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; 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.
To qualify for the GS-06 grade level, 1 year (12 months) of specialized experience equivalent to GS/GW-05 is required. Examples of work experience include but are not limited to: experience with safety operations at an Airtanker Base, talking to aircraft over the radio or through radio headsets; consolidating and inputting data using computer programs; and assisting with recording and maintaining retardant and aircraft logs.
To qualify for the GS-07 grade level, 1 year (12 months) of specialized experience equivalent to GS/GW-06 is required. Examples of work experience include but are not limited to: experiencing performing RAMP duties for wildland fire aircraft, talking to aircraft over the radio or through radio headsets, receiving information from dispatch and delivering requests for aircraft; consolidating and inputting data using computer programs; and recording and maintaining retardant and aircraft logs.
To qualify for the GS-08 grade level, 1 year (12 months) of specialized experience equivalent to GS/GW-07 is required. Examples of work experience include but are not limited to: as assisting with scheduling resource flights as needed, updating aviation plans, monitoring and evaluating aviation operations in both fire and/or resource activities; mixing and loading retardant chemicals for aircraft weight limitations; assisting with review, and dissemination of aviation policy statements, safety bulletins, manuals and handbooks; administering or assisting with applicable aircraft and retardant contracts; assisting with performing day to day administration of the contracts in place and enforcing contract provisions.
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.
Substitution of Education for Experience: There is no substitution of education for experience for this position.
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.
Requirement for the GS-08 level only-You must have possessed all of the following National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) incident management (qualifications to be considered eligible for this position (currency not required):
A.) Aircraft Timekeeper (ATIM) OR
B.) Fixed Wing Parking Tender (FWPT)
You must meet all qualification and selective placement factor requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
Physical Demands: Long irregular hours are required, much of it occurring during periods of fire operations. Frequent standing, waling 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 Environment: Majority of activities are performed in an airbase environment, both inside and outdoors. Extreme variations in temperature and climactic conditions are common. Work requires use of safety equipment including hearing and eye protection and high visibility clothing. 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 dues and debris.
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.