Airtanker Base (Forestry Aid/Technician) Job

Vacancy No. BLM-FIRE-2025-018-DHA Department Bureau of Land Management
Salary $17.01 to $18.96 Grade 3 to 5
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 12/2/2024 Close Date 12/24/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Grand Junction, CORifle, COBoise, IDPocatello, ID


Summary

Explore a new career with the BLM - where our people are our most precious resource.

This is a Public Notice for positions being filled under the Direct Hiring Authority (DHA) for Wildland Fire. Under this recruitment procedure applications will be accepted for each location identified in this Public Notice. Veterans' Preference is not applicable to this announcement. To learn more about Direct-Hire Authority, go to: OPM.GOV Hiring Information - DHA.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted from all qualified U.S. Citizens. This is a public notice under the Direct Hiring Authority.

Duties

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is looking for temporary employees to work as Airtanker Base (Forestry Aid/Technicians).

An Airtanker Base (GS-03 Forestry Aid) serves as a crewmember at an airtanker base. Assists in directing aircraft /vehicle parking in assigned area. May monitor activities such as fueling and loading fire retardant chemicals, and performs tasks associated with risk management and safety. Assists with wildland fire chemicals and retardant loading into airtankers and maintaining airtanker base, aircraft ramp facilities, vehicles and equipment. Responsible for recording times on forms and documents pertinent activity in logs. Utilizes computer system to record information, produce reports and detailed documents as necessary.

An Airtanker Base (GS-04 Forestry Technician) directs aircraft / vehicle movement, monitors activities such as fueling and loading fire retardant chemicals, and performs tasks associated with risk management and safety. Assists with loading of retardants into aircraft to meet contract and product specifications and limitations. Responsible for maintaining airtanker base, aircraft ramp, facilities, vehicles and equipment along with recording aircraft times on forms and documents pertinent activity in logs. Utilizes computer system to record information, produce reports and detailed documents as necessary.

An Airtanker Base (GS-05 Forestry Technician) performs as functional leader in various aviation, ground support, and logistical activities related to airtanker and base operations and all other fixed wing operations that may be used at designated bases. Ensures ramp operations are conducted in a safe manner, including parking, loading, and movement around the aircraft. Aids supervisors in compiling data for daily summaries and yearly reports.

Locations for these positions are:
Grand Junction, CO
Rifle, CO
Boise, ID
Pocatello, ID
Twin Falls, ID
Eastern Montana/Dakota District (Billings/ Miles City, MT)*
Battle Mountain, NV
Elko, NV
Las Vegas, NV
Reno, NV
Winnemucca, NV
Roswell, NM
Hines, OR
Vale, OR
Cedar City, UT
Tooele, UT
Casper, WY
Rock Springs, WY
Worland, WY

*NOTE: For district locations, applicants may be assigned to any of the locations listed for that district.

During the application process, you may select up to SEVEN (7) locations from the list of available locations in this announcement.

For contact information and housing availability, visit Fire Contacts on the DOI FIRES website. To view a list of contacts by agency, select the state you are interested in.

For more information about temporary fire positions with DOI, go to the following link: https://www.firejobs.doi.gov/.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service or exempt. To register or verify your registration, go to the Selective Service System website.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS: Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check. Failure to satisfy the background check will result in cancellation of offer of employment or may be grounds for termination.

DRUG TESTING: Positions require a mandatory pre-employment drug test. Applicants will not be appointed to the position if a verified positive drug test is received. The drug test will be provided at Government direction and expense. Once hired, employees are also subject to random drug testing during employment. This is in accordance with Executive Order 12564 and under the Department's Drug Free Workplace Program.

Positions may require a valid state driver's license.

You must be 18 years of age or older at the time of appointment.

All positions have medical qualification requirements.

Qualifications

Hours worked per week must be stated for each season and position held in your resume.

***Experience listed will need to include specific duties about the work being performed and should not be only the general language stated below in the examples.

To qualify for a GS-03
You must meet at least one of the following:
1). Six months of general work experience, which can be any work experience.
-OR-
2). One year of education above the high school level, which included at least 6 semester hours in any combination of the following courses: range management; range conservation; agriculture; forestry; wildlife management; engineering; biology; mathematics; other natural or physical sciences.
-OR-
3). A combination of education and work experience as described above.

