Position Summary:
The primary purpose of this position is to assist in managing the activities of the Smokejumper Group to provide the Forest Service’s highest level of technical expertise.
Key Responsibilities:
- Formulates and develops plans, contract specifications, and schedules for well-precedent fire management operations.
- Directly supervises smokejumper squads which include Spotters, Squad Leaders and Smokejumpers.
- Serves as cargo dropper in charge of aerial delivery missions in a variety of aircraft.
- Performs the administrative and human resource management functions relative to the staff supervised.
- Supervises a group of employees performing work at the GS-05 through GS-08 level.
- Duties listed are at full performance grade GS-09 level.
Required Education & Experience:
- Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
- Must be 18 years of age.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- Minimum of 90 days of wildland firefighting experience is required.
- Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify.
- A minimum 90 days experience performing on-the-line (Primary/Rigorous) wildland fire suppression duties as a member of an organized fire suppression crew or comparable unit that utilized knowledge of wildland fire suppression, containment or control techniques and practices under various conditions. This experience, to include, specific duties and specific dates must be documented in your work history/resume.
- Must pass the Work Capacity Test for certain Interagency Fire Program Management or Fire Program Management positions.
- Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service or exempt.
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 level. Examples of specialized experience include: Performing as an Initial Attack Commander responsible for leading a squad of personnel in wildland suppression activities. Directing and coordinating all types of related aircraft, fireline personnel and equipment. Leading 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.
- Subject to one year supervisory/managerial probationary period unless prior service is creditable. New USDA supervisors must successfully complete all components of the required training program before the end of their probationary period.
- Currently or have been previously qualified as a smokejumper on an organized wildland fire smokejumper crew.
- Currently licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a Senior Parachute Rigger.
- Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
- Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
- Willing to live/work in remote locations (volatile/unpredictable).