This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/481924700. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
Recent Graduates from qualifying institutions having completed an academic program within the preceding two years. Preference eligible veterans who were precluded by their military service obligation from meeting this requirement will have up to six years to apply. Students who will be graduating within 4 months from this vacancy announcement closing date will also be considered.
The Recent Graduates Program affords developmental experiences in the Federal Government intended to promote possible careers in the civil service to individuals who have recently graduated from qualifying educational institutions or programs. Current students who are scheduled to graduate in the next 4 months may also apply to these positions. However, these students cannot be appointed until after graduation and the official degree has been awarded and conferred.
These positions are being concurrently announced under Merit Promotion procedures as announcement number 18-NCH-SAF-462-45-FS-MG. Current Forest Service employees may apply to both announcements. These positions may be filled at the GS-04 or GS-05 grade level. The full performance level of these positions are at the GS-06 or GS-07 dependent upon the individual unit's needs.
The applicant should expect that these are all primarily field going positions, with a significant amount of physically challenging field work in natural resource settings. This could involve use of Forest Service vehicles, tools, and Personal Protective Equipment; hiking, exposure to weather extremes and wildlife, and in some cases, working extended hours or shifts, evening work and/or spending some nights at remote locations. These are developmental positions. Some require the appointee to sign a mobility agreement, requiring relocation after the initial developmental period; this may be to more rural locations than the initial assignment. This includes all positions in Spearfish, SD.
Salary wage as shown is for Rest of the U.S. (RUS). Specific wage rate will vary by location and may be higher or lower than the amount shown on the vacancy announcement. Please click the following link to search for a specific location on the General Schedule Pay Scale: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2017/general-schedule/
If you have questions on how to apply, please see the Agency Contact Information which is listed below.
10/16/2017 to 10/20/2017
$29,356 - $32,844 per year
GS 04 - 05
25% or less - Overnight travel will be required for training and work assignments
Yes—Entitlements for payment of basic moving expenses, as required and to the extent allowed by the Federal Travel Regulations (FTR) 302-3.101, are authorized for eligible applicants changing duty station when the change meets the distance tests as provided in FTR 302-1.1 and 302-2.6. Additional relocation benefits are not available.
Recent Graduates
Full-Time
07
No
18-NCH-SAF-RG-0462-45-PW
481924700
Current students enrolled in accredited educational institutions from high school to graduate level. Includes internships, pathways and other student programs.
Individuals who have graduated from an accredited educational institute or certificate program within the last 2 years or 6 years for Veterans.
At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity. Duties of a GS-0462-05 are:
This position performs a variety of routine and frequently complex tasks involving techniques and practices relating to natural resources management programs, (i.e., timber and silviculture, recreation, wildlife, range, and fire and fuels management). Successful accomplishment of the following assignments supports field projects and program planning activities for the unit:
Recent Graduates from qualifying institutions having completed an academic program within the preceding two years. Preference eligible veterans who were precluded by their military service obligation from meeting this requirement will have up to six years to apply. Students who will be graduating within 4 months from this vacancy announcement closing date will also be considered.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Recent Graduates are on a trial period for the duration of the program. If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed.
This position requires 40 hours of formal, interactive training per year. An Individual Development Plan (IDP) must be completed and approved by the supervisor within 45 days of appointment. A mentor must be assigned within 90 days of appointment.
Recent Graduates may be non-competitively converted to a term or permanent position in the competitive service after the successful completion of one year of continuous service. To be eligible for conversion, the Recent Graduate must meet all of the following:
Applicants are required to meet the eligibility requirements of the Recent Graduate program, as described below, in order to be considered for this position.
