Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Operations)

Summary This position is located in Natchez Trace Parkway, in the Fire and Management Division. This is a are Career/Career Conditional permanent position Responsibilities Planning: Assists in wildland fire prevention and preparedness programs and activities. Ensures readiness of wildland fire suppression equipment and personnel. Organizes fire caches, maintains inventory and accountable property, positions equipment and personnel for the most efficient response, evaluates equipment and personnel needs, and develops and prioritizes equipment and personnel funding requests.Prepares and reviews plans and or plan components such as annual operating plans, fire danger operating plans, prevention plans, training plans, fire suppression plans, safety plans, and individual project plans. Plans and conducts project assessments which determine the presence or absence of hazardous wildland fuels. Information on fuel conditions and predictions of fire behavior are collected through a variety of methods, including field surveys, computer modeling, and specific literature searches. Results are reported to the Prescribed Fire/Fuels Specialist and used in the determination and prioritization of prescribed fire, mechanical treatment projects, and other fuels treatments.Reviews project plans and makes recommendations on appropriate levels of monitoring. Establishes study plots to assess fire and fire suppression impacts on the ecosystem. Develops and refines plot characteristics, frequency of visits, subjects to be measured, and data storage and analysis techniques.Participates in drafting prescribed fire/fuels management plans following templates. This involves reviewing fuel treatment alternatives and may include preparing segments of a plan to support objectives of the fire management program.Utilizes fire model applications to analyze fire behavior and fire effects observation data Operations and Safety: Directs and performs wildfire suppression efforts in initial attack and in follow-up actions to safely and effectively manage wildfires in accordance with the identified/directed management response. Implements components of the preparedness program such as detection, readiness, cooperative agreements, fire danger/behavior predictions, severity requests, and dispatching. Serves on prescribed fire and fuels projects in positions for which qualified. Technically administers all aspects of the prescribed fire/fuels plan, ensuring that preparation, ignition, holding, mop-up, and repair/rehabilitation are completed to the standards specified. During the implementation of prescribed fire plans, fuels projects, and wildfire, monitors fire behavior, evaluates fire effects, identifies potential problems and makes recommendations. Identifies and provides for training needs to support prescribed fire and fuels management programs. Participates in wildland fire and safety training in the techniques, practices, and methods of wildfire suppression and in the safe, efficient operation and use of tools, equipment, and vehicles used in wildfire and fuels management activities. Participates in preparedness and fuels reviews, proficiency checks and drills, safety sessions, and after-action reviews. Ensures own and others welfare and safety. AREA INFORMATON Tupelo, Mississippi (MS) Information: Tupelo, MS offers a variety of attractions and amenities for residents and visitors alike. With a population of around 38,000, it maintains a small-town feel while still providing access to larger cities. Situated approximately 115 miles from Birmingham, AL and Memphis, TN, Tupelo allows for convenient travel to these metropolitan areas. One of the notable aspects of Tupelo is the availability of affordable housing options. Whether you are looking to rent an apartment or buy a house, there are choices to suit various budgets. This makes it an attractive destination for individuals and families looking to establish roots in a welcoming community. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, Tupelo is a paradise. The region offers a wide range of recreational opportunities, ensuring there is something for everyone. Fishing enthusiasts can explore the abundant lakes and rivers, while hunters can indulge in their passion in the nearby forests. Biking and hiking trails wind through picturesque landscapes, inviting nature lovers to explore the beauty of the area. Camping, horseback riding, and boating are also popular pastimes, providing endless adventures for outdoor enthusiasts. As for the weather, Tupelo experiences a typical “upper south” climate. Summers can be quite warm or hot, often accompanied by humidity. Requirements Conditions of Employment U.S. Citizenship required. Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication. Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males. Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program. You will be required to submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test result prior to appointment. In addition, this position is subject to random testing for illegal drug use. You will be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties; a valid drivers license is required. You will be required to submit a Motor Vehicle Operators License and Driving Record. You must also submit (within a State sealed envelope or submitted directly by the State authorities), and at your own expense, all certified driving records from all States that disclose all valid drivers licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you. You will be required to operate a fire engine and various motor vehicles as part of your official duties; a valid Commercial Drivers License may be required. You will be required to submit your Commercial Drivers License and Driving Record. You must also submit (within a State sealed envelope or submitted directly by the State authorities), and at your own expense, all certified driving records from all States that disclose all valid drivers licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you. You may be required to complete training and operate a four-wheel drive vehicle. Work may require travel by fixed-wing or rotorwing aircraft. You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided. You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work. If you are a new employee or supervisor in the Federal government, you will be required to complete a one-year probationary period. Subject to frequent extended travel up to 14 days per month particularly during fire season, and you must obtain a government charge card for travel. You may be required to complete training and obtain/maintain a government charge card with travel and/or purchase authority. Qualifications ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Prior to appointment, you must be determined physically fit by an authorized government physician to perform strenuous and physically demanding duties; and also pass a medical examination(which includes vision, hearing, cardiovascular, and mobility of extremities)given by an authorized government physician. You