Summary

Position is located in Alaska's Fire and Aviation Management (FAM) Division; the duty location can be located in Denali Park, Fairbanks or Anchorage, Alaska. In support of an exclusive use helicopter Type 3 helicopter program based out of Denali National Park.

If you have additional questions please contact Keith Mitchell at keith_mitchell@nps.gov.

Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.
The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted from any U.S. Citizen. DIRECT HIRING AUTHORITY will be used to fill this position.

Duties

Denali Park Position: Here is a unique opportunity to work in a challenging and dynamic fire & aviation program that provides helicopter services to Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, Denali National Park & Preserve, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Western Arctic National Parklands (Cape Krusenstern National Monument, Kobuk Valley National Park and Noatak National Preserve) for approximately 20 million acres.

The Helicopter Program Manager of the Alaska Western Area Fire Management program is primarily responsible for daily operations of the Fire Exclusive-use helicopter. Duties include wildfire initial attack, extended attack, fuels management, fire ecology, other all-risk incidents including search and rescue, resource helicopter operations, contract administration, and record keeping.

The exclusive use helicopter program manager may also provide the same services for other National Parks and interagency operations and support cooperative work with other Federal, state and local authorities. The wide variety of helicopter operations managed by the incumbent requires flexibility and the skill to balance competing priorities.

Ensures all Bureaus, Department, FAA, NTSB, and OSHA safety regulations and policy are strictly enforced for helicopter, suppression and project activities.

As necessary serves as the alternative or primary Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) and Project Inspector (PI).Responsible for acquisition, aviation budget, inventory, monitoring and maintenance of helicopter support vehicles, manages permanent and temporary helibases, equipment and accessories, aerial ignition equipment, personal protective equipment, etc.

The incumbent provides technical expertise for helicopter operations, instructs fire and aviation related courses as qualified, and performs other duties as assigned.

Western Area Fire Management provides fire management and aviation services as a jurisdictional agency representing Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, Denali National Park & Preserve, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Western Arctic National Parklands (Cape Krusenstern National Monument, Kobuk Valley National Park and Noatak National Preserve). Western Area parks average approximately 40,000 acres burned annually.

Additional information about the National Parks Service in Alaska can be found at: https://www.nps.gov/locations/alaska/index.htm

Conditions of Employment

U.S. Citizenship required.
Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
You will be required to submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test result prior to appointment. In addition, this position is subject to random testing for illegal drug use.
You will be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties; a valid driver's license is required. You will be required to submit a Motor Vehicle Operator's License and Driving Record. You must also submit (within a State sealed envelope or submitted directly by the State authorities), and at your own expense, all certified driving records from all States that disclose all valid driver's licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you.
Government housing may be available.
Work may require travel by fixed-wing or rotor-wing aircraft.
You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work.
If you are a new employee or supervisor in the Federal government, you will be required to complete a one-year probationary period.
Subject to frequent extended travel up to 14 nights a month particularly during fire season, and you must obtain a government charge card for travel.
You may be required to complete training and obtain/maintain a government charge card with travel and/or purchase authority.
May be required to operate a small watercraft less than 26 feet in length. Operation includes transport of personnel (including visitors), tools, and materials/supplies to job/work sites.
May be required to carry Firearms in the back-country, or other locations, for non-law enforcement reasons such as protection from animals.
Prior to appointment, you must be determined physically fit by an authorized government physician to perform strenuous and physically demanding duties; and also pass a medical examination (which includes vision, hearing, cardiovascular, and mobility of extremities) given by an authorized government physician. You will also be required to periodic medical examinations throughout employment. See Next Step Section for information on the Work Capacity Test (WCT-Pack Test)

Qualifications

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement10/15/2024 unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.

Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST clearly indicate the nature of the duties and responsibilities for each position, starting and ending dates of employment (month/year), and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40+ hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount qualified specialized experience.

Selective Factors: The applicant must have possessed all the following National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) incident management qualifications and training requirements to be considered eligible for this position:
1. Held or currently holdHelicopter Manager (HMGB, previously HCWN, HELB or HEMG) NWCG Incident Management Qualification;
- AND -
2. Held or currently holdHelibase Manager (HEBM) NWCG Incident Management Qualification
- AND -
3. Held or currently hold Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4) NWCG Incident Management Qualification.

Selectees for IFPM positions requiring currency will be required to obtain and maintain currency for the NWCG qualifications listed above.

