Outreach Silviculture Tech, 0462, GS 5/6/7 Permanent, Full Time Position Chattooga River Ranger District, Lakemont, GA

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1 Outreach Silviculture Tech, 0462, GS 5/6/7 Permanent, Full Time Position Chattooga River Ranger District, Lakemont, GA Position Information: The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest is planning to advertise and fill a permanent fulltime Zone Silviculture Technician position on the Chattooga River and Blue Ridge Ranger Districts. This position will be located on the Chattooga River Ranger District in Lakemont, GA. Assists in the preparation of project work plans for silvicultural examinations, timber stand improvement (TSI) and reforestation activities. Performs reforestation and stocking surveys in accordance with established procedures to determine reforestation and TSI needs, including site preparation, pre-commercial thinning, plantation conditions and health status, and artificial and natural regeneration success and survival. Maintains records of accomplishments in TSI and reforestation activities for entry in vegetation database. Collects basic silvicultural data needed to inventory stands and prescribe stand treatment based on field analysis, assists in preparation of the technical specifications for TSI, site preparation, tree planting, or silvicultural contracts. Assists in preparation of recurring reports associated with the unit TSI and reforestation program. Performs reconnaissance and locates timber sale area boundaries in accordance with appropriate NEPA documentation, mitigating measures, and other instructions, considering factors such as but not limited to: accessibility, steep slopes, siltation and obstruction, fuels management, silivicultural objectives, nesting trees protection, critical winter deer range, riparian area

2 protection, and other multiple use factors. Brings to the attention of responsible individuals situations where specific prescriptions do not fit ground conditions. Assembles field notes to be incorporated into marking guides. Prepares maps and cruise designs regarding layout of timber sales. Assists in developing logging plans and preliminary road location. Independently marks, grades and cruises timber using prescribed marking guides in the areas complicated by variation in species composition, defects, site, age, class, etc., exercising independent judgment in selection of trees according to established marking guides. Serves as COR or inspector on specific contracts as assigned and/or supervises force account projects. Contracts should include reforestation/tsi/planting contracts, silvexam contracts, or marking contracts. Ensures all provisions are enforced and proper measures are taken to protect and enhance resource values in accordance with contact objectives. Prepares and submits related inspection reports; checks for compliance on needed corrective actions, and recommends final acceptance of the contract upon completion as authorized. Performs other duties as assigned, including fire suppression as qualified. The zone forest management program is in the midst of planning and implementing some exciting restoration goals guided by the Chattahoochee-Oconee Land and Resource Management Plan (January 2004) including shortleaf and pitch pine restoration, oak and oak-pine woodland restoration, and high elevation early-successional habitat creation and maintenance. To achieve these goals and objectives, the incumbent must be able to work in a team atmosphere with all natural resources (Timber, Wildlife and Fisheries Biology, Fire Management, Recreation, Heritage, Engineering, Lands, etc.). Occasional travel and overnight stay may be required for travel and training as well as some district / forest work. Interested applicants should respond by filling out the Outreach Notice Reply Form at the bottom of this document and ing (jasonamcgaughey@fs.fed.us) or faxing ( ) it to Jason McGaughey, Zone Silviculturist, by Friday August 24, Eligibility Requirements: QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS -- Those who are interested must meet the qualification requirements for the GS-0462 series that is covered by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions --

3 GS-0462: Forestry, which can be found in any Federal Human Resources Office or on the internet at Duty Station Specifics: The Chattooga Rive Ranger District office is located in Lakemont, GA. The district consists of 261,000 acres located on the east side of the 865,000 acre Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. The other district of the zone, the Blue Ridge Ranger District, consist of 304,017 acres. The districts are located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains and is within two hours of Atlanta, GA, Asheville, NC, and Chattanooga, TN. Community The Chattooga River Ranger District is located in the small northeast Georgia community of Lakemont in Rabun County. The town is nestled in the Appalachian chain between Clarkesville and Clayton, Georgia near the Tallulah Gorge State Park. A short 1.5 hour drive north of Atlanta, Lakemont sits on Historic Highway 441 and is a thoroughfare for sightseers of the Georgia and North Carolina mountains. Additionally, Rand-McNally has listed Rabun County as one of the most desirable places to retire due to climate, low taxes and life-style. Rabun County has a population of approximately 13, Clayton is the county seat for Rabun County with a population of 2,500. Clarkesville is the county seat for Habersham County with a population of 1,647. The Rabun County School System consists of a Pre-K Head Start, three K-6 elementary schools, a middle school (7-8) and high school (9-12). The area is also home to two private schools; Rabun Gap Nacoochee School and Tallulah Falls Schools. Both board students and accept local day students. Medical facilities close to Lakemont include Mountain Lakes Hospital in Clayton, Habersham County Medical Center, and numerous local clinics, dentists, and other health care providers. Much larger medical facilities are located in nearby Toccoa and Gainesville, which are within miles. There are over 51 churches in Rabun County representing most denominations. Rabun and Habersham counties are highly desirable second-home and vacation retreat communities; therefore new and used home prices are slightly higher than are usually found in other rural areas. Both counties have a good housing market with numerous properties and houses for sale, however rental property is scarce. Climate Better known as The Place Where Spring Spends the Summer. The average daytime winter temperature is 45 degrees, and the average daytime summer temperature is 80 degrees. The growing season is 220 days, with an average rainfall of approximately inches per year. Fall

