These positions will be located at a USDA Forest Service Unit. This position serves as an expert in helicopter operations and provides principal support to the Regional Aviation Officer (RAO) and/or Aviation Operations Division Manager (AOM). See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION for contact information.

Duties

Duties listed are at full performance grade GS-13 level. Serves as the principle advisor in the development and implementation of policies, programs, and standard practices for helicopter operations and specialized aviation projects. Provides oversight in the planning, development, and performance of specialized missions for the Forest Service and cooperator units in the use of helicopters to perform high risk missions. Represents aviation Safety Management Systems (SMS) in committees or work groups involving several Regions or agencies to assure that safety concerns and operational standards are adequately provided for in policy. Recommends the establishment or revision of agency standards and procedures as appropriate to facilitate efficiencies and enhance safety. Prepares reports documenting findings and recommendations. Prepares comprehensive reports to include technical and detailed analysis. Establishes and maintains collaborative relationships and partnerships with State, local government and Federal land management agencies. Coordinates with these partners to achieve common goals.

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.
• Must be 18 years of age.
• This is a drug testing designated position. You will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. Appointment is based on a negative result. This announcement constitutes 30 days advance notice.
• 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.
• Minimum of 90 days of wildland firefighting experience is required.
• Willing to live/work in remote locations (volatile/unpredictable).
• 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.
• There may be additional Conditions of Employment not listed here, however applicants will be notified of any specific requirements at the time a tentative job offer is made.

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. Specialized Experience Requirement: GS-12: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level. Specialized experience is experience that demonstrates a knowledge of the transportation function(s) of the position to be filled. Examples of specialized experience include: Assisting and administering a helicopter operations program and has served as an advisor on all helicopter administrative and technical matters. Provides advice on aviation safety operations and on the implementation of aviation policies, and procedures, evaluates ground facilities, and assists with developing and conducting training programs for aviation and non-aviation personnel, and has participated in inspections of facilities and operations. Participated in the development and recommendation of contract specifications. Have served as the technical representative or Contract Officer Representative (COR). GS-13: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level. Specialized experience is experience that demonstrates a knowledge of the transportation function(s) of the position to be filled Examples of specialized experience include: Providing operational oversight for helicopter operations and wildfire and project activities. Providing technical direction for aviation safety operations and providing advice on the implementation of aviation policies, procedures, and requirements for helicopter operations and specialized aviation projects, including high risk missions. Assisting with the planning and coordination of training programs for aviation and non-aviation personnel, and leading inspections of facilities and operations. Selective Placement Factors: 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 must be documented with specific dates in the online application or resume. OR Aerial wildland fire suppression experience such as: delivery of fire retardants or suppressants via fixed or rotor wing aircraft; aerial ignition (helitorch or Plastic Sphere Dispenser - PSD), smokejumper operations, helitack or aerial supervision operations (Air Tactical, Aerial Supervision Module - ASM, Helicopter Coordinator - HLCO), fire retardant drops or air attacks (ATGS). Documentation must include, specific WLFF duties, dates; including reference names, and current phone numbers for verification. 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. FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a secondary position covered under the special retirement provisions of 5 USC 8336(c) for the Civil Service Retirement System and of 5 USC 8412(d) for the Federal Employees Retirement System. To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education

See QUALIFICATIONS section for education requirements.

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]