USAJOBS - Job Announcement

Explore a new career with the BLM - where our people are our greatest natural resource.

For additional information about the BLM, please visit our website.

This position is located in West Valley City, Utah. Information about the surrounding area may be found here: www.wvc-ut.gov

We expect to fill one vacancy at this time; however, this announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

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Reviewing applications

Open & closing dates

03/13/2020 to 04/02/2020
Salary

$43,251 - $68,777 per year
Pay scale & grade

GS 07 - 09
Location
- West Valley City, UT 1 vacancy
Telework eligible

Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required

Occasional travel - Travel is required to attend training, conferences, workshops, and/or field visits.
Relocation expenses reimbursed

Yes— Travel and relocation expenses will be paid consistent with the Federal Travel Regulation, Chapter 302, and Departmental policy. The use of a relocation service company and home marketing incentive WILL NOT be offered. Please Note: The selectee will be responsible for tax obligations related to payments for moving expenses - 2017 Tax Cuts and Job Act, Public Law 115-97. Refer to the “Additional Information” section.
Appointment type

Permanent - This is a permanent appointment.
Work schedule

Full-Time
Service

Competitive
Promotion potential

09 - If filled at a lower grade level, subsequent promotion to the next grade level will be processed without further competition dependent upon administrative approval and the continuing need and performance of higher-level duties.
Job family (Series)

0401 General Natural Resources Management And Biological Sciences
Supervisory status

No
Security clearance

Not Required
Drug test

Yes
Announcement number

FA-WLF-DE-2020-0016
Control number

562830800

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Clarification from the agency

All U.S. Citizens – Open to the Public; No previous Federal Service is required.

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-Educates the public about the ecology of wildland fire and its relationship to the mission of the organization.
-Serves as contact for media interested in wildland fire management programs and activities, responding to, or facilitating requests form national, regional, and local media.
-Coordinates news conferences, special events, news releases, and facilitates feature stories related to wildland fire prevention and mitigation programs.
-Works with local homeowners, community stakeholders, tribal, state and federal agencies in an effort to educate and mitigate potential threats to communities from wildfire.
-Coordinates the identification of issues and the mitigation of wildland/urban interface risks to homeowners and communities from wildland fire and hazardous fuels.
-Develops, coordinates, implements and monitors educational meetings, events, and programs with local communities to reduce loss resulting from wildland fire.
-Responsible for assisting fire cooperators with administering wildland fire education programs and course curricula and by providing program expertise and materials.
-Participates in internal and external workshops to present key aspects of the wildland fire management program.
-Develops, presents, and evaluates fire education training, exhibits and informational materials.
-Develops plans for fire prevention, mitigation, education and trespass.

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Conditions of Employment

U.S. Citizenship is required
Be sure to read the "How to Apply" and "Required Documents" Sections
You cannot hold an active real estate license; nor can you
have an interest or hold stocks in firms with interest in Federal Land
Direct Deposit Required
Security Clearance/Background Investigation Required

** This vacancy announcement has been EXTENDED; previous applicants need not REapply ** Applicants who previously applied do not need to apply again to be considered but may take this opportunity to update information/resume/responses or submit required documentation outlined in the vacancy announcement.

This announcement is being advertised concurrently under FA-WLF-MP-2020-0066, for current federal employees serving under a competitive service career or career-conditional appointment or reinstatement eligible. You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under both recruitment methods.

Physical Demands: The work is primarily sedentary, although a level of physical fitness is required which will allow for work during periods of extended stress and in the field when wildland fire situations arise.

Work Environment:The work is normally performed in a n office, however, travel to field offices and meetings and conferences is required.

This is a secondary/administrative firefighter position under the special retirement provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) (CSRS) and 5 U.S.C. 8412(d) (FERS). While secondary positions are not subject to the maximum entry age policy, the selectee must have prior service in a primary position and meet the transfer requirement for movement from a primary to secondary position to be eligible for special retirement coverage. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure this office has enough information to determine your retirement status to ensure you do not lose benefits (normally through submission of your SF-50). YOU MUST LET US KNOW IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY IN A PRIMARY POSITION.

Passage of a pre-employment physical is required. You must also pass the work capacity test for moderate position.

THIS IS A DRUG TESTING DESIGNATED POSITION. In accordance with Executive Order 12564, and under the Department’s Drug Free Workplace Program, applicant(s) tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use and to pass the test prior to appointment. In addition, this position is subject to random testing for illegal drug use. Applicants will not be appointed to the position if a verified positive drug test is received.

You must be 18 years of age or older to be assigned to a hazardous position.

You must possess and maintain a valid state automobile driver's license.

Qualifications

Basic Education Required:

A) Degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry or related discipline appropriate to the position.

-OR-

B) Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education which may be defined as at least 24 semester hours in biological sciences, natural resources, wildland fire management, forestry, or agriculture equivalent to a major field of study, plus appropriate experience or additional education that is comparable to that normally acquired through successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in the biological sciences, agriculture, or natural resources.

