This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/725983000. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
Applying for a fire job on USAJOBS
This position will be filled under the Office of Personnel Management's Direct Hire Authority and is open to all United States citizens and U.S. nationals. Veteran's preference and traditional rating and ranking of applications do not apply. All qualified applicants will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration for this position. To learn more about Direct-Hire authority, go to: OPM.GOV Hiring Information: Direct Hire Fact Sheet
05/17/2023 to 05/31/2023
$33,906 - $49,009 per year
A supplemental pay increase of $20,000 or 50% of base pay per year, is authorized under Bipartisan Infrastructure Law through 9/30/2023.
GS 3 - 5
Additional locations are listed below.
No
No
50% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
No
Permanent
Full-time
Competitive
5
No
Yes
MR-23-11965252-TL-FDHA
725983000
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.
This position will be filled under the Office of Personnel Management's Direct Hire Authority and is open to all United States citizens and U.S. nationals. Veteran's preference and traditional rating and ranking of applications do not apply. All qualified applicants will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration for this position.
Information on the Wildland Fire Apprenticeship Program can be found at: https://www.nafri.gov/wfap/(https://www.nafri.gov/wfap/)
As part of the Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Program, you will serve as a registered apprentice in a developmental capacity as a wildland firefighter trainee.
Duties may include serving on one or more of following module types; hand crew, helitack, fire use or engine. Will fight wildland fires in extreme heat conditions.
Hotshot Crew - Apprentice serves on a 20, person organized crew which is used primarily for wildfire suppression, fuels reduction, and other fire management duties. Performs all aspects of wildland fire or prescribed fire operations, however are very specialized and are generally placed in the most rugged terrain on the most active and difficult areas on wildfires. Hotshot crews are utilized throughout the country and may spend extended periods away from their home units. The crews place a great deal of emphasis on physical fitness.
Wildland Fire Module - Apprentice serves on a handcrew, or on a prescribed or wildland fire module. Performs all aspects of wildland and prescribed fire operations such as, line construction, ignition device (e.g. fuses, drip torches, flares, and terra torch) use, patrolling fire line and the use of water and hand tools to perform mop-up. Performs the duties of a chainsaw operator and performs chainsaw maintenance and simple repairs. Collects
fire weather data, fuel loading data, tree stand density data and fuel and/or soil moisture samples.
Wildland Fire Engine - Apprentice serves on a wildland fire engine. Starts pump engine, primes pump, adjusts engine speed and pump valves, lays hose, and uses appropriate nozzles and nozzle adjustment in effective use of water and additives. Services and makes minor repairs to engine; inspects, checks and services accessories such as pump, water lines, tank, reels, or pump power plant; and keeps in fire readiness. Inspects, cleans
and stows hose. Makes emergency repairs and adjustments of pump while in use. Performs line construction and mop-up activities. Performs the duties of a chainsaw operator and performs simple chainsaw maintenance.
Helitack - Apprentice serves on a helitack module. Loads helicopter with personnel and cargo, considering methods, weight distribution, necessity for securing cargo, total weight, etc. Inventories and inspects helicopter accessories, fire tools, and equipment. Assures that needed tools and equipment are available for firefighting tasks. Performs helicopter longline operations and maintains accessory equipment. May exit helicopter in remote areas to assist in the construction of helispots, or to attack wildland fires, or spot fires. Performs helicopter longline operations. May serve as a rappeller or short hauler. Will fight wildland fires in extreme heat conditions and participate in search and rescue operations. Performs the duties of a chainsaw operator and performs simple chainsaw maintenance.
Other apprenticeship training assignments may include: trail maintenance; may be assigned to a fire lookout for reporting of fires; with training may serve in wildland fire dispatch center communicating weather and resource status.
Gathers and considers information on weather data, topography, fuel types, and fire behavior in responding to wildland fire incidents. When positioning and deploying personnel and equipment, recommends best approaches and practices to use in the protection of values at risk.
Responsible for operation and maintenance of specialized equipment used to respond to wildland and prescribed fire situations. Accomplishes emergency repairs as necessary to permit continued use of equipment. In those instances when the apparatus cannot be used effectively in suppressing the fire, the incumbent takes alternative control action in suppressing the fire.
Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level.
*Conditions of Employment, Continued
- Prior to appointment, you must be determined physically fit by an authorized government physician to perform strenuous and physically demanding duties; and also pass a medical examination (which includes vision, hearing, cardiovascular, and mobility of extremities) given by an authorized government physician. You will also be required to periodic medical examinations throughout employment.