SELECTIVE FACTOR: This position is covered by the special retirement provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8336 (c) and 5 U.S.C. 8412 (d) as a Primary/Rigorous Firefighter. Applicants must be 18 years of age, but not have reached their 37th birthday by the closing date of this announcement. These positions are covered by the special enhanced annuity retirement provisions for Federal Firefighters and Law Enforcement officers and have a mandatory retirement age of 57.
Two exceptions are allowed:
1) an applicant has prior Federal service in documented special retirement covered position(s) sufficient to count toward 20 years of covered service on or before the mandatory retirement age of 57;
or
2) an applicant is a qualified veterans' preference eligible, in which case the MEA is waived and their corresponding retirement age may be higher than 57 after completing 20 years of service. Applicants must submit proof of their previous and/or current status in the Fire Fighter or Law Enforcement special enhanced annuity retirement system.
-AND-
EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-8 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully perform the duties of this position. Specialized experience must include: (1) personally performing in Wildland Fire Helicopter Operations and at least one of the following wildland firefighting functions: Initial attack and Fireline Suppression Operations; Prescribed Fire Operations; Helitack Operations; and (2) personally leading or supervising others in any two of the following functions: initial attack and suppression hand-crew operations; prescribed fire operations; wildland fire engine crew operations; helitack fire crew operations; providing on-the-job training and conducting daily crew briefings, safety sessions, and/or other basic wildland fire training.

You must include hours per week worked.
NOTE: If your firefighting experience includes both structural and wildland, it is essential that your application materials clearly separate and document your wildland experience.

Volunteer 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.

Prior to appointment, you must be determined physically fit by an authorized government physician to perform strenuous and physically demanding duties; and also pass a medical examination (which includes vision, hearing, cardiovascular, and mobility of extremities) given by an authorized government physician. You will also be required to periodic medical examinations throughout employment.

The Work Capacity Test (WCT-Pack Test) as a method for assessing an employee's fitness levels for fire qualifications in the positions covered by this recruitment notice. Arduous fitness (WCT-Pack Test) will consist of completing a three-mile hike, within 45 minutes, while carrying a 45 pound pack.NOTE: Arduous Work Capacity Test

Education

There is no substitution of education for experience at the grade level of this announcement.

Additional information

This notice is being issued to recruit personnel to occupations for which a critical hiring need has been identified. To assist in filling these positions, OPM has granted the Department of the Interior "Direct Hire Authority".

A selectee receiving a first appointment to the Federal Government (Civil Service) is entitled only to the lowest step of the grade for which selected The display of a salary range on this vacancy shall not be construed as granting an entitlement to a higher rate of pay.

A Recruitment Incentive May Be Authorized for a newly selected employee when appointed to a permanent, temporary, or term position. A Federal employee who is transferring to the National Park Service from another component, bureau or Federal agency and who does not meet the conditions under 5 CFR §575.102 is not eligible for a recruitment incentive.

A Relocation Incentive May Be Authorized for a Federal employee when the employee must move, as directed by the National Park Service (NPS) either through a management directed reassignment or selection for employment, to a different location at least 50 miles away from the one where his/her position of record held at time of selection is currently located, due to a need of the NPS. A relocation incentive is not the same as a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move and, as such, may be granted in conjunction with one another.

This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.

Physical Demands: The Helicopter Manager is typically the initial attack responder for many incidents. Duties include demands for strenuous activities in emergencies under adverse environmental conditions and over extended periods of time. Operation of some specialized fire equipment can place extended physical stress on the incumbent during fire activities. The work frequently involves long shifts and complex decision making, and extended periods of time away from home.

Working Conditions: The work is performed at remote locations, airstrips, helibases, unimproved helispots, and park environments of extreme high and low temperatures, steep terrain, and uneven work surfaces. The hazardous nature of the work requires that personal protective equipment be worn (boots, hardhat, gloves, flame resistant clothing, etc.). Work may require travel by light fixed-wing or rotor-wing aircraft, and operating firetrucks (engines) under adverse conditions. Due to the mission requirements of low-level flight in mountainous terrain, firefighting, and incident support, the work involves exposure to potentially dangerous situations caused by uncontrolled wildfire and low-level, high performance flight missions. With numerous aircraft being flown in close proximity and in mountainous terrain, errors could be catastrophic and result in serious injury or death. Other hazards include, the handling of hazardous materials, carbon monoxide, dust and debris and the use of other mechanical or motorized equipment.

Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will be paid if the person selected for the position is from outside the local commuting area and is otherwise eligible for reimbursement of relocation expenses under the Federal Travel Regulations.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Applicants will be evaluated based on how well they meet the qualification requirements.

Upon receipt of the completed application package, a review of the application will be made to ensure basic qualification requirements are met.

This vacancy will be filled through DOI's Direct Hire Authority. Veterans Preference and traditional rating and ranking of applicants do not apply to positions filled under this Authority. All qualified applicants, as determined by the SHRO, will be referred for consideration. While managers and supervisors are not required to conduct interviews, it is highly recommended that they do so in order to assess the competencies of each applicant.

