Wildland Firefighter (Smokejumper)

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. This position serves as a smokejumper for a national shared resource smokejumper program. The primary purpose of this position is to parachute into rugged terrain and suppress wildfires as well as perform other fire support functions.

Duties

• •Serves as a smokejumper, performing a variety of duties in the areas of parachute jumping and fire suppression.
• •Receives intensive standardized training in parachute jumping and other fire suppression duties. Makes parachute jumps from various aircraft under varying conditions while executing landings on rough terrain, open areas, mountain slopes, or timber.
• •May be responsible for the direction of crew movements in non-jump fire situations.
• •Fire suppression training includes classroom and field instruction in construction and holding of fire line under varied conditions of topography and fuel, fire weather and fire behavior, first aid and safety, and use of hand and power tools.
• •Parachute training includes intensive physical training and conditioning, instruction and proficiency in use of parachutes and related equipment in mountainous terrain.
• •In accordance with rigid standards, must successfully complete a series of parachute proficiency jumps of increasing difficulty.
• •Suppresses wildland fire using a variety of hand and power tools such as Pulaski, shovel, chain saw, and McLeod.
• •Moves dirt, chops brush and logs, fells trees and snags, applies water by hose or back pump, etc.to build fire line and control spreading wildland fire. Cares for and maintains tools, equipment, jump gear, and parachutes.
• •Travel to fire assignments may vary from parachute jumping to foot travel, truck, bus, etc., and fire action may vary from individual efforts to serving as a member of specialized crews.
• •May be assigned to other resource management activities such as recreation, timber, or reforestation when not performing fire suppression duties.
• •May inventory fuel beds, prepare associated reports, perform hazard fuel reduction projects, monitor burning conditions, pile vegetation debris and act in assigned positions during fuel reduction efforts by prescribed fire.

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. GW-05: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GW-4 grade level in federal service or equivalent; OR successful completion of a 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university with major study in Fire Science, Fire Training, Fire Technology or other related fields of study; OR a combination of education and experience. Examples of specialized experience include: Loaded helicopter cargo and completing manifests of crews and equipment; Patrolled areas of controlled fires to mop-up by searching out and extinguishing any remaining burning material; Served on a specialty crew (hotshot, helitack, engines, etc.) to suppress the full range of difficult and complex fires; Operated specialized fire suppression equipment such as portable pumps or drip torches. 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.