- The Work Capacity Test (WCT-Pack Test) as a method for assessing an employee's fitness levels for fire qualifications in the positions covered by this recruitment notice. Arduous fitness (WCT-Pack Test) will consist of completing a three-mile hike, within 45 minutes, while carrying a 45 pound pack. NOTE: Arduous Work Capacity Test (https://www.nwcg.gov/how-to-become-a-wildland-firefighter)
PROOF OF EDUCATION: All applicants who are using education or a combination of education and experience to qualify must submit copies of official or unofficial transcripts which include grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, institution name, and student name. If any required coursework is not easily recognizable on transcripts, or if you believe a portion of a particular course can be credited toward meeting an educational requirement, you must also provide a memorandum on letterhead from the institution's registrar, dean, or other appropriate official stating the percentage of the course that should be considered to meet the requirement and the equivalent number of units. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable; however, if you are selected for the position, you will be required to produce the original official transcripts.
PASS/FAIL COURSES: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society.
GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html
To register or verify your registration go to the Selective Service System at https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx
The vacancies are located at the following locations: Work Schedule (Permanent Full-Time (PFT) and Housing Available (Y/N)):
Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, Cheney, WA, PFT, Housing Available
Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge, Indiahoma, OK PFT, Housing Available
Texas Chenier Plain National Wildlife Refuge, Winnie, TX PFT, Housing Available
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Carver, MN PFT, Housing Available
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, Marion, IL PFT, No Housing Available
Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge, Madison, IN PFT, No Housing Available
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, Manteo, NC, PFT, No Housing Available
Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge, Round Oak, GA, PFT, No Housing Available
Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge, Gautier MS, PFT, No Housing Available
In addition to the pay listed in this vacancy announcement, a temporary supplemental pay increase of $20,000 per year, or 50% of base pay (whichever is less), will be authorized under Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This supplemental pay may be paid out bi-weekly through 9/30/2023.
Pay listed in the vacancy announcement is from the Rest of the U.S. locality. Additional pay localities are listed here.
Additional Vacancies: One or more positions may be filled from applications received under this announcement in the advertised office or other U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service offices in the local commuting area.
Telework:
This position is suitable for telework only in an emergency or natural disaster.
PCS INFORMATION:
No PCS entitlements authorized
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.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
TESTING DESIGNATED POSITION: All applicants tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS: You must pass a pre-employment medical examination. Also, you may be subject to post-employment medical examinations to determine if you are maintaining the fitness standards for this position.
DRIVER'S LICENSE: You must possess and maintain a valid State driver's license at all times during your tenure.
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.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
All applicants who submit a complete and legible application by the closing date of this vacancy announcement {or cut-off} will have their qualifications reviewed to determine if they possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform the work of this position.
SEE QUALIFICATIONS SECTION; qualification will be determined by Minimum Qualifications only for Fire Direct Hire Authority (FDHA) positions.
All applications that are verified to meet the basic qualifications will be referred to the selecting official.
Physical Demands/Work Environment
Essential functions require arduous exertion for protracted periods of time such as, but not limited to, extensive running, walking, climbing, kneeling, stooping, pulling hoses, jumping and twisting. Duties involve rigorous fieldwork requiring above average physical performance, endurance and superior conditioning. Work requires prolonged standing, walking over uneven ground, and recurring bending, reaching, lifting and carrying of items weighing over 50 pounds and shared lifting and carrying of heavier items, and similar activities requiring at least average agility and dexterity. Duties include the performance of physically demanding activities during emergencies, under adverse environmental conditions, and over extended periods of time. Operation of some specialized fire equipment can place extended physical stress on employee during fire activities. The work is primarily performed in forest, range and desert environments in steep terrain where surfaces may be extremely uneven, rocky, covered with thick tangled vegetation, smoky conditions, etc. Temperatures commonly exceed 100 degrees F and fall below freezing. Risks include smoke inhalation, fire entrapment, snake or insect bites and stings, exposure to excessive machinery noise, and falling and rolling material. Personnel must adjust and cope with exposure to weather elements, dust and smoke, poor bivouac and eating situations under an unpredictable set of circumstances. Incumbent may be required to live in backcountry camps for extended periods of time. The hazardous nature of the work requires that personal protective equipment be worn (boots, hardhat, gloves, flame resistant clothing, etc.). Work may require travel by light fixed-wing or rotor-wing aircraft.
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.
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
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.
Applying for a fire job on USAJOBS
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
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.
Applying for a fire job on USAJOBS
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/725983000. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.