OPM Job Qualifications System for Trades and Labor Occupations will be used in determining applicant's qualifications. There is no specific length of training or experience required; however, the applicant must be able to demonstrate through experience shown in the resume materials, that they possess the skill level that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of Engineering Equipment Operator without more than normal supervision.
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) Screen-out Element: Ability to do the work of the position without more than normal supervision. This must be verifiable on your application.
2) Maximum Entry Age: Proof of Age: As this is a covered primary fire position, your application package MUST include official government issued documentation (SF-50, driver's license, etc) indicating your date of birth.
If over the maximum entry age (MEA), and you are not a Veteran, proof of prior covered servicemust be submitted
(i.e. initial primary covered SF-50, copies of approved coverage letters based on individual claims, and any additional SF-50s showing beginning and ending dates of covered/creditable appointments if a break occurred).
If over the MEA and you are a Veteran, you must supply a copy of your Defense Department Form 214 (DD-214) along with Standard Form 15 (if applicable) and any associated documentation.
Failure to submit required documentation may result in loss of consideration.
You must meet all qualification and selective placement factor requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
Condition of Employment: This position requires all hires to obtain their Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with Class B Endorsement within 12 months of being placed into the position. Failure to complete this training may result in the selectee being reassigned or removed from the position.
Physical Demands: Heavy physical effort is used by the operator in constantly reaching, bending, turning, and moving hands, arms, feet, and legs to handle controls to operate the equipment and attachments. Considerable strain is caused by the constant vibration f the equipment and the jerking and jolting from operating on rough surfaces.
Work Environment: Work is performed in all types of weather, often in an open driver's seat on hills, slopes, grades, rolling surfaces, and forests. The operator is exposed to injury due to the possibility of the equipment overturning or to the possibility of being overrun by the wildfire. The operator is subject to noise, vibration, dust, dirt, and fumes from the motor and exhaust and to smoke from wildfires.
This is a primary firefighter position under the special retirement provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) (CSRS) and 5 U.S.C. 8412(d) (FERS). The position is subject to maximum entry age (MEA) requirements. The MEA for this position shall not exceed age 37. If you are a preference eligible veteran, you may be eligible for this position after your 37th birthday.
See Required Documents Section.
FACT SHEET for Fire Positions: Information on Special Retirement.