Summary
This is a Direct-Hire advertisement. Veterans preference is not applicable to this advertisement. Learn more about this authority at: Direct Hire Authority
Explore a new career with the BLM - where our people are our most precious resource.
This position is located in Faribanks, AK. Information about the surrounding area may be found Fairbanks, AK.
We expect to fill 1 vacancy at this time; however, additional positions may be filled from this announcement if they become available.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
All U.S. Citizens - No previous federal service is required.
This position is being advertised under an OPM government-wide Direct Hire authority.
CTAP and ICTAP candidates in the local commuting area.
Duties
- Parachutes into mountainous, remote, rugged terrain and performs as a wildland firefighter, primarily as an Incident Commander or other leadership role.
- Makes strategic and tactical decisions on wildland fires based on objectives, priorities, and limitations given by Fire Management Officers (FMO) or other land manager(s).
- Serves as a Smokejumper spotter. Plans and directs the aerial attack of single or numerous fires. Directs smokejumper aircraft and other aerial resources assigned to the incident.
- Performs a wide variety of administrative functions from the field, including maintenance of unit logs, aircraft records, and safety tracking records.
- Operates a remote spike base with up to 40 smokejumpers and 3 aircraft. Serves as the satellite base Manager or Liaison Officer for the Great Basin Smokejumpers.
- Manages and oversees Smokejumper parachute loft operations including parachutes and related equipment, sewing and materials, training, documentation, and research and development, following FAA and BLM guidelines.
- Develops internal guidelines, manuals, operating plans, standard loft procedures outlining policies, safety, priorities, and objectives associated with the smokejumper loft.
- Manages a budget for assigned loft personnel, loft facilities, loft operations, and annual work plan.
- Maintains accurate inventory of loft materials, supplies, and equipment.
- Completes reports and alerts, ensuring information and actions are communicated to all necessary personnel and cooperators.
- Maintains a strong skill set in oral and written communication, problem solving, and interpersonal skills.
- Acts as Chief of Smokejumpers, or Deputy Chief of Smokejumpers in their absence, serving as the representative for the smokejumper unit.
- Provides technical and administrative supervision for positions within the Smokejumper Loft Unit, this includes one Assistant Loft Manager, two Loft Technicians (materials/sewing) and (rigging/R/D), and two GS-8 Smokejumper Loft Specialists.
- Initiates and completes Employee Performance Appraisals Plans (EPAP) and Individual Development Plans (IDP) for subordinates, addresses expectations, evaluates performance, provides feedback.
- Identifies and resolves minor complaints, conflicts or conduct issues.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Be sure to read the HOW TO APPLY and REQUIRED DOCUMENTS Sections.
- You cannot hold an active real estate license; nor can you have an interest or hold stocks in firms with interest in Federal Land.
- Direct Deposit Required.
- Background Investigation Required.
- Appointment will be subject to a favorably adjudicated background/suitability investigation/determination. Failure to possess or obtain a favorable determination will result in the cancellation of the offer or will be grounds for termination.
- Supervisory Probationary Period: If you are selected for this position, you will be required to serve a one year supervisory/managerial probationary period if one has not previously been completed.
- You must be 18 years of age or older to be assigned to a hazardous position.
- You must pass a pre-employment physical.
- Applicant(s) tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use and to pass the test prior to appointment. In addition, this position is subject to random testing for illegal drug use.
- This position requires regular and recurring overtime and shift work during peak fire season.
- May require completion of a one year probationary period.
- Applicants appointed to this position must POSSESS and maintain a valid state driver's license.
- You must also pass the work capacity test for arduous positions.
Qualifications
Specialized Experience Requirements:
In order to be rated as qualified for this position, we must be able to determine that you meet the specialized experience requirement(s); please be sure to include this information in your resume. No assumptions will be made about your experience. To be creditable, this experience must have been equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade of the position to be filled.