Candidates must meet all the eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement. The minimum qualification requirements for each grade level of this vacancy announcement are described below:
RECENT GRADUATES PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible, applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS and SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
For the GS-04 level: Applicants must have six months of general experience AND six months of specialized experience that is directly related to the work of the position; OR successful completion of 2 years of study that included at least 12 semester hours in any combination of courses such as 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 in mathematics is creditable); OR an appropriate combination of experience and education above high school as described above. The education must have been obtained in an accredited business, secretarial or technical school, junior college, college or university and include courses that are related to the occupation of the position. Examples of general experience are: Performed farm/ranch labor, such as feeding and tending livestock or general maintenance of farm/ranch facilities; Cleaned tools and equipment; Worked in a greenhouse or nursery moving, watering, and tending plants and performing other general labor; Worked on a landscape or construction crew; Other work experience, paid or unpaid, that demonstrates an ability to learn and perform the work of this position. Examples of specialized experience are: Performed natural resource support work in areas such as: timber, silviculture, recreation, wildlife, range, vegetation, or fire. Performing crew based forestry related support.
For the GS-05 level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-04 grade level; OR a bachelor's degree or 4 years of successfully completed education above high school (120 semester/180 quarter hours) with major study in forestry, range management, agriculture, or a subject-matter field directly related to the position, or that included at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as forestry, agriculture, crop or plant science, range management or conservation, wildlife management, watershed management, soil science, natural resources, outdoor recreation management, civil or forest engineering, or wildland fire science (no more than 6 semester hours in mathematics is creditable); OR combinations of successfully completed post-high school education (in excess of the first 60 semester/90 quarter hours) and specialized experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. Examples of specialized experience are: Assisting in preparing timber reports and maps which provide information concerning topography, livestock trespass, invasive species and general conditions of the area; assisting in executing fuel treatment plans, slash hazard appraisals and hazard reduction plans; assuring recreation areas are maintained in accordance with standards and reporting on condition; and performing maintenance on range fences or other structural range improvements.
All academic degrees or course work must be completed in an educational institution that has obtained accreditation from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, see http://www.edu.gov/
Education completed in foreign colleges and universities may be used if it has been accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Note regarding certificate programs: A certificate program is defined as a post-secondary education, in a qualifying education institution, equivalent to at least one academic year of full-time study that is part of an accredited college-level, technical, trade, vocational, or business school curriculum. While recently graduating from a certificate program may afford you Recent Graduate Program eligibility, it may not be sufficient in terms of qualification standards for the series and/or the grade level.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Please note, these positions are targeted toward graduates who have been awarded their associates and/or bachelor’s degrees. Those with graduate degrees may also apply.
These positions have a targeted effective date of January 2018.
Before you submit an application for any of our vacancies, graduates should completely review the job description and requirements. Graduates should only apply for positions if they meet the required minimum qualifications AND program requirements described in the announcement. Do not apply to a duty location if you are not willing to accept or travel to that location.
If you have reviewed the announcement and believe that you meet both the minimum qualifications and the program requirements, you should document your experience and education in your resume. Since traditional resumes do not provide all the information needed to determine your status, you should create a more detailed resume to use when applying to Federal positions.
Please ensure that your resume contains your full name, permanent address, contact phone number and email address.
Applicants, who meet the eligibility requirements of the Recent Graduates program and the basic minimum requirements established for the position, may be referred to the selecting official for consideration. Qualified applicants with veteran’s preference are listed ahead of applicants who do not have veteran’s preference.
The following documents must be submitted for your application package to be considered complete. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents are received within the required timeframes. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, illegible fax transmissions, delays in the mail service, system failure or downtime, etc. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.
1. Resume that includes the following information: 1) vacancy announcement number, title, series, and grade of the position for which you are applying; 2) contact information; 3) education (may include coursework relevant to the position for which you are applying) with graduation/degree awarded date (actual or anticipated); 4) work experience including the work schedule and hours worked per week, as well as dates of employment; and title, series and grade, if applicable; 5) supervisor’s phone number and e-mail address for each work period listed and whether or not we may contact them for reference checks; 6) references (minimum of two); and 7) other qualifications.
