Positions will be filled with the Alaska Region and Intermountain Region and are seasonal, full-time with 13 pay periods of guaranteed work and 13 pay periods in nonpay status each calendar year. See the additional Information Section for who to contact with questions. The salary listed on this announcement is for the Rest of the U.S. For the Alaska pay table see: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/salary-tables/23Tables/html/AK.aspx.

Duties

Duties listed are at the full performance GS-8 level. Update avalanche conditions and issues written and verbal avalanche forecasts for the local Avalanche Center and other system network services. Observe seasonal snowpack weather conditions, record and interpret meteorological and snowpack data, transmit and report on recorded information, and provide avalanche information and advice to the general public through the Avalanche Center. Use judgment when interpreting raw avalanche data. Issue avalanche warnings when criteria are met, and terminates such avalanche warnings when expired. Perform mountain and avalanche safety measures while collecting data in high-elevation and avalanche prone terrain. Compose and issue regularly scheduled and emergency avalanche forecasts using the computer as well as disseminates and terminates advisories. Expert skills in backcountry skiing and snowmobiling in steep backcountry avalanche terrain and knowledge of fundamental avalanche safety procedures in order to conduct safe field observations. Excellent physical condition and sufficiently skilled to negotiate steep snow covered slopes and must be capable of withstanding physical stress. Must be able to withstand the physical demands of extended field missions in winter above tree line in very high winds potentially at night in whiteout conditions.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
• Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify.
• The incumbent must be in physical condition and sufficiently skilled to negotiate steep snow-covered slopes in harsh winter conditions and must be capable of withstanding physical stress.
• Must be able to withstand the physical demands of extended field missions in winter above tree line in very high winds, potentially at night in whiteout conditions.

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. Selective Placement Factors: Demonstrated skill and experience documenting and evaluating a seasonal, winter snowpack and associated avalanche hazard for an avalanche-focused operation or project. Skill safely traveling via backcountry skis and snowmobiles in mountainous terrain in a harsh winter environment. Specialized Experience Requirement: For the GS-07: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-6 level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as performing field checks of snow stability conditions often involving extreme physical exertion during severe winter weather in high mountainous backcountry terrain; plus one or more of the following: Observing and recording a seasonal snowpack, weather and avalanche trends in a field setting; Interpreting and extrapolating remote weather station data and National Weather Service products, including meteorological models; Communicating to large groups avalanche conditions to make informed and safe travel decisions, ie: skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers, snowshoers, emergency personnel, youth programs, media (TV, radio, newspapers, etc.); OR Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting weather and avalanche conditions using a wide variety of computer programs and applications. For the GS-08: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as performing field checks of snow stability conditions often involving extreme physical exertion during severe winter weather in high mountainous backcountry terrain; plus one or more of the following: Analyzing the evolution of a seasonal snowpack, mountain weather and avalanche trends in a field setting; Utilizing multiple sources of information to compile information for avalanche forecasts and warnings; Collecting, analyzing, interpreting, adjusting and verifying meteorological and avalanche data to confirm and improve avalanche forecast accuracy and efficacy. 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.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

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]