For GS-10: To qualify for the GS-10, 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09 is required. Qualifying experience includes but is not limited to: Experience utilizing technical skills as related to smokejumper loft operations. Experience with federal and agency policies, regulations, reporting systems and procedures. Experience with the BLM ram-air parachute system and related equipment and manuals. Experience in project planning, supervising, and training subordinates. Experience parachuting into rugged terrain to perform fire suppression and related duties as a qualified smokejumper.
For GS-11: To qualify for the GS-11, 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-10 is required. Qualifying experience includes but is not limited to: Experience as a technical expert on smokejumper loft operations and ability to communicate verbal and written technical information to the smokejumper group, cooperators, and managers. Experience with federal and agency policies, regulations, reporting systems and procedures. Experience with the BLM ram-air parachute system and related equipment and manuals. Experience in project planning, supervising, and training subordinates. Experience parachuting into rugged terrain to perform fire suppression and related duties as a qualified smokejumper.
There is no substitution of education for specialize experience at the GS-10 or GS-11 grade level.
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.
Selective Placement Factor(s): This position requires a special qualification that has been determined to be essential to perform the duties and will be used as a screen out element. Those who do not provide evidence they possess the following selective factor(s) will be rated not qualified.
1) Prior smokejumping experience required. This experience must be documented in the online application or resume with specific to AND from dates (MM/YY), description of work performed, AND hours worked per week.
2) A valid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Senior or Master Rigger certificate with Back and Chest rating..
You must meet all selective placement factor requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
Medical Requirements: Please see the Department of Interior Medical Standards Program Website for the Federal Interagency Wildland Firefighter Medical Standards for your position: http://www.nifc.gov/medical_standards/index.html.
Physical Demands: Employment in this position is conditional upon your successful completion of the following BLM smokejumper physical fitness performance tests: When you report for duty, you will be given a physical condition test. The test is given in one time period with a 5-minute break between exercises. The test consists of performing the following exercises:
- 30 push-ups
- 6 pull-ups
- Run 1.5 miles in 10.47 minutes or less OR 3 mile backpacking 110-pound load three miles in less than 65 minutes.
- Work Capacity Test at the Arduous Level: All arduous wildland firefighters must backpack a 45-pound load for three miles in 45 minutes or less.
Work Environment: Work is performed out of doors in a wide variety of weather and terrain conditions or in a crowded airplane. 40% of the work is done in a sometimes tense and stressful office environment.
This is a secondary/administrative firefighter position under the special retirement provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) (CSRS) and 5 U.S.C. 8412(d) (FERS). While secondary positions are not subject to the maximum entry age policy, the selectee must have prior service in a primary position (3 years of service in primary/rigorous position(s)) and meet the transfer requirement for movement from a primary to secondary position to be eligible for special retirement coverage. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure this office has enough information to determine your retirement status to ensure you do not lose benefits (normally through submission of your SF-50). YOU MUST LET US KNOW IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY IN A PRIMARY POSITION.
FACT SHEET for Fire Positions: Information on Special Retirement.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
You will be evaluated based on how your application materials reflect the qualification requirements of this position.
Once the job opportunity announcement closes, your resume and all supporting documents will be reviewed by HR to determine your eligibility for Federal employment and your qualifications for this position specifically. Due to this vacancy being filled through OPM's Direct Hire Authority, Veterans Preference and traditional rating and ranking of applicants does not apply to positions filled under this announcement. Applications received as a result of job fairs, recruitment events, and emergency hiring mechanisms in support of this hiring initiative will also be accepted during the duration of the announcement. All qualified candidates will be referred for consideration; the hiring office may conduct interviews at their discretion. Interviews may be conducted on a pass/fail basis.
Your responses to the online questionnaire will be used to evaluate your competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and/or job elements) in the following areas:
- Technical Competence
- Fire Management
- Managing Human Resources
Required Documents
Resumes must show relevant experience and other information. Your resume MUST list your education and work experience including (1) the dates (mm/yy) of each employment, along with (2) the number of hours worked per week, and (3) salary information. In addition, Civil Service employees must provide their current OPM title, series, and grade. Your resume will be used to validate your responses to the assessment tool(s). Failure to provide required information will result in loss of eligibility. You are welcome to submit a cover letter.
