If selected for this position, you will serve as a Tree Climber Lead 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, while setting pace and providing quality assurance and monitoring treatment activities.

Duties

The duties may include, but are not limited to: Works along other workers, setting pace, demonstrating proper work methods and providing quality assurance surveillance of the tree survey activities. Coordinates the daily work assignments of climbers from program, other federal and state agencies, and contract climbers. Inspects climbing equipment to ensure that it is in good condition and that it meets all safety requirements. Ensures that needed plans, maps, safety gear and tools are available, and that needed stock is obtained from supply locations. 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. 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. Conduct tree inventories data such as diameter, property address, or location of trees using Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment and maps. Conducts detection surveys and coordinate tree climbing work of Federal “first response” employees when new infestations are found, as well as serve as ground worker for rescues if necessary.

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.
• 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 encounters extreme difficulty while working in awkward positions when climbing canopy of the tree to complete a thorough inspection.
• Will be suspended in a climbing harness and/or standing for extended periods of time.
• 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.
• Work is performed outdoors in parklands, naturally forested areas, swampy areas, or marshes; on uneven, steep, and/or treacherous terrain, and on private commercial and residential property.
• The incumbent is certified in an Agency-approved Electrical Hazards Awareness Program (EHAP).
• 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.
• 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.
• Subject to overtime, weekend Tours of Duty, and Holiday work.
• Required pass and retain an Agency- provided tree climber certification.
• Must obtain and maintain certification in First Aid and CPR.

Qualifications

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]