This position is located within a National Forest. The primary purpose of this position is to perform as a technician to forestry research scientists at a Research Station in a Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Work Unit. The Unit is one of four FIA Units across the country that comprises the national FIA program. FIA is a nationwide program which collects, processes, analyzes, evaluates, and publishes comprehensive information on forest and other related renewable resources.

Duties

Works with a team of technicians and professionals, collecting forestry and forest health monitoring data on permanently established fixed radius plots. Assists in locating field sites using aerial photographs and topographic maps. Collects forestry, botanical, and geographic measurements according to nationally standardized protocol and field procedures. The incumbent obtains data on: tree growth and mortality; forest type, stand size and stand age; anthropogenic treatments and/or natural disturbances; insects and disease; soil attributes; and understory vegetation composition. Assists in field manual interpretation when assessing complex or unusual situations. Uses botanical keys to identify plants encountered and assists in the collection and preservation of specimens. Records all measurements utilizing a personal data recorder. Uploads and edits data on a daily basis. Completes accurate and concise plot summaries of all field visits. Actively participates in the safety program, assisting in identifying hazards and mitigating actions. Travels by horse, ATV, motorcycle, boat, small aircraft, and helicopter as necessary to access field sites. Incumbent must have and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Requirements

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Males born 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 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.
• Incumbent must have and maintain a valid driver’s license.

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-05: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-4 grade level; OR a bachelor's degree or 4 years of successfully completed education above high school (120 semester/180 quarter hours) with major study in forestry, range management, agriculture, or a subject-matter field directly related to the position, or that included at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as forestry, agriculture, crop or plant science, range management or conservation, wildlife management, watershed management, soil science, natural resources, outdoor recreation management, civil or forest engineering, or wildland fire science (no more than 6 semester hours in mathematics is creditable); OR combinations of successfully completed post-high school education (in excess of the first 60 semester/90 quarter hours) and specialized experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. Examples of specialized experience include: Performing technical duties in support of forestry research. Collects, processes, analyzes, evaluates, and publishes comprehensive information on forest and other related renewable resources. Collects forestry, botanical, and geographic measurements according to nationally standardized protocol and field procedures. Collects forestry and forest health monitoring data on permanently established fixed radius plots. Selective Placement Factors Incumbent must have and maintain a valid driver's license. 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]