will also be required to periodic medical examinations throughout employment. The Work Capacity Test (WCT-Pack Test) as a method for assessing an employees fitness levels for fire qualifications in the positions covered by this recruitment notice. Arduous fitness (WCT-Pack Test) will consist of completing a three-mile hike, within 45 minutes, while carrying a 45 pound pack. NOTE: Arduous Work Capacity Test All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement10/31/2024 unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST clearly indicate the nature of the duties and responsibilities for each position, starting and ending dates of employment (month/year), and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40 hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount qualified specialized experience. This position has been identified as one of the key fire management positions under the Interagency Fire Program management (IFPM) Standard. This position requires selectee to meet the minimum qualification standards for IFPM prior to being placed into the position. For more information on IFPM, click here. Selective Factors: The applicant must have possessed all the following National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) incident management qualifications and training requirements to be considered eligible for this position: Task Force Leader (TFLD) (CURRENCY REQUIRED) And Incident Commander Type 3 (ICT3), OR Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2) (CURRENCY REQUIRED) -AND- This position is covered by the special retirement provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8336 (c) and 5 U.S.C. 8412 (d) as a Primary/Rigorous Firefighter. Applicants must be 18 years of age, but not have reached their 37th birthday by the closing date of this announcement. These positions are covered by the special enhanced annuity retirement provisions for Federal Firefighters and Law Enforcement officers and have a mandatory retirement age of 57. Two exceptions are allowed: 1) an applicant has prior Federal service in documented special retirement covered position(s) sufficient to count toward 20 years of covered service on or before the mandatory retirement age of 57; or 2) an applicant is a qualified veterans preference eligible, in which case the MEA is waived and their corresponding retirement age may be higher than 57 after completing 20 years of service. Applicants must submit proof of their previous and/or current status in the Fire Fighter or Law Enforcement special enhanced annuity retirement system. -AND- EXPERIENCES: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-08 level in the Federal service which includes the following: providing professional guidance, leadership, coordination, and technical assistance for managing and applying wildland fire planning processes and procedures. Personally performing in Wildland Fire Operations and at least one of the following wildland firefighting functions: Initial attack and Fireline Suppression Operations; Prescribed Fire Operations; and (2) personally leading or supervising others in any two of the following functions: initial attack and suppression hand-crew operations; prescribed fire operations; wildland fire engine crew operations; providing on-the-job training and conducting daily crew briefings, safety sessions, and/or other basic wildland fire training. NOTE: If your firefighting experience includes both structural and wildland, it is essential that your application materials clearly separate and document your wildland experience. Volunteer Experience: 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. Education There is no qualifying education for this grade/series combination. Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) OR Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): CTAP/ICTAP provides placement assistance to permanent Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated. Applicants claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF50 noting position, grade level, duty location with their application. To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, applicants must be qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements), and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. For Information on CTAP and ICTAP visit: Career Transition (opm.gov) Additional Information This notice is being issued to recruit personnel to occupations for which a critical hiring need has been identified. To assist in filling these positions, OPM has granted the Department of the Interior “Direct Hire Authority”. A selectee receiving a first appointment to the Federal Government (Civil Service) is entitled only to the lowest step of the grade for which selected The display of a salary range on this vacancy shall not be construed as granting an entitlement to a higher rate of pay. A Recruitment Incentive May Be Authorized for a newly selected employee when appointed to a permanent, temporary, or term position. A Federal employee who is transferring to the National Park Service from another component, bureau or Federal agency and who does not meet the conditions under 5 CFR §575.102 is not eligible for a recruitment incentive. A Relocation Incentive May Be Authorized for a Federal employee when the employee must move, as directed by the National Park Service (NPS) either through a management directed reassignment or selection for employment, to a different location at least 50 miles away from the one where his/her position of record held at time of selection is currently located, due to a need of the NPS. A relocation incentive is not the same as a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move and, as such, may be granted in conjunction with one another. This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate. Physical Demands: Arduous exertion for protracted periods of time such as, but not limited to, extensive running, walking, climbing, kneeling, stooping, pulling hoses, jumping and twisting, prolonged standing, walking over uneven ground, and recurring bending, reaching, lifting and carrying of items weighing over 50 pounds and shared lifting and carrying of heavier items, and similar activities requiring at least average agility and dexterity. Working Conditions: Forest, range, and desert environments in steep terrain where surfaces may be extremely uneven, rocky, covered with thick tangled vegetation, smoky conditions, etc. Temperatures commonly exceed 100 degrees F and may fall below freezing. Risks include smoke inhalation, fire entrapment, snake or insect bites and stings, exposure to excessive machinery noise, and falling and rolling material. Employee must adjust and cope with exposure to weather elements, dust and smoke, poor bivouac and eating situations under an unpredictable set of circumstances. Firefighters may be required to live in backcountry camps for extended periods of time. The hazardous nature of the work requires that personal protective equipment be worn (e.g., boots, hard hat, gloves, flame resistant clothing). Work may require travel by fixed-wing or rotor-wing aircraft.