If an applicant's resume is incomplete or does not support the requirements for minimum qualifications or specialized experience a rating of "ineligible" or "not qualified" will be applied and no consideration for employment will be granted.

If a determination is made that an applicant has inflated qualifications or experience on the resume, the employee will receive no consideration for the position, as per OPM regulations.

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) OR Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): CTAP/ICTAP provides placement assistance to permanent Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated. Applicants claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF50 noting position, grade level, duty location with their application. To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, applicants must be qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements), and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. For Information on CTAP and ICTAP visit: Career Transition (opm.gov)

The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 10/15/2024:

Resume which includes a list of all significant jobs held and duties performed, dates specified in month and year format, and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40+ hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount qualified specialized experience. If military or civilian, please include your rank and/or grade.
Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) - If you are applying under CTAP and ICTAP, you MUST submit proof of eligibility under 5 CFR 330.602(a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of your most recent performance rating, and a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing your position, grade level, and duty location. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible.
Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record or other equivalent documentation which reflects completion of the required NWCG qualifications for this position.
If a qualified veteran preference eligible as applicable to the Selective Factor Maximum Entry Age (MEA) under the Qualifications Section above: Qualified Veterans Preference Documentation that you meet Exception #2 under MEA:
1. 1. If you are a Discharged, Non-Disabled Veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing character of discharge (Member 4 copy), or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions, as listed on the SF15. If you don't have your DD-214, you may request it after discharge from the National Archives.
  2. If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, 2) under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, & 6) dated within 120 days of your separation.
  3. If you are a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, or Mother or Spouse of a Disabled or Deceased Veteran, you must submit all additional proof required by the SF15, and if applicable, a completed SF15. You may request a copy of your Department of Veterans Affairs letter from www.ebenefits.va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000 to establish proof of disability.
Other Supporting Documents
Documentation that you meet Selective Factors IQCS Master List

Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - you must remove your image from any badges, licenses, etc.

Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents. Adobe portfolio documents are not viewable by our agency's staffing offices.

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.

To apply for this position: You must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. To receive consideration, the complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 10/15/2024. You must provide documentation to support your claim for each eligibility selected. Please review the required documentation listed in the eligibilities language to ensure you submit the appropriate information. Note: You will only be marked eligible for those eligibilities that you selected and provided the appropriate supporting documentation.WE DO NOT ACCEPT HARD-COPY OR EMAIL APPLICATION PACKAGES

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Agency contact information

National Staffing Office

Email

national_staffing_office@nps.gov

Address

Alaska Region Wildland Fire and Aviation
240 W 5th Avenue
Anchorage, AK 99501
US

Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once the application is received you will receive acknowledgement that your submission was successful. If you are among the qualified candidates, your name will be referred to the hiring official, and you may be contacted directly for a possible interview. You will be notified of the status of your Application Package at the time candidates are referred for consideration, and when the selection process is complete.

Standing Register Open Continuous Information: Cutoffs will be used to manage applicant pools for this announcement. Consideration will be given to candidates in sequential order within each group as depicted below as each group is exhausted. Qualifications along with other requirements must be met for those applications submitted by the cut-off date. Your submitted application may be edited beyond each cutoff date. However, edits made beyond each cutoff date will move your application to the next cutoff period. Cutoff Dates:

Group 1: Applications received from 12:00 am (EST) 04/15/2024 to 11:59 pm (EST) on 05/14/2024
Group 2: Applications received from 12:00 am (EST) 05/15/2024 to 11:59 pm (EST) on 06/14/2024
Group 3: Applications received from 12:00 am (EST) 06/15/2024 to 11:59 pm (EST) on 07/14/2024
Group 4: Applications received from 12:00 am (EST) 07/15/2024 to 11:59 pm (EST) on 08/14/2024
Group 5: Applications received from 12:00 am (EST) 08/15/2024 to 11:59 pm (EST) on 09/14/2024
Group 6: Applications received from 12:00 am (EST) 09/15/2024 to 11:59 pm (EST) on 10/15/2024

For information on The Work Capacity Test (WCT-Pack Test) as a method for assessing an employee's fitness levels for fire qualifications in the positions covered by this recruitment notice. Visit Physical Requirements and Work Capacity Tests | U.S. Department of the Interior (doi.gov). Arduous fitness (WCT-Pack Test) will consist of completing a three-mile hike, within 45 minutes, while carrying a 45 pound pack.

Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Helicopter Program Manager) Direct Hire Authority Job

Summary

This job is open to

Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

The public