4 leaf color is abundant, as are flowering blossoms of numerous native plants and trees in spring and summer. Economy Rabun County has a thriving economy based on a diverse mixture of jobs in manufacturing, service industries, tourism and agriculture. There is a number of discount department stores, grocery store chains and banks in the area. Several locally owned and chain restaurants are located in the area. Other popular restaurants not immediately accessible are within a short commuting distance. Higher Education Several colleges are located within a short commute of Rabun County. Piedmont and North Georgia Technical Colleges are both located in Habersham County while the following colleges and universities can be reached within an hour: University of Georgia Athens; North Georgia College & State University - Dahlonega; Brenau University - Gainesville; Gainesville College and Lanier Technical College; Oakwood, Georgia; and Clemson University - Clemson, SC. Cultural and Recreation Opportunities Whatever your pleasure, there is a place in Rabun and surrounding counties to participate in most any outdoor recreation activity you enjoy doing! ( Area outdoor recreation opportunities include hiking, horseback riding, mountain bike riding, hunting, fishing, camping, canoeing, rafting or tubing, rappelling, tennis, golf and a variety of other outdoor activities. From Clarkesville to Clayton, municipal facilities include several golf courses, tennis courts, community centers, and recreational parks, ball fields, swimming pools, playgrounds, etc. There are five lakes for fishing and water sports in Rabun County, and many trout streams for the cold water fisherman. For the hunter, whitetail deer, eastern wild turkey and black bear provide big game hunting opportunities. There are numerous small game species, and for the wing shooter there is excellent ruffed grouse hunting available! Tallulah Gorge, Black Rock Mountain, and Moccasin Creek State Parks are located nearby. This area is rich in Appalachian history and cultural events. Currahee (Cherokee for stand alone) Mountain is the mountain made famous internationally by Steven Spielberg s television miniseries Band of Brothers in which it was featured as the training site of the American Paratroopers of Camp Toccoa. The city of Toccoa sponsors a 5K run up and down the mountain each year to commemorate the paratroopers training regiment and is home to the Currahee Military Museum. Other areas of cultural interest on the district are the Appalachian Trail, the Lake Russell WMA Resettlement Area, the world-renowned Foxfire Programs, and many more. There are shops, galleries, and flea markets full of unique crafts and antiques in the area and numerous festivals and fairs are held throughout the area each year. When you are ready for the city life, a full range of cultural activities and events are offered in the Atlanta area, less than a two hour drive away. Contact Information:

5 We encourage you to call or us as to your interest and to learn more about living and working in northern Georgia. This position offers a challenging and rewarding career opportunity with a group of employees focused on making a difference on the land and in the community. Be sure to check out the web sites for more information. Jason McGaughey, the Zone Silviculturist, would be happy to provide additional information on the position and surrounding communities ( ext. 122). The Federal Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

6 OUTREACH NOTICE REPLY FORM Chattahoochee National Forest Blue Ridge Ranger District Silvicultural Technician 0462 GS 5/6/7 Permanent Full-Time Position Please indicate your interest in this position by completing and submitting this form to Jason McGaughey, Phone x 122 / Fax , 2042 Hwy 515 W. Blairsville, GA ss by February 22, This will help me determine the level of interest of prospective candidates for this opportunity. Name: Date: Address: Mailing Address: City State Zip Code Telephone Number: Home: Agency Employed with: USFS BLM Other Type of appointment: Permanent Temporary Term VRA PWD Other Current Region/Forest/District: Current Series and Grade: Current Position/Title: If you are not a current permanent (career or career conditional) employee, please indicate your eligibility to be hired under any of the following authorities: Persons with Disabilities Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA) Disabled Veteran w/30% Compensable Disability Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) Former Peace Corp Volunteer Student Career Experience Program Other (explain): We appreciate your interest in joining us on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest.