Summary
Explore a new career with the BLM - where our people are our greatest natural resource.
This position is located with the BLM Fire & Aviation Directorate, Division of Support Services, Remote Sensing Branch, located at the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), in Boise, Idaho. Information about the area can be found at https://www.boisechamber.org/
We expect to fill several positions 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.
CTAP and ICTAP candidates in the local commuting area.
Duties
- Performs in-depth maintenance, repair and modification on complex Remote Automatic Weather Stations (RAWS) and electronic and electro-mechanical sub-systems in association with RAWS.
- Performs every aspect of depot level troubleshooting, maintenance, technical systems analysis and operational readiness certification for all components in association with Remote Automatic Weather Stations (RAWS).
- Performs technical applications analysis of systems and equipment, based on operational results, for the purpose of determining and performing redesign, modification, development, and design work to meet operational requirements.
- Develops and implements depot level troubleshooting, maintenance, operational, and certification standards and procedures to meet systems performance characteristics necessary to meet the operational standards of the system.
- Utilizes test equipment including service monitors, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, digital multi-meters, signal generators, meg-ohm-meters, watt meters, and/or other specialized equipment for the purpose of troubleshooting and maintaining RAWS.
- Maintains inventory control of Remote Automatic Weather Station (RAWS) systems, sub-systems, and components.
- Researches technical specifications, equipment configuration and installation plans to identify equipment and service requirements; and procures equipment and services.
- Assists in the design of Remote Automatic Weather Station (RAWS) used in support of "all-risk" incidents.
- Performs testing, acceptance, and user training for Remote Automatic Weather Stations (RAWS).
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 Lands.
- Direct Deposit Required.
- Appointment will be subject to a favorably adjudicated background/suitability investigation/determination.
- Your resume must contain enough information to show that you meet the qualification requirements as defined in the announcement. In addition, your responses to the questions must adequately reflect in your resume.
- You must pass a pre-employment physical.
- An applicant appointed to this position must possess (or obtain within 30 days of entrance on duty) and maintain a valid state driver's license while employed in this position.
- May require completion of a one year probationary period.
- Performs wildfire suppression support as directed, within training and physical capabilities.
Qualifications
Specialized Experience
In order to be rated as qualified for this position, we must be able to determine that you meet the minimum qualification requirements - please be sure to include this information in your resume. No assumptions will be made about your experience.
For GS-09: You must possess one year specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-8 level that is equivalent in difficulty and complexity as indicated by the following examples: Experience in applying a wide range of technical methods, techniques, and principles of electronics and equipment sufficient to work with complex systems and/or subsystems; OR Experience and ability to interpret readings from diagnostic equipment to identify potential problem areas of remote sensing parameters and be able to troubleshoot moderately complex problems and apply corrective actions; OR Experience in computer application theory and programming characteristics, computer communications and the use of fault isolation software programs to assist in troubleshooting techniques. OR Experience in applying a wide range of technical methods, techniques, and principles of electronics and equipment sufficient to work with complex systems and/or subsystems.
OR
Education - Two full years of graduate education or a master's degree in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, electronics technology or a related field that is directly related to the work of the position.
OR
Combination of Education and Specialized Experience as described above.
For GS-10: You must possess one year specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-9 level that is equivalent in difficulty and complexity as indicated by the following examples: Experience in performing maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, testing, calibration, installation, and design modification of a variety of electronic systems, equipment, and components AND Experience in coordinating internally and externally with other departments or agencies.
For GS-11: You must possess one year specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-10 level that is equivalent in difficulty and complexity as indicated by the following examples: Experience in performing complex maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, testing, calibration, installation, and design modification of a variety of electronic systems, equipment, and components AND Experience in leadership duties, such as directing work to be accomplished and coordinating internally and externally with other departments or agencies.
Salary Information:
GS-9: $59,966 to $77,955
GS-10: $66,036 to $85,844
GS-11: $72,553 to $94,317
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.
You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.
Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade requirement in accordance with 5 CFR 300.604. If you are a current Federal employee in the General Schedule (GS) pay plan and applying for a promotion opportunity, you must have completed a minimum of 52 weeks at the next lower grade level.
If selected at the lower grade, subsequent promotion to the next grade level will be processed without further competition dependent upon administrative approval and the continuing need for an actual assignment and performance of higher-level duties.
Physical Demands: Duties involve routine and recurring lifting of moderately heavy items weighing up to 50lbs., occasionally, requires heavy lifting (75 lbs. or more), moving of equipment, installation of RAWS equipment. The incumbent will also be required to remove and replace intricate electronic and electro- mechanical components while looking through a magnifying glass.
Work Environment: The incumbent works primarily in an indoor electronics repair environment. Field work on occasions is hazardous requiring the incumbent to work in difficult operating conditions such as mountainous terrain or desert environments. Incumbent may be required to fly in helicopters to remote areas often under adverse weather conditions. Incumbent may also be exposed to severe
environmental conditions such as extremely hot or cold temperatures, along with rain, snow, wind, etc. The incumbent will carefully adhere to all safety procedures to mitigate hazards encountered.