In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. Visit the USAJOBS Help Center for more information on What should I include in my federal resume and/or OPM Resume Writing Tips.
In addition to the online application (resume and responses to the questionnaire), you are required to submit the following supplemental documentation as applicable:
- Certification(s): FAA certified senior or master rigger.
- Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) eligibles: documentation verifying your CTAP/ICTAP eligibility - this includes a copy of the agency notice and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level and duty location.
- GSA Form 3607, Motor Vehicle Operator's License and Driving Record (optional during the application process; however, selectees will be required to submit as part of the pre-appointment process.)
Submitting Required Documents: Please note that documents selected for transfer from your USAJOBS profile are NOT automatically added do your application. You need to transfer your document(s) in the "Documents" step during the application process.
Hard copy paper supplemental documents, submitted without prior Human Resources approval, will be considered as an incomplete application.
Required documentation must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, on the closing date of this announcement.
If you are determined to be eligible and best qualified, you will be referred to the selecting official for consideration. Applicants should monitor their status for positions by regularly checking their public status notifications in the USAJOBS profile.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
How to Apply
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package, which includes ALL of the following items: 1) Your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire; 2) Your resume; and 3) Applicable supporting documents specified in the Required Documents section of this job announcement.
THIS IS AN ONLINE APPLICATION PROCESS THROUGH USAJOBS. Your application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time by the closing date of the announcement. If you need assistance in applying on-line, please contact the HR Office at blm_fa_nifc_hr_external@blm.gov. If applying on-line poses a hardship for you (i.e. you do not have access to the Internet) you must contact us prior to the closing date of the announcement for an alternative method of applying.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have access to a public library, State Job Service Office, etc., you should use these resources to apply online.
YOU MUST HAVE OR CREATE A PROFILE IN USAJOBS. Your profile must contain a current resume for submission. See Required Documents section for what to include in your resume.
INSUFFICIENT INFORMATION COULD RESULT IN AN INELIGIBLE RATING.
The USAJOBS Resume Builder was designed to ensure that your resume includes the standard information needed. The Resume Builder is an available tool when you log in to your USAJOBS account.
1. Review the Appointment Eligibility Criteria: The eligibility section of the application process is designed to allow you to choose how you wish to be considered for this vacancy announcement. You will ONLY be considered for the appointment eligibilities you selected. You must provide proof of your eligibility to be considered.
2. You must submit a resume and also complete the online application and assessment questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section.
- To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
- Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
- After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
- You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
- The eligibility portion of the application process is designed to allow you to choose how you wish to be considered for this announcement. You may choose more than one eligibility. You must provide proof of your eligibility and will only be considered for the questions that you answer "yes".
- Please note, your eligibility will be based solely on the selections you have indicated in this section. You must provide the supporting documentation to support your claim to be considered. You may choose more than one eligibility in this section.
- To view the assessment questionnaire, click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12388296
To verify the status of your application, please log into your USAJOBS account at: https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login. All of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
FOLLOW UP. Check your application status before the announcement closes. It is your responsibility to ensure that a complete application (including a resume, on-line questionnaire, and applicable supplemental documentation) is received by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the closing date of the vacancy announcement. NOTE: Technical problems may take at least 1 business day to resolve; therefore, you are highly encouraged to complete the application process prior to the closing date.
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.
Next steps
You can track the progress of your application package via your USAJOBS account. You will receive an acknowledgement email from USAJOBS that your submission was successful once we have received your online questionnaire, resume, and any supporting documentation. You will be notified of the status of your application and/or referral to the hiring official via your USAJOBS account after the evaluation process is complete. You will be contacted if further evaluation is required or if interviews are conducted.
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