Position Summary:
This position serves as a smokejumper and Squad Leader for the smokejumper program. The purpose is to parachute into rugged terrain and suppress wildfires; serve as a team leader over smokejumper operations and other fire support functions.
Key Responsibilities:
- Coordinates with project leaders, obtains briefings, weather forecasts; reviews job hazard analysis; previews burn units, project objectives, and burn plans.
- Works with helicopters on fires and applies the principles of proper risk management for helispot construction, internal loading, and external loading of cargo.
- Duties listed are at full performance grade GS-07 level.
- Leads other crew members in all applicable smokejumper duties including parachute rigging and repair, paracargo rigging, aircraft loading, sewing and manufacturing, equipment maintenance and other duties which support the smokejumper program.
- Performs as an Initial Attack Commander responsible for leading a squad of three to seven personnel in wildland suppression activities.
- Uses prescribed fire tools and equipment including terra, propane and drip torch, all-terrain vehicle and engines.
- Anticipates fire behavior, determines strategy and tactics, and directs on-line activities.
- Leads a crew of up to ten personnel on prescribed fire implementation projects.
- Directs and coordinates all types of related aircraft, fireline personnel and equipment.
- Serves as a highly trained and skilled team leader of a parachuting fire suppression squad, which jumps over forest and mountainous terrain landing in timber, open, or on rough ground.
Required Education & Experience:
- You must have one year specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 in the Federal service OR one full year (18 semester/27 quarter hours) of successfully completed graduate level coursework that is directly related to the work of the position (such as forestry, range management, agriculture). The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. OR a combination of successful completion of graduate level education and experience.
- Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
- Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
- Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify.
- Must pass the Work Capacity Test for certain Interagency Fire Program Management or Fire Program Management positions.
- Must be 18 years of age.
- Some Fire positions may have Conditions of Employment such as: a valid state driver’s license; a commercial driver’s license (CDL); pre-appointment and random drug testing; or a physical or medical examination.
- This is a Test Designated Position. You will be tested for illegal drugs prior to appointment and randomly thereafter. Appointment and continued employment is conditional on negative results.
- Minimum of 90 days of wildland firefighting experience is required.
Willing to live/work in remote locations (volatile/unpredictable). - Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.