If selected for this position, you will serve as a Tree Climber assigned to the Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) Emergency Program. Responsibilities include protecting American agriculture and natural resources from endemic and exotic pests in order to enhance the competitiveness of American agricultural exports.

Duties

The duties described are for the full-performance level. The duties may include, but are not limited to: Inspect trees through ground and aerial survey for pests or specific indications of pest injury or infestation. Provide quality assurance surveillance of the tree survey activities performed by program staff and staff from other organizations such as contractors, federal agencies, and state agencies. Climb trees of heights routinely exceeding 100 feet using a rope and harness to inspect for pests, executes limb walks of distances of 20 feet or more. As circumstances warrant, uses spikes or spurs; operates and maintains hand saws, chainsaws and knives; and works in trees often near power lines, using climbing ropes and saddles. Utilizing reference materials such as tree identification keys to identify every woody tree specific to the area and potential ALB host trees by genus and species.

Requirements

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Individuals who were born male after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• 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 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 at https://www.e-verify.gov/
• Successful completion of one-year trial period.
• Selectee will be subject to a pre-employment medical statement and/or exam.
• Valid state driver's license is required at the time of application.
• Must be in excellent physical condition; continuously and repetitively lifts objects in excess of 100 pounds, including own body weight, over the course of the entire work day.
• Bending, stretching, stooping, pushing, pulling, climbing, and throwing (throw ball) and walking capabilities are necessary to perform all major responsibilities as assigned.
• Uses strenuous physical effort by means of rope and harness to climb and thoroughly inspect the entire tree.
• Frequently uses sharp cutting tools while suspended aloft by means of a rope and harness, often in awkward positions, and must wear and use all necessary safety items and equipment.
• The majority of the work is performed outdoors in heat and humidity or cold and snow; over and alongside streets, medians, and busy roadways and highways where excessive noise, vehicle traffic, and exhaust exposure are hazards.
• Work may be performed in parklands, naturally forested areas, swampy areas, or marshes; on uneven, steep, and/or treacherous terrain, and on private commercial and residential property.
• May be required to operate an aerial lift device, such as the bucket and boom arm only of a bucket truck, when in close proximity to primary power distribution lines.
• Must obtain and maintain certification in First Aid and CPR.
• Required to undergo and satisfactorily pass and subsequently retain an Agency- provided tree climber certification, consisting of a knowledge and proficiency test.
• Certified in an Agency-approved Electrical Hazards Awareness Program; accurately assesses the voltages in power lines at climbing sites to safely climb to within the minimum separation distances of both secondary and primary power distribution lines.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. To qualify, you must show that you have had training and experience of sufficient scope and quality to provide you with the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position. Your answers to the vacancy specific questions must be supported by the work experience in your resume. For example, if you respond in the affirmative when questioned whether you have Tree Climbing experience using a rope and harness, your resume must include this experience, mindful that experience may not be inferred by job title. 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 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 position does not have an education qualification requirement.

Contacts

• Address Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service USDA APHIS MRPBS 250 Marquette Avenue, Suite 410 Minneapolis, MN 55401 US
• Name: MRP Human Resources
• Phone: 612-336-3227
• Email: [email protected]