Wildland Firefighter (Fuels Management)

Summary

This position is located within a National Forest. The position is located on a fire crew as a crewmember within the fire management organization. The incumbent serves in a key fire management position in a field fire management organization performing Prescribed Fire/Fuels Management work.

Duties

• Serves on prescribed fire and fuels projects in positions as per the IFPM minimum qualifications at the low complexity level. Provides routine technical guidance on fire protection and prevention issues.
• Technically administers routine aspects of the prescribed fire/fuels plan, ensuring that preparation, ignition, holding, mop-up, and rehabilitation are completed to the standards specified.
• During the implementation of prescribed fire plans, fuels projects, and wildland fire monitoring plans, assists in monitoring fire behavior, evaluating fire effects, identifying potential problems and making basic recommendations.
• Assists in conducting field reconnaissance of prescribed fire/fuels treatment units, summarizes field findings and makes basic recommendations on appropriate prescriptive criteria for meeting program objectives.
• Provides for training needs to support prescribed fire and fuels management programs.
• Participates in wildland fire and safety training in the techniques, practices, and methods of fire suppression and in the safe, efficient operation and use of tools.
• Efficient operation of equipment, and vehicles used in fire suppression activities, with emphasis on those used for the particular function assigned.
• Participates in preparedness reviews, proficiency checks and drills, safety sessions, and after-action reviews. Ensures own and other's welfare and safety in all aspects of the assignment.
• Supports wildland fire suppression activities. Operates a variety of motor vehicles to transport equipment, supplies, crew members, etc. Uses specialized firing equipment.
• Performs as a Prescribed Fire and Fuels Specialist for low complexity fuels management program as per the rating factors contained in the IFPM Complexity Analysis.
• Assists in resolving problem situations encountered when performing a wide variety of nonstandard fire planning assignments. Conducts routine project assessments which determine the presence or absence of hazardous wildland fuels.
• Information on fuel conditions and predictions of fire behavior are collected through a variety of methods, including field surveys, computer modeling, and specific literature searches.

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards. Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary. In order to be considered for this position, copies of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record (or equivalent training documents) which contain documented proof of the certification or attainment of the IFPM Selective Placement Factor for this position MUST be attached to your application. Red cards are not acceptable documentation. GW-07: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GW-6 grade level in federal service or equivalent. GW-07: Education cannot be substituted for this grade level. Examples of specialized experience include: Performed suppression operations and instructed others during initial attack or assisting with prescribed burns; Gave formal talks and informally provided information on fire prevention laws, rules, and regulations; Issued various permits and ensured users were following rules and regulations. Selective Placement Factors Successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Engine Boss (ENGB) OR Crew Boss (CRWB) OR Firing Boss (FIRB) OR Helicopter Manager (HMGB) -AND- Successfully completed the Secondary NWCG Core Requirement of Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4). 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. WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the ARDUOUS level is a condition of employment, which means you must maintain the required level of physical fitness in order to remain in the position. The Arduous fitness (Pack) Test requires completing a three (3) mile hike within forty-five (45) minutes, while carrying a forty-five (45) pound pack. You are strongly encouraged to consult with your physician and begin training immediately if applying for this position. This announcement constitutes the required 30 days advanced notice for testing requirements. In accordance with USDA Department Regulation 4430-792-2, this position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the USDA Drug Free Workplace Program and subject to pre-employment drug testing. All applicants selected for this position will be required to submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Incumbents of this position will be required to submit to a urinalysis on an ongoing random basis, after appointment as directed. To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.