Additional Experience Required: In addition to meeting the basic education requirements, you must meet specialized experience requirements.

Specialized Experience Requirements:
In order to be rated as qualified for this position, we must be able to determine that you meet the specialized experience requirement; please be sure to include this information in your resume. To be creditable, this experience must have been equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade of the position to be filled.

To qualify for the GS-07 grade level, 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-05 is required. Examples of work experience include, but are not limited to: Experience that demonstrated an understanding of fire behavior relative to fuels, weather, and topography and how fire affects natural and cultural resources. Examples of experience may include: 1) Performing duties which provided a basic understanding of wildland fire management concepts, theories and practices including the assessment of fire effects on cultural and/or natural resources. 2) Assisting other fire management staffs in the development of complex presentations; presenting or conducting simple presentations of fire management concepts, topics, information. 3) Researching technical reports and/or other sources to obtain information used by higher graded professionals; applying basic formulas to routine calculations; and/or 4) Participating in the development and/or implementation of wildland fire management plans including carrying out initial attack incident management strategies and tactics to meet the stated resource objectives.

To qualify for the GS-09 grade level, 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-07 is required. Examples of work experience include, but are not limited to: Experience must demonstrate an understanding of fire behavior relative to fuels, weather, and topography and how fire affects natural and cultural resources. Examples of experience may include: 1) Participating in wildland fire activities (such as planning and/or implementing prescribed fire or managing wildfires) ensuring resource objectives are being met from a fire management standpoint; 2) Developing and/or implementing initial attack incident management strategies and tactics to meet the stated resource objectives; and/or 3) Implementing mitigation measures during wildland fire activities to protect sensitive habitats, endangered species, sensitive plants, or cultural values.

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.

Substitution of Education for Experience:
GS-07: 1 year of graduate-level education which is directly related to work of the position OR Superior Academic Achievement, based on one of the following: (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society member. For a detailed description of Superior Academic Achievement, please visit the Superior Academic Achievement website OR an equivalent combination of specialized experience and education

GS-09: 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master’s degree which is directly related to work of the position OR master’s degree OR an equivalent combination of specialized experience and education.

Education and experience may be combined to meet the specialized experience requirements.

You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.

Selective Placement Factor(s): This position requires a special qualification that has been determined to be essential to perform the duties and will be used as a screen out element. Those who do not provide evidence they possess the following selective factor(s) will be rated not qualified.

1) Prior on-the-line firefighting: The Department of the Interior defines wildland firefighting experience as any non-structure fire that occurs in the wildland. Wildland firefighting experience is gained through work on the fire line in containment, control, suppression or use of wildland fire. This experience can be met by serving in a temporary, seasonal, or equivalent private sector fire position for no less than 90 days. Wildland fires are categorized into two distinct types: (1) Wildfires – Unplanned ignitions or prescribed fires that are declared wildfires; and (2) Prescribed Fires – Planned ignitions. This description includes only fireline experience on a Prescribed Fire; it does not include experience in the planning stages. Prescribed fire experience must be supplemented by fire suppression experience in order to be creditable as previous wildland firefighting experience. This experience must be documented with specific dates in the online application or resume.

You must meet all qualification and selective placement factor requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

Additional information

May require completion of a one year probationary period.

Tax Law Impact for PCS: On 22-Dec-2017, Public Law 115-97 - the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 suspended qualified moving expense deductions along with the exclusion for employer reimbursements and payments of moving expenses effective 01-Jan-2018 for tax years 2018 through 2025. The law made taxable certain reimbursements and other payments, including driving mileage, airfare and lodging expenses, en-route travel to the new duty station, and temporary storage of those items. The Federal Travel Regulation Bulletin (FTR) 18-05 issued by General Services Administration (GSA) has authorized agencies to use the Withholding Tax Allowance (WTA) and Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA) to pay for "substantially all" of the increased tax liability resulting from the "2018 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" for certain eligible individuals. For additional information on WTA/RITA allowances and eligibilities, please visit: Federal Travel Regulation - GSA Bulletin FTR 18-05

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): CTAP provides eligible surplus and displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. Information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility is available from OPM's Career Transition Resources website at CTAP or ICTAP. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration or that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) This vacancy is within your CTAP/ICTAP eligibility; 2) You apply under the instructions in this announcement; and 3) You are found well-qualified for this vacancy. You must provide proof of eligibility with your application to receive selection priority. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, or a copy of your separation personnel action form.

CTAP and ICTAP eligibles will be considered well qualified if they fall within the Well or Best Qualified categories on the rating criteria for this position.

Reemployment Priority List (RPL): The RPL is the mechanism agencies use to give reemployment consideration to their former competitive service employees separated by a RIF or who have fully recovered from a compensable injury after more than one year. If you are currently on a RPL, you may be given priority consideration.

The BLM has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework only during an emergency or natural disaster.

Government facilities are required to provide a smoke free environment for their employees. Smoking will be permitted only in designated areas.