To qualify for a GS-04
You must meet at least one of the following:
1). Six months of general work experience, which can be any work experience AND 6 months of specialized work experience equivalent to the GS-03 level duties.
Examples of specialized work experience includes:
Working around aircraft performing duties such as aircraft start-up, taxiing, and parking.
-OR-
2). Two years of education above the high school level which included at least 12 semester hours in any combination of the following courses: forestry, agriculture, crop or plant science, range management or conservation, wildlife management, watershed management, soil science, natural resources (except marine fisheries and oceanography), outdoor recreation management, civil or forest engineering, or wildland fire science. No more than 3 semester hours of mathematics is creditable toward this requirement.
-OR-
3). A combination of the education and work experience described above.

To qualify for a GS-05
You must meet at least one of the following:
1). One year of specialized work experience equivalent to the GS-04 level duties.
Examples of specialized experience include:
Working around wildland support aircraft performing duties such as aircraft start-up, taxiing and parking.
-OR-
2). Successful completion of a 4 year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with either 1. a major study in forestry, range management or agriculture; or a subject matter field directly related to the position; OR 2. at least 24 semester hours in any combination of the following courses: forestry, agriculture, crop or plant science, range management or conservation, wildlife management, watershed management, soil science, natural resources (except marine fisheries and oceanography), outdoor recreation management, civil or forest engineering, or wildland fire science. No more than 6 semester hours of mathematics is creditable. The level of the course work must have been equivalent to at least the junior- and senior-year levels of a baccalaureate program.
-OR-
3). A combination of education and experience that is directly related to the work of this position.

For more information regarding basic qualifications and combining education and experience click here.

You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.'

Physical Demands: This position involves frequent movement and interactions requiring muscular coordination, good vision, good hearing, reaction reflexes, and mental alertness. Physical effort is expended in performing certain aspects of this position. Long irregular hours are required, much of it occurring during periods of fire operations. Frequent standing, walking and long periods outside in high temperatures and direct sunlight may be required while working around multiple arriving and departing aircraft. Activities in and around moving aircraft and other equipment require constant monitoring and alertness for hazardous conditions and safety of personnel. Work in an office environment and long periods of sedentary work occur when reports and flight records are prepared. Lifting and carrying heavy equipment/materials up to 50 pounds and operating a variety of hand and power tools is required for base set-up, tear down, and maintenance/repair. Incumbent will be subject to medical examination, and are required to participate in hearing conservation program at local unit.

Work Environment: Majority of activities are performed in an airbase environment, both indoors and outdoors. Extreme variations in temperature and climatic conditions are common. Work requires use of safety equipment including hearing and eye protection and high visibility clothing. Exposure to chemical irritants is possible. The work involves exposure to operating aircraft that result in high noise levels and exposure to turning propellers, prop wash, jet intake areas and jet blast, and flying dust and debris. Concurrent movement of multiple mixed aircraft types and service vehicles in the ramp area creates potential for serious accident, injury, or property damage. Fatigue and mental stress could be present due to extensive work periods and emergency nature of work.

Education

Proof of Education: To qualify based on education, you MUST submit a legible copy of transcripts from an accredited institution with your name, school name, credit hours, course level, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking. Transcripts do not need to be official, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.

Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet qualification requirements, you MUST show that your education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.

Additional information

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.

Pay rates vary depending on location. For additional information on pay rates: Click here for the OPM Salaries and Wages to calculate locality pay.

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): CTAP/ICTAP provides eligible surplus and displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. For more information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, click here. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration or that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) This vacancy is within your CTAP/ICTAP eligibility; 2) You apply under the instructions in this announcement; and 3) You are found well-qualified for this vacancy. You must provide proof of eligibility with your application to receive selection priority. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of CTAP/ICTAP eligibility or a copy of your separation personnel action form.

Temporary employees hired in wildland fire or wildland fire support positions are eligible for the following:
-Annual, sick leave, and paid federal holidays
-Depending on tour of duty - Sunday, holiday, shift differential and/or hazard pay
-Participation in the Federal Employees Health Benefit (FEHB) program - Employees electing to participate in the FEHB will be responsible for the employee share of the premium while on the official agency roles, which is deducted from bi-weekly earnings. After separating from federal employment, employees will be offered to continue participation in FEHB under the Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC) option. Employees electing to continue coverage under the TCC provision will be responsible for the full premium amount plus a 2% administration fee.

How You Will Be Evaluated

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

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

Because this vacancy will be 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. All qualified candidates will be referred for consideration; the hiring office may conduct interviews at their discretion.

Required Documents

You MUST upload "Required Documents" PRIOR to the Closing Date.

**Please note that documents selected to transfer from your USAJOBS profile are NOT automatically added to your application. You need to transfer the document(s) in the Document step at the end of the application process.

