This position is located within a National Forest. The primary purpose of this position is for issuing daily avalanche advisories and avalanche warnings during the winter months to assist backcountry recreationists in making informed and safe travel decisions.

Duties

Conducts avalanche hazard forecasting in specific geographic areas. Gathers and records data in the field through snowpack, weather and avalanche observations. Inputs information into and maintains an electronic database with avalanche and mountain weather information. Practices mountain and avalanche safety measures while collecting data in high-elevation and avalanche prone terrain. Utilizes a variety of weather modeling applications in conjunction with field data and public observations to analyze snow stability and forecast avalanche hazard. Routinely communicates with other avalanche professionals in State, Federal and private sector organizations to gather data and share information. Communicates and coordinates with emergency service and volunteer organizations when appropriate. Writes, edits and publishes a daily backcountry avalanche advisory for public dissemination. Works with the National Weather Service and local media outlets to issue avalanche watches, warnings, or special weather statements. Participates in interviews with local media (TV, radio, newspapers, etc.) on avalanche conditions or accidents. Develops curriculum and provides training to Forest Service personnel and the general public on a variety of snowpack, weather and avalanche topics. Fills requests to speak as a Forest Service avalanche authority in local schools and other community events to further the goal of public safety in the backcountry. Performs other duties as assigned in support of other programs on the unit, which may include snow removal, trail maintenance and recreation resource work relating to winter trailhead facilities.

Requirements

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Direct Deposit Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of your choosing.
• Must be 18 years of age.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-Verify.
• Ability to safely and efficiently navigate mountainous terrain in a harsh winter environment using backcountry skis and snowmobiles.

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. GS-07: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-6). Examples of specialized experience include: Navigated safely in harsh winter terrain by ski and snowmobile in a backcountry setting (outside of ski area boundaries); Observed and recorded snowpack, weather and avalanche trends in a field setting; Interpreted and extrapolated remote weather station data and National Weather Service products including meteorological models; Communicated to large groups weather conditions to make informed and safe travel decisions, ie: skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers, snowshoers, emergency personnel, youth programs, media (TV, radio, newspapers, etc.); Collected, analyzed, and interpreted weather conditions using a wide variety of computer programs and applications; Conducted recreation resource work in support of a recreation program. Selective Placement Factors Ability to safely and efficiently navigate mountainous terrain in a harsh winter environment using backcountry skis and snowmobiles. 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. To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Contacts

• Address USDA Forest Service HRM Contact Center DO NOT MAIL IN APPLICATIONS, SEE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE ANNOUNCEMENT Albuquerque, NM 87109 US
• Name: HRM Contact Center
• Phone: 1-877-372-7248 X2
• Email: [email protected]