobe portfolio documents are not viewable by our agency's staffing offices.
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
1. Your resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
2. Other supporting documents (if applicable):
SF-50's showing (1) your highest FPL, and (2) most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, tenure, and duty station. Please note that all SF-50's submitted must show that you are a status candidate or eligible under this announcement. Please refer to the eligibility in the online questionnaire for more information.
Certificates, license, etc.
Form DD-214 OR VA letter and Standard Form 15, if eligible under VEOA
Proof of eligibility if applying under a special appointing authority
Current or former Government employees are strongly encouraged to submit a recent performance appraisal
Your resume must contain information sufficient to make a valid determination that you fully meet the specialized experience requirements as stated in this vacancy announcement and OPM qualification standards for the grade level for which you are applying. It is strongly recommended that you use the USAJobs Resume Builder as it was designed to ensure that your resume includes the standard information needed. The Resume Builder is available at https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/account/documents/resume/build.
NOTE: Applicants claiming eligibility under VEOA, must submit a copy of your DD-214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," (Member 4 copy is preferred), showing the dates of active duty, type of discharge, and character of service (must be honorable); OR acceptable proof of verification of your preference (i.e., official document, dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs, or from a branch of the Armed Forces, certifying that the veterans total combined serviced-connected disability rating is 10% or more).
NOTE: Applicants claiming eligibility based on 30% or more service connected disability, you are required to submit documentation that is indicated on the SF-15 as acceptable proof of verification of your preference (i.e., official document, dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs, or from a branch of the Armed Forces, certifying that the veterans total combined serviced-connected disability rating is 30% or more.
If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, you must submit proof by the closing date of the announcement that you meet the requirements of 5 CFR 330.605(a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP or you will not receive priority consideration. The proof includes a copy of the agency notice, your most recent Performance Rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty station. To be considered well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, you must earn a minimum score of 85 or above (prior to the assignment of veteran's preference) on the rating criteria for this position.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include the initial online assessment and submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
To update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account (https://usajobs.gov). There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account at https://www.usajobs.gov. On the Home page, scroll down and locate your job application. Once the job has been located, click the "Track this application" link on the right under the application date. The page will refresh to display the Agency's Application Information page where you can scroll down and review any notifications the agency has sent you. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Applicants who apply under this job opportunity announcement agree to have their application, associated documents and applicable personal information shared with other Bureaus/Offices within the Department of the Interior (DOI) who have vacancies within the same occupational series, grade, full performance level and in the same geographic location(s), including within the same metro/commuting area. Applying to this announcement does not replace the need to apply to other job opportunity announcements for which you wish to receive consideration.
NOTICE: This employer participates in E-Verify and will utilize your Form I-9 information to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S.
A preliminary background check must be completed before a new employee can begin work with the U.S. Department of the Interior. The preliminary background check consists of a search of Office of Personnel Management and Department of Defense background investigation files and an FBI National Criminal History Fingerprint Check; it may take up to 3 weeks to complete. If selected for this position, you will be extended a tentative offer of employment pending a satisfactory background check. Current Federal employees or individuals with an existing completed background investigation may not be required to undergo another background check; these will be handled on a case-by-case basis in coordination with the Bureau security office.
Office of the Secretary
1849 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20240
US
Next steps
Once you submit all the required documents and the online application in USAJOBS, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After the evaluation process is complete, you will be notified of your status and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted by the hiring official.
You will be notified if this job is filled or canceled. Timelines for this process vary widely.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging in to your USAJOBS account as we will not be responding to inquiries about the status of applications as long as the system has been updated.
If you were not referred and/or have questions or concerns regarding your rating determination or referral status, in the interest of time, please submit your inquiry in writing within seven (7) calendar days of receiving a Notice of Results and Referral notification email. Inquiries may be submitted to contact listed on this announcement. Be sure to include the announcement number to assist our team in reviewing your inquiry.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