Concurrent Announcement: This announcement is being advertised concurrently under number FAMP-24-12447076-LAS for status candidates and special hiring authority eligibles. You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under both recruitment methods.
Incentives:
Certain incentives (such as Recruitment, Relocation or Student Loan Repayment) may be authorized to eligible selectees. If eligible and qualified, you may be offered a recruitment or relocation incentive. The decision to offer an incentive will be made on a case-by-case basis and is neither promised nor guaranteed. For information visit: Recruitment Incentive or Relocation Incentive or Student Loan Repayment.
Education
Proof of Education:
All applicants who are using education or a combination of education and experience to qualify must submit copies of official or unofficial transcripts which include grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, institution name, and student name. If any required coursework is not easily recognizable on transcripts, or if you believe a portion of a particular course can be credited toward meeting an educational requirement, you must also provide a memorandum on letterhead from the institution's registrar, dean, or other appropriate official stating the percentage of the course that should be considered to meet the requirement and the equivalent number of units. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable; however, if you are selected for the position, you will be required to produce the original official transcripts.
Pass/Fail Courses:
If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society.
Graduate Education:
One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.
Foreign Education:
If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/
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.
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 application process is complete, we will review your application to ensure you meet the job requirements. To determine if you are qualified for this job, a review of your resume, supporting documentation and responses to the online questionnaire will be made. Your responses to the online questionnaire will be used to measure the degree to which your background matches the requirements for this position. Qualified applicants will be placed in one of three predefined categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified and Qualified. However, your resume must support your responses to the scored occupational questionnaire, or your score may be lowered. Within these categories, applicants eligible for veteran's preference will receive selection priority over non-veterans. Candidates placed in the Best Qualified category will be identified for referral to the hiring manager and may be contacted for an interview.
Your responses to the online questionnaire will be used to evaluate your competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics) in the following area(s):
- Electronics - Knowledge of electronic theory, circuits, components, and material properties (excluding computers).
- Technology Application - Uses machines, tools, instruments or equipment effectively; uses computers and computer applications to analyze and communicate information in the appropriate format.
- Customer Service - Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.
- Quality Assurance - Knowledge of the principles, methods, and tools of quality assurance, quality control, and reliability used to ensure that a project, system, or product fulfills requirements and standards.
The critical competencies listed above are required to successfully perform the job. Therefore, an additional assessment will be conducted to ensure they are met; a resume review panel of subject matter experts will review your application package and determine if you are best qualified or not. The best qualified candidates will be identified for referral to the hiring manager and may be contacted for an interview
Your resume will be used to validate your responses to the assessment tool(s).
You are welcome to submit an optional cover letter.
Required Documents
In addition to the online application (i.e. resume and responses to the questionnaire), you are required to submit the following forms:
- Resume:
At a minimum, your resume MUST contain job title (include job series and grade, if Federal), duties, starting and ending dates (month and year MM/YYYY), hours worked per week, and salary for each position held. USAJOBS has a template to ensure a complete resume. Failure to provide required information will result in loss of eligibility. For more information, visit OPM Resume Writing Tips and/or visit the USAJOBs Help Center for more information on What should I include in my federal resume?
- Transcripts:
If using education to qualify, submit a copy of ALL your college transcripts or a list of ALL college courses that include hours and grades from an accredited U.S. college/university. Upon selection, official transcripts must be received prior to appointment. If your degree is from a Foreign Institution, See Foreign Education.
Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or lnteragency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) eligibles:
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.
USAJOBs 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 06/21/2024.
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 Time by 06/21/2024.
If you need assistance in applying on-line, please contact the NIFC-FA Branch of Human Resource office at blm_fa_nifc_vacancies@blm.gov or (208) 387-5523. 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 follow the steps described below in order to complete the application process successfully:
1) YOU MUST HAVE OR CREATE A PROFILE IN USAJOBs; your profile must contain a current resume for submission. In order to receive proper consideration, your resume should include the following information:
- Current personal contact information.
- Work experience (paid or unpaid) including - starting and ending dates (month and year, MM/YYYY - MM/YYYY), employer's name and address, job title (include job series and grade if Federal), duties and accomplishments, supervisor's name and telephone number, indicate if supervisor may be contacted, hours per week, and salary.
- Education and job-related training including - school name, type and year of degrees/diploma received, credits earned and majors; title of training course and year of completion.
- References - personal and professional- Additional information - skills (languages, tools, machinery, typing speed, etc.), certificates or licenses (current only), and/or honors, awards, and special accomplishments (recognition, professional memberships, publications, leadership activities, etc.).
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 login to your USAJOBS account.
2) 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 that you selected. You must provide proof of your eligibility to be considered.
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/12447076.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account 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/.
Next steps
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 06/21/2024 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.
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 completed by the Branch of Human Resources, 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.
If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted by the hiring official.
You will be notified if this job is filled or canceled. Timelines for this process vary widely.
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.
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