FACT SHEET for Fire & Law Enforcement Positions: Information on Special Retirement.

Benefits

https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/Guide-Me/New-Prospective-Employees/

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Upon receipt of your complete application package, a review of your application will be made to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. Your rating will be based on your responses to the Job Specific Questionnaire and the information stated in your resume. If you meet the qualification requirements, you application will be placed in one of three categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified. Within these categories, applicants eligible for veteran's preference will receive selection priority over non-veterans. In addition, interviews may be conducted for this position. The interviews may be conducted on a pass/fail basis or may be scored. The job specific questions relate to the following knowledge, skills and abilities required to do the work of this position.

KSA 1: Knowledge of natural resource management, fire ecology, fire behavior and fire management theories, concepts, principles, and standards in a wildland fire environment specializing in prevention and mitigation.
KSA 2: Knowledge of multi-agency wildland fire prevention and mitigation plans and policies to conduct program analysis.
KSA 3: Ability to communicate effectively; form and maintain relationships with local, county governments, interagency counterparts and partners.
KSA 4: Knowledge of Fire Management planning as it relates to mitigation, education, prevention and public relations.

To preview questions please click here.

https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/Guide-Me/New-Prospective-Employees/

As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

Resumes must show relevant experience and other information. Your resume MUST list your education and work experience including (1) the dates (mm/yy) of each employment, along with (2) the number of hours worked per week, and (3) salary information. Civil service employees must provide their current OPM title, series, and grade. Your resume will be used to validate your responses to the assessment tool(s).

In addition to the online application (resume and responses to the questionnaire), you are required to submit the following forms:

-You must provide copies of all your transcripts for verification that include hours and grades from an accredited U.S. college/university by the closing date. If your degree is from a Foreign Institution, See Foreign Education. All selections and tentative offers of selection are contingent upon submission and verification of ‘official’ transcripts.

-You must provide a copy of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record or other equivalent documentation which verifies you meet the required NWCG minimum qualifications for this IFPM position. Failure to provide this documentation by the closing dated of the announcement will result in you being rated as not qualified.

-Veterans' Preference: If you are entitled to veterans' preference, you should indicate the level of veterans' preference you are claiming on your resume. Your veterans' preference entitlement will be adjudicated (verified) by the employing agency using the documents you provide.
-- For 0-point Sole survivorship veterans’ preference (SSP), please provide the documentation you received granting this preference.
-- For 5-point veterans' preference, please provide your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty, or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that proves your military service was performed under honorable conditions.
-- For 10-point veterans' preference, please submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, DD-214, and the required documentation.

For more information on which type of preference is applicable please refer to the VetGuide.

-Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) eligibles: documentation verifying your CTAP/ICTAP eligibility - this includes a copy of the agency notice and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level and duty location.

-GSA Form 3607, Motor Vehicle Operator’s License and Driving Record (optional during the application process; however, selectees will be required to submit as part of the pre-appointment process.)

Submitting Required Documents: You may submit your documents either via Auto-Requested Fax or by uploading your documents from your USAJOBS Profile. Do not use both options.

Auto-Requested Fax: allows you to submit required documentation that will be electronically displayed along with your resume. The opportunity to do this will be provided during the application process by a pop-up message option to generate an auto-requested fax cover sheet. – OR–
Uploading Documents: instead of faxing your documents you may use the uploading procedures thru Applicant Manager.

Hard copy paper supplemental documents, submitted without prior Human Resources approval, will be considered as an incomplete application.

Required documentation must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, on the closing date of this announcement.

If you are determined to be eligible and best qualified, you will be referred to the selecting official for consideration. Applicants should monitor their status for positions by regularly checking their public status notifications in the USAJOBS profile.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

To receive consideration for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package, which includes ALL of the following items: 1) Your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire; 2) Your resume; and 3) Applicable supporting documents specified in the Required Documents section of this job announcement.

Click on the button "Apply Online" and login to MY USAJOBS.

If you haven't already registered with USAJOBS, the system will require you to create a user name and password, complete a questionnaire and upload, paste or type a resume into USAJOBS.

If you have already registered with USAJOBS and forgot your login information, select the "Did you forget your username and/or password" link from the right side menu.

Your application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time by the closing date of this announcement.

If you need assistance in applying on-line, please contact the Human Resources Office via email at blm_fa_nifc_ut@blm.gov. If applying on-line poses a hardship for you (i.e., you do not have access to the internet) you must contact us prior to the closing date of the announcement for an alternative method of applying.

Agency contact information

Human Resources Office

Phone: 208-387-5523
Fax: 000-000-0000
Email: blm_fa_nifc_ut@blm.gov
Address: Bureau of Land Management
BLM, Office of Fire & Aviation, FA-220
3833 S. Development Avenue
Boise, Idaho 83705
United States

Learn more about this agency

Next steps

You will be notified of the status of your application as the qualification review process is conducted. You may also check the status of your application by viewing your MY USAJOBs account.

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.