Wildland Firefighter (UAS Module Crewmember)

U.S. Forest Service; Bismarck (ND); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Forest Service is seeking UAS Crewmembers to direct unmanned aircraft system operations in support of wildland fire management within the Northern Region, Region 1.

In this GS-07 level role, you will perform aviation and technical tasks, conduct aerial surveys, assist with data interpretation, and help coordinate UAS assets to improve fire planning and response. This is a challenging field assignment that may require remote locations, varied schedules, and strict safety and training

Responsibilities

• Directs UAS operations for wildland fire management.
• Performs aviation and technical tasks related to ignitions, infrared interpretation, suppression, prescribed fire, and monitoring support.
• Conducts aerial surveys and assessments of prescribed fire and fuels projects.
• Operates aircraft under adverse conditions and ensures UAS airworthiness and maintenance.

Job description

Summary

The position is located on a USDA Forest Service Unit within the Northern Region, Region 1. The UAS Crewmembers are responsible for directing UAS operations for the Forest Service in the context of wildland fire management. The UAS Crewmembers are responsible for directing UAS operations for the Forest Service in the context of wildland fire management. For additional information regarding this position, contact Tiffany Counts at [e-mail].

Major Duties

Duties listed are at full performance grade GS-07 level. Serves as a highly trained and skilled crewmember of a UAS module and provides logistical and operational self-sufficiency. Performs various aviation and technical functions in areas of ignitions, infrared interpretation, suppression, prescribed fire implementation and monitoring support, hazardous fuels reduction, and fire effects monitoring. Conducts aerial surveys and assessments of prescribed fire and fuels projects. Primarily uses air operation firefighting methods in initial attack, fire line construction, and mop-up activities. Participates with the supervisor to analyze UAS data in conjunction with fire/fuels plans to identify future problem areas. Establishes methodology in conjunction with cooperators to eliminate fire potential and risk factors. Operates aircraft under adverse conditions, such as executing takeoffs and landings in rough terrain, on mountain slopes, in timbered environments, in proximity to other fire aviation assets, and in conditions with limited visibility. Participates in the maintenance of UAS aircraft and the shipping, receiving, and management of hazardous materials. Inspects, tests, and documents the UAS airworthiness and equipment lifecycle, including Preventive Maintenance (PM) schedules.

Education

There is no substitution of education for specialized experience.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National. Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service or exempt. Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check. Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify. Must be 18 years of age. This is a drug testing designated position. You will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. Appointment is based on a negative result. This announcement constitutes 30 days advance notice. Must pass the Work Capacity Test for certain Interagency Fire Program Management or Fire Program Management positions. Secondary Coverage: Prior wildland firefighting experience is required. Willing to live/work in remote locations (volatile/unpredictable). Some Fire positions may have Conditions of Employment such as: a valid state driver's license; a commercial driver's license (CDL); pre-appointment and random drug testing; or a physical or medical examination. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued 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 your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Evaluations

This is a Direct-Hire Authority position, all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, to include any selective placement factor(s), if applicable, will be referred to the selecting official. Before a certificate is issued to the selecting official, the resume is reviewed to ensure that you meet all the qualification requirements. A rating will not be used; veteran's preference does not apply due to the existence of the Direct Hire authority for this position. Selections made under this authority will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. Current civil service employees would be given a new appointment. Note: If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, you may be found ineligible. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating. Providing inaccurate information on Federal documents could be grounds for non-selection or disciplinary action up to including removal from the Federal service.

Other Information

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. These are permanent positions with varying tours of duty and may include weekend work. Some positions may have irregular and protracted hours of work. Tours of duty include full-time or less than full time (guaranteed minimum 13 pay periods full-time employment). Government housing and federal day care facilities may be available. The duty station for this position will be at one of the duty locations listed in this announcement. Salary range as shown is the locality pay Rest of U.S. (RUS). Pay rates vary by location. Please visit the Office of Personnel Management's website for additional information on pay rates. Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. Final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at time of job offer. The Forest Service may use certain incentives and hiring flexibilities, currently offered by the Federal government, to attract highly qualified candidates. Additional Information is available on the OPM Website. Selectee will be responsible for tax obligations related to payments for moving expenses - 2017 Tax Cuts and Job Act, Public Law 115-97. Questions should be directed to the Travel Help Desk, 877-372-7248, Option 1, or email [e-mail] Positions filled from this announcement may be a bargaining or a non-bargaining unit position represented by either NFFE, AFGE or NAGE.