OUTREACH. (2) Forestry Technician Senior Firefighters GS /05 R8 - Daniel Boone National Forest

Transcription

1 OUTREACH (2) Forestry Technician Senior Firefighters GS /05 R8 - Daniel Boone National Forest The Daniel Boone National Forest expects to soon be advertising up to 2 senior firefighter positions on the forest. One position will be located at Stearns Ranger District in Whitley City, KY and 1 at London Ranger District in London, KY. These are permanent, full-time positions. ABOUT THE POSITIONS This is a standard wildland fire management position intended for use in the USDA, Forest Service. The positions are located on a ranger district and serves on the district wildland fire crew. The primary purpose of the positions is wildland fire suppression/management/control as a specialized firefighter with responsibility for the operation and maintenance of specialized tools or equipment. Support to other resource areas such as recreation, timber, wildlife, etc. is also required as requested. Other wildland fire related duties may involve fire prevention, patrol, detection, or prescribed burning. The incumbent may be assigned for varying periods of time into one or more types of positions within the wildfire program where the individual's specialized skills are required. These positions are categorized as Senior Fire Fighter (SFF) positions in the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard and Guide as designated by the W.O. Fire and Aviation Management. The IFPM selective placement factors for these positions must be met prior to entrance into the position as a condition of hire. Refer to the Forest Service IFPM Standard Position Description Crosswalk for a full description of the selective placement factors. Qualification as a firefighter type 1 (FFT1) and completion of S-290 under NWCG standards is required to be considered for this position.

2 DUTIES Position description # FS1477 Primary duties 60%: Serves as senior wildland firefighter on a wildland fire engine. Independently performs engine operation duties in the suppression of wildland fires and prescribe fire. Drives engine to fire locations in consideration of safety of crew and equipment, and how the equipment can be best used in control and mop-up operations. Personally performs and may direct others in starting pump engine, priming pump, adjusting engine speed and pump valves, laying hose, and using appropriate nozzles and nozzle adjustment in effective use of water and additives. Has specialized duties such as water handling specialist, fully qualified chain saw operator, or responsible for maintenance of specialized equipment used to respond to wildland urban interface/intermix situations. May serve as Incident Commander on initial attack. 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 protection of the 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 aggressive control action in attacking the fire, using other means. Participates in wildland fire and safety training in the techniques, practices, and methods of fire suppression and in the safe, efficient operation and use of tools, equipment, and vehicles used in fireline activities, with emphasis on those used in the particular function assigned. Participates in crew proficiency checks and drills, safety sessions, and fire critiques. Ensures own and other's welfare and safety in all aspects of the assignment. Additional duties 40%: may inventory fuel beds, prepare associated reports, perform hazard fuel reduction projects, monitor burning conditions, pile vegetation debris and act in assigned positions such as ignition or holding specialist or other designated positions during actual fuel reduction efforts by prescribed fire. May perform other duties as designated on Incident Qualification Card. May perform project work such as road and trail maintenance, habitat manipulation, miscellaneous equipment operation, facilities maintenance, and other resource area duties. May assist in forestry/range research efforts; in the marketing of forest/range resources; or in the scientific management, protection, assist in monitoring efforts and development of forest/range resources. May be required to fill-in for other work leaders on established crews. Serves as an experienced firefighter on a hand crew or other related fire suppression crews performing fire suppression and/or fuels management duties under the most adverse conditions of climate, fuels, and terrain. OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS: WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the ARDUOUS level is a ''condition of employment.'' The Arduous fitness (Pack) Test requires completing a three (3) mile hike within forty-five (45) minutes, while carrying a forty-five (45) pound pack. Bargaining Unit Status: Eligible - Coverage is dependent upon unit location.

3 DRUG TESTING: This is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). Selectee must submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment and random testing thereafter. Final appointment and continued employment is conditional on negative results for illegal drug use. This position may require the selectee to possess a Commercial Driver s License (CDL) and therefore, is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Department of Transportation (DOT)/Forest Service Alcohol and Controlled Substance Testing Program. Applicant tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use unless they currently occupy a TDP under the DOT/Forest Service Alcohol and Controlled Substances Testing Program. Final appointment is conditional on a negative drug test. This announcement constitutes 30 days advance notice for testing requirements. FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a primary/rigorous position covered under the special retirement provisions of 5 USC 8336(c) for the Civil Service Retirement System and of 5 USC 8412(d) for the Federal Employees Retirement System. This position is subject to a Maximum Entry Age (MEA) requirement which has been set at age 37. Applicants must be under age 37 prior to their appointment date for entry into this position. An applicant s entry age may be adjusted based on credit for past primary/secondary service which is otherwise creditable for retirement. Temporary primary/rigorous service will only be credited if performed prior to January 1, 1989 (temporary service performed beginning 1/1/89 or later is not creditable for retirement). Applicants who are entitled to veteran s preference are eligible to request a waiver to the maximum age requirement. In instances where the maximum entry-age is waived, the corresponding mandatory retirement age for these individuals will also be higher because it will be reached after 20 years of coverage under special retirement provisions for the entitlement to an immediate enhanced annuity. DUTY STATION SPECIFICS: Stearns Ranger District, Whitley City, KY The Stearns Ranger District manages approximately 171,000 acres in portions of four counties. The majority of the district is located in McCreary County with other managed lands in Pulaski, Whitley, and Wayne Counties. Developed recreation facilities include three campgrounds, three boat launching ramps, two shooting ranges, three picnic areas, Natural Arch scenic area, Beaver Creek Wilderness, two state Wild Rivers, (Rock Creek and Cumberland), and two federal candidates for National Wild and Scenic River designation (Marsh Creek and Rock Creek). The district surrounds the northern portion of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. The area has over 300 miles of clifflines and dozens of natural arches. The dispersed recreation program includes over 120 miles of trails, including a section of the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail. Most are hiking trails, but some are managed for horseback riding, biking, or OHV use.

4 The district vegetation management program is small but increasing with a focus on restoration of upland shortleaf pine and oak-dominated, fire-mediated ecosystems. Planning for restoration and forest plan implementation is accomplished through an integrated resource management strategy with goals to incorporate all the tools needed to successfully restore healthy ecosystems. Wildlife management on the district includes both management for recovery of listed and sensitive species and projects to provide habitat for game species. The district encompasses the Beaver Creek Wildlife Management Area which is cooperatively managed by the Forest Service and the KY Dept. of Fish & Wildlife Resources. Prescribed fire is an important part of our management and is used to treat 4,000 to 5,000 acres annually. Our district typically suppresses about 33 wildfires annually. There is one Type 6 Engine assigned to the district with two secondary and four primary firefighters when at full capacity. On average there are a dozen line qualified personnel on the district due to support from other resource areas. Fire resources often cross district lines for initial attack across the forest and are encouraged to travel off forest for suppression assignments across the region and nation. Community Information McCreary County has a population of approximately 18,300. There are no incorporated cities in the county; however the three major population centers are Whitley City (1100), Stearns (1600), and Pine Knot (1700). McCreary County offers many amenities, including a good selection of schools; full service medical and dental providers; community college extension; public library; shopping; golf course; motels; Protestant and Catholic churches; and a variety of restaurants and fast food establishments. The closest hospitals are Scott County Hospital (about 16 miles south in Oneida, TN) and Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital (about 25 miles north in Somerset, KY). Whitley City is about 90 miles south of Lexington, Kentucky, and 64 miles north of Knoxville, Tennessee. Both are accessible by I-75. Housing is obtainable with both purchase and rental options available. Rentals range from $450 per month to $700 per month. Home prices range from $80,000 to $250,000. More information about the Whitley City area is available online at quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/21/21147.html, or Kentucky.html. London Ranger District, London, KY The London Ranger District is approximately 209,000 acres, located in portions of eight counties. The district has a diverse program of work that includes prescribed burning, a variety of special uses, threatened and endangered species, vegetation management, abandoned mine land reclamation, surface management responsibility for the 5,600 acre Laurel River Lake, and several large developed recreation facilities. The district fire and fuels program consists of preparation and implementation of approximately acres of landscape scale prescribed burns annually and this position is expected to

5 support fire suppression activities on the forest and nationally. The London district averages about 35 fires with an average of about 50 acres per fire, and the fire/fuels program is rated moderate complexity. Community Information London is a full service community of approximately 8,000 people and is the county seat of Laurel County, with a population of 59,000 people. The Laurel County school district has 12 elementary schools and two high schools. Local services include a variety of banking and shopping facilities, restaurants, a library, hotels, and a variety of medical services in London as well as nearby Corbin and Somerset. Interstate 75 places London within commuting distance of several community colleges and the campuses of historic Berea College, Union College, University of the Cumberlands and Eastern Kentucky University. The University of Kentucky is located in Lexington, about 68 miles north of London and the University of Tennessee is located in Knoxville, about 75 miles to the south. Housing is widely available in the London area with a three bedroom, two bath home averaging $85,000 $250,000. Some apartment rentals are available. This scenic area offers a wide array of recreational opportunities including boating, camping, fishing, trails, canoeing, rafting and golf. Nearby outdoor attractions include the Big South Fork National Recreation Area, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, the Red River Gorge, and Cumberland Gap National Park. The climate of the area is generally mild, with four distinct seasons and an average annual temperature of 59 degrees. Summer highs average 86 degrees in July, and winter lows average 25 degrees in January. The mean annual precipitation is 47 inches of rain and 10 inches of snow. Spring and fall are especially long and pleasant. Additional information for both locations can be found at CONTACT INFORMATION: For additional information regarding the positions contact Zone Fire Management Officer Alison Coons or acoons@fs.fed.us. If interested in this position, you may complete the attached outreach notice form and return to Alison Coons by (preferred method) or postal address or if you are a current Forest Service employee please respond directly through the outreach database.

6 CANDIDATE RESPONSE OUTREACH FORM Senior Firefighter GS /05 Please Respond by: December 2, 2016 Name: Address: Mailing Address: Telephone Number: Are you currently a Federal Employee? YES NO If YES, current Agency/Region/Forest/District: Current Title/Series/Grade: If not a current permanent (career or career conditional) employee, are you eligible to be hire under any of the following special authorities? Person with Disabilities Veterans Recruitment Act Disabled Veteran w/30% Compensable Disability Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 Former Peace Corps Volunteer Student Intern Program Other Location interest: Stearns RD London RD Please return your completed form via to: acoons@fs.fed.us or by mail: Stearns Ranger District, ATTN: Alison Coons, 3320 Hwy 27N, Whitley City, KY or by facsimile: Thank you for your interest in our vacancies. USDA Forest Service is an equal opportunity employer