Resume MUST include your name and a list of each season and position held, duties performed, dates specified in month/year to month/year format. In addition, the resume must reflect full-time or total number of hours worked per week. Part-time hours can be pro-rated based on number of hours worked per week provided. If military or civilian, please include your rank and/or grade.

  • Example 1: 05/2018 to 08/2018 could be credited as 3 months if 40 hours worked per week (full-time) are listed -or- 2.25 months if 30 hours worked per week are listed -or-1.5 months if 20 hours worked per week are listed.
  • Example 2: 05/2015 to 10/2015 could be credited as 5 months of experience if 40 hours worked per week (full-time) are listed -or- 3.75 months if 30 hours worked per week are listed -or- 2.5 months if 20 hours worked per week are listed.
  • Example 3: Dates listed with month/day/year to month/day/year could be given credit for each to/from date in its entirety if hours worked per week are listed. 05/1/2018 to 08/16/2018 could be credited as 3 months, 16 days if 40 hours worked per week are listed -or- 1 month, 23 days if 20 hours worked per week are listed.

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: https://www.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include.

A complete Assessment Questionnaire: This is completed automatically during the online application process. The questions have to do with minimum qualifications, selective factors if applicable, a verification statement, etc. There is no additional document needed to complete this requirement.

Other Supporting Documents, if applicable, such as:

College transcripts - if qualifying based on education. For more information, see the Education section.

Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) - If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP you MUST submit 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.

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.

* You only need to upload documents that apply to you. For uploading instructions please click here.

You will not be contacted for additional information. If you have questions regarding what is considered appropriate supporting documentation, contact the DOI FIRES Program Office.

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

THIS IS AN ONLINE APPLICATION PROCESS THROUGH USAJOBS. Your application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time by the closing date of the announcement. If you need assistance in applying on-line, please contact the DOI FIRES Program Office at blm_fa_fires@blm.gov or call our toll-free number at 888-364-6432.

1. Review the Vacancy Announcement and Eligibility Criteria: Review the announcement thoroughly. The sections describe who is eligible to apply, what education and/or experience is required for the position, and which documents are needed for your application package.

2. Apply. Click the "APPLY" link on the right side of the vacancy announcement. This will direct you to the login page for USAJOBS. Select your USAJOBS resume to submit with your application and proceed through the application process answering all questions.

INSUFFICIENT INFORMATION COULD RESULT IN AN INELIGIBLE RATING.

You must build a resume with the USAJOBS Resume Builder or have an Uploaded Resume on your profile BEFORE applying. Videos showing how to apply for federal jobs can be found here: https://www.nifc.gov/careers/how-to-apply. The USAJOBS Resume Builder was designed to ensure that your resume includes the standard information needed. Failure to follow these instructions in the announcement (resulting in insufficient information being provided with your resume / application) could result in an ineligible rating.

Your Resume MUST include the following information:
-From and To dates (month/year to month/year) for each season and position held. (Ex: 05/2018 - 11/2018)
-Work schedule (number of hours worked per week) for all seasons and positions held. One year of experience is equivalent to 12 months at 40 hours per week (full-time). Part-time hours are prorated. You will not receive any credit for a position listed that does not indicate hours per week.
- Grade level for each season and position that were in the federal service.
- Complete Duties for each of the seasons and positions held.
- References personal and professional

3. Submit your resume and supporting documentation ONLINE through USAJOBS. You also must complete the online application and assessment questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the "Required Documents" section.

For detailed step-by-step instructions on How to Apply: https://www.firejobs.doi.gov/index.php/apply.

To verify the status of your application, please log into your USAJOBS account at: https://secure.login.gov/.

For information on what each Application Status means: https://help.usajobs.gov/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 Standard Time on the closing date of the vacancy announcement. NOTE: Technical issues may take at least 1 business day to resolve; therefore, you are highly encouraged to complete the application process prior to the closing date.

Agency contact information

DOI FIRES Program Office
Address
Bureau of Land Management
call toll free number for address information
Boise, ID 83705
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once you submit all the required documents and the online application (i.e., online questionnaire, resume, and any supporting documentation, etc.) in USAJOBS, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful.

After the evaluation process is complete, you will be notified via USAJOBs of a status change (i.e., referred, not eligible, not qualified, referred to the hiring official, etc.). Note, you must login to your USAJOBS profile to view details of the status change. Information regarding how to see your application status can be found in the USAJOBS Help Center.

If referred and further evaluation or interviews are required, you may be contacted by the hiring officials for the location in which you are referred.

You will receive a final notification if this job is filled or cancelled. Timelines for this process vary widely.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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