This position is located within a National Forest. The primary purpose of this position is to perform a variety of moderately complex and recurring technical duties in support of the unit's plant and/or noxious weed control program.

Duties

Prepares and analyzes plant samples utilizing standard and state-of-the-art techniques, operates and maintains complex instruments, organizes collections and maintains detailed records of plant experiments, observations, measurements and/or results. Calculates and tabulates vegetation types of data to determine trends and correlations. Prepares biological and vegetation data for computer processing. Prepares graphs and tables. Assists in planning work schedules and may write reports. Independently, or as a crew leader, plans, participates, and conducts a variety of field studies of native and non-native botanical species and their habitats. Coordinates with resource specialists in planning work. Develops plans to collect data for use in habitat and species condition analyses. Collects survey and inventory data to determine species identity, population characteristics, environmental conditions, and factors affecting the vigor and extent of the species and their habitat. Keeps records and produces maps of survey areas. Schedules, organizes, and executes botanical projects involving native and/or non-native species. Resolves common administrative and safety concerns related to the projects. Improves, adapts, and develops techniques and equipment based on experience, knowledge, and procedures. Determines need and recommends equipment requirements for botanical projects and assures equipment is operational and available when needed. Performs a variety of routine and moderately complex technical tasks to prevent and control noxious weeds in the Forest involving a full range of integrated weed management techniques, e.g., biological, cultural, mechanical, chemical, and prevention. Conducts field surveys to identify, document, and map noxious weed infestations. Collects data and enters into database, generates reports, prepares written and graphical reports, and assembles data to develop noxious weeds control project plans. Compiles, analyzes, and interprets data collected, and provides noxious weed information for project analysis which may include written reports or summaries. Links tabular data to locational parameters using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Geographical Positioning Systems (GPS) technology and recommends best methods for eradication of noxious weeds based on analysis of data and research. Produces accurate maps of noxious weed infestations using GIS database technology and GPS location technology. Participates in weed control activities including the physical removal of invasive weeds. Provides work direction and guidance to seasonal employees and volunteers in the accomplishment of similar projects including safe handling of tools and operation of motorized vehicles. Operates a variety of field equipment commonly used in treating, preventing, and eradicating noxious weeds such as all-terrain vehicles (ATV's), utility terrain vehicles (UTV's), herbicide application equipment, GPS equipment, and cameras. Serves as the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) on noxious weed control projects, including monitoring sites of weed infestations to ensure control plans are being implemented and assisting with evaluation of the plan's effectiveness. Photographs areas in violation, and collects, tags, and secures samples of weeds. Documents visits and maintains files and records on site control programs. Performs routine inspections under close supervision of the Contracting Officer (CO). Ensures that noxious weed control plans are accomplished in accordance with established operations criteria, rules, methods, and contracts. Notifies CO of non-compliance with written noxious weed control agreements. Assists in preparing and presenting noxious weed informational and/or educational materials to employees, partners, volunteers, contractors, and permittees to improve early detection of new weed infestations. Independently organizes work efforts with other technicians, professionals, and/or scientists who are involved with relevant projects. Meets with others in order to plan and coordinate work efforts, discuss technical requirements, and present study findings or to discuss technical problems encountered or anticipated during project work.

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.
• May be required to obtain and maintain State Herbicide Applicator's License.  The incumbent must obtain the license within 120 days of the initial appointment to the position.

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-06: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-5). For the GS-06 there is no substitution of education for this position. Examples of specialized experience include: Performing field work for projects related to vegetation management and botany including taking measurements, recording observations, seeding, or planting, and fertilizer or pesticide treatment. Organizing collections of seed and vegetative materials, assisting with conducting surveys for sensitive plants in project areas that included on-the-ground reconnaissance and record examination. Recording and compiling vegetation and botanical data for use in analysis and reporting. Selective Placement Factors The duties of this position may require the incumbent to obtain and maintain State Herbicide Applicator's License. The incumbent must obtain the license within 120 days of the initial appointment to the position. 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]