2. Proof of Graduation – Official academic documentation that verifies completion of degree or certificate within eligibility time limits of Recent Graduate program. This documentation may include: an official letter from the school’s registrar’s office confirming the completion of degree or certificate and the date completed; official or unofficial transcripts identifying the date and type of degree awarded; or a copy of the actual degree or certificate issued by the school. Note: If you are a current student who is in the process of completing your degree or certificate, you must complete all graduation requirements within 4 months of the announcement/application closing date; the anticipated graduation date must be included on your resume. You must provide academic documentation with your application package that supports the graduation date listed on your resume. The documentation must meet the requirements outlined above.
3. College Transcripts - An unofficial copy is sufficient; however, if selected, an official transcript will be required prior to entering on duty. Transcripts, both unofficial and official, should include your full name, school name, current GPA/academic standing, past and current (if applicable) coursework, degree program, and degree conferral date. If your school does not provide transcripts, or the transcript does not provide all the necessary information listed above, you should include additional academic documentation from the school that meets the requirements above. Education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university. Foreign education must be evaluated by an approved organization. For additional information, refer to the U.S. Department of Education web site at http://www.ed.gov. All transcripts must be in English or include English translation.
4. If claiming veteran’s preference, you must submit a DD214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty, which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions. If currently on active duty, you must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty service under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted. Veteran’s preference must be verified prior to appointment. Without this documentation, you will not receive veteran’s preference and your application will be evaluated based on the material(s) submitted.
If claiming 10-point veteran’s preference, you must provide the DD214 or certification requirements (see information above), plus the proof of entitlement of this preference as listed on the SF-15 Application for 10-point Veteran’s Preference. The SF-15 should be included, but is not required. Failure to submit these documents could result in the determination that there is insufficient documentation to support your claim for 10-point preference. For more information on veteran’s preference see http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/
NOTE: If a document is resubmitted, it replaces the previous submission, which means the previous document is no longer available to the Human Resources Office. If you are adding to, rather than replacing a previous submission, you must upload both the old document and the new document. Please verify that documents you are uploading from USAJOBs transfer into the Agency's staffing system as there is a limitation to the number of documents that can be transferred. However, once in the Agency's staffing system, you will have the opportunity to upload additional documents. Uploaded resumes must be less than 3MB and in one of the following document formats: GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, PDF, or Word (DOC or DOCX).
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.
Please view Tips for Applicants – a guide to the Forest Service application process.
Please read the entire announcement and all instructions before you begin. You must complete this application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
Applying online is highly encouraged. We are available to assist you during business hours (normally 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Mountain Time, Monday - Friday). If applying online poses a hardship, contact the Agency Contact listed below well before the closing date for an alternate method. All hardship application packages must be complete and submitted no later than Noon ET on the closing date of the announcement in order to be entered into the system prior to its closing.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis; contact the Agency Contact to request this.
To begin, click "Apply Online" and follow the instructions to complete the Assessment Questionnaire and attach your resume and all required documents.
Your application will be reviewed to verify that you meet the eligibility and qualification requirements for the position prior to issuing referral lists to the selecting official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. Log in to your USAJOBS account at https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login to check your application status. We expect to make a final job offer approximately 40 days after the deadline for applications.
If selected for an interview, you will be contacted to schedule this interview via email no later than 11/24/2017.
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/481924700. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
Learn more about
A career with the Forest Service will challenge you to manage and care for more than 193 million acres of our nation's most magnificent lands, conduct research through a network of forest and range experiment stations and the Forest Products Laboratory, and provide assistance to State and private forestry agencies.
It's an awesome responsibility - but the rewards are as limitless as the views.
USDA is a great place to start or continue your career. USDA is ranked as one of the top 10 "Best Places to Work in the Federal Government" by the Partnership for Public Service (http://bestplacestowork.org/BPTW/rankings/overall/large). Rankings are based on employee feedback regarding satisfaction with their work experience.