[COMMENT1]
USDA Forest Service
Approved Position Descriptionfor Firefighter Retirement
Series/ Grade: GS46209 / _ / Organization: DistrictOfficial Title:Forestry Technician / _ / Working Title:Fire Training Officer
Approval Information: / _ / Approval Information:
Ret Plan:FERS / Position:Secondary / _ / Ret Plan:CSRS / Position:Secondary
Approved by:USDA / On:Feb 24, 1999 / _ / Approved by:USDA / On:Feb 24, 1999
PD #:501168
Duties:
Introduction
Working title is Fire Training Officer/ Call When Needed (CWN) Fire Crew Program Manager. Serves as coordinator for fire management training activities and instructional assignments for the Biedebach Regional Training Center and as CWN Fire Crew Program Manager, Fire Training Officer, and Supervisor of Apprentices for the Angeles National Forest.
As a principle assistant to the District Fire Management Officer may also be responsible to assist in the planning and execution of fire presuppression, suppression, fuels management, and fire prevention activities of the District. Acts as District Fire Staff Officer/Duty Chief during the absence of DFMO or ADFMO.
Duties
Performs a mix of managerial and coordination duties. Manages the Forest Fire Training and CWN Fire Crew Programs. Coordinates regional level training conducted at the Biedebach Regional Training Center. Schedule classrooms, assists with preparation of annual regional training calendars, and coordinates with other regional training facilities. Coordinates with local colleges and community groups which sponsor CWN Fire Crews. Provides oversight for recruitment, qualification, and training of CWN fire fighters. Coordinates forest fire training program serving as "Fire Training Officer" and as "Supervisor of Apprentices."
Supervisory Duties Less than 25%
1. Work Planning and Organization
Plans work schedules on an annual or project basis. Sets priorities and adjusts work schedule as needed.
2. Work Assignment and Review
Assigns work to subordinates based on program priority and needs. Prepares and participates with DFMO in preparing training and operating guidelines and performance standards. Directly supervises 12 WG8 Cooks and coordinates the work of assigned staff in different phases of program accomplishment. Periodically reviews and monitors overall work performance to insure that Fire Training, CWN Fire Crew, and Apprenticeship Programs are being carried out;efficiently and in accordance with policy, plans, and schedules. Takes corrective action to obtain satisfactory levels of quantity and quality of work in programs managed. Keeps employees informed of management objectives.
3. Actively supports Civil Rights as expressed in the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, in assigned unit and communicates this support to subordinates. Cooperates in developing and carrying out affirmative action efforts in unit and those actions described in Affirmative Action Plans that have a bearing within the area of assigned responsibility. Civil Rights responsibilities include the obligation to contact and provide technical services and Federal assistance as well as training and developing of minority, women, and other employees without regard to race, sex, color or national origin. Demonstrates an understanding of and sensitivity to issues relating to Civil Rights.
4. Size of work force Supervises 12 full time WG8 Cooks. Coordinates the work of 48 permanent or seasonal employees assigned as training center staff during the training season.
Training Coordinator Duties
1. Provides logistical support to cadre of forest, zone, and regional training courses conducted at the Biedebach Regional Training Center.
2. Responsible for maintenance and upkeep of training center classrooms, offices, barracks, kitchen facilities, grounds, and other associated facilities.
3. Responsible for the budgeted funds for the training center. Funds are used for salary, training supplies, training aids, food and general center support.
4. Maintains training center library and audio visual equipment including: projectors, video equipment, lesson plans, films, video tapes, slide sets, etc. This includes development and; maintenance of an accountability system for temporary loans to other units or agencies.
5. Is designated as a "Collection Officer" and prepares "Bills for Collection" for both individuals and other government agencies. Receives payment and coordinates processing of both "Bills for Collection" and AD182's with District and S.O. personnel. Maintains accountability for temporary loan of materials and equipment to other units or agencies.
6. May serve as cadre leader or instructor for zone or regional training courses.
7. Coordinates with other multiagency training facilities nationally to exchange materials and information in support of national wildfire training.
8. Reviews content of wildland and ICS training courses for relevancy and provides input to the South Zone Training Coordinator and National Wildfire Coordinating Group.
9. Responsible for ordering and processing training materials for courses presented at the training center.
CWN Fire Crew Program Manager Duties
1. Maintains liaison with local colleges and community groups which sponsor CWN Fire Crews.
2. Assists with recruitment, training, and qualification of CWN firefighters.
3. Coordinates mobilization and demobilization of CWN Fire Crews.
4. Investigates and resolves conflicts and performance issues associated with CWN Fire Crew program or personnel. Provides information to appropriate managers and supervisors to resolve issues beyond own level of authority.
5. Maintains equipment inventories for individual crews to insure they are fully outfitted for assignment at all times. Purchases necessary equipment as needed.
6. Coordinates purchase of personal protective equipment by CWN firefighters.
7. Reviews payroll and fire replacement records and orders for accuracy.
8. Serves as Crew Boss or Strike Team Leader with crews on assignments. Provides onthejob training to new Crew Bosses and Strike Team Leaders.
9. Works with community groups, local colleges, and fire cooperators to expand CWN Fire Crew program.
10. Maintains crew and employee personnel, qualification, and performance records.
11. Prints and issues Emergency Fire Fighter Qualification Cards (Blue Cards) for CWN Fire Fighters.
Forest Fire Training Officer Duties
1. Reviews nominations for fire training courses to insure all prerequisites are met under NWCG 3101 as well as National, Regional, and Forest direction.
2. Serves as Chair Person of Forest Fire Qualifications Review Committee.
3. Coordinates distribution of precourse information and materials for fire training courses.
4. Maintains current list of alternate students and assigns replacements for vacancies according to forest priority and needs, for all wildland fire training.
5. Serves as primary contact for the Angeles National Forest to make adjustments in student allocations for wildland fire training with other all regional wildland fire training facilities.
6. Distributes training documentation and certificates to home units.
7. Represents forest at regional training meetings to establish course needs and allocations.
8. Compiles completed fire training packages for trainees and coordinates approval for certification with other FQRC members.
9. Maintains and updates forest Incident Qualification Data Base (Red Card) for all Angeles National Forest employees and certain cooperators.
10. Prints and issues Incident Qualification Cards (Red Cards) for all Angeles National Forest employees and certain cooperators.
Supervisor for Apprentices Duties
1. Coordinates selection of new Apprentices at forest level.
2. Reviews, tracks, and approves all Apprentice training and work process records for the forest.
3. Coordinates with Districts to insure that all Apprentice records are accurate and timely. Initiates ;corrective action when needed by notifying appropriate managers and/or supervisors.
4. Provides counseling and mentorship to Apprentices and assists supervisors as needed.
5. Tracks progress of Apprentices during academies and makes periodic visits to academy location to participate in training, graduation ceremonies, etc.
6. Coordinates between Districts, Forest Business Unit, and Apprentice Program Management to process conversion for Apprentices to Career Status.
Chief Officer Duties
1. Serves as acting DFMO or Duty Chief on a regular assigned basis year long. In this capacity will be responsible for directing initial attack and suppression actions including dispatch and deployment of personnel and equipment. Determines and implements fire suppression strategy including location of fire lines, use of fire retardant, and adequacy of suppression resources. Serves as Division Supervisor or higher position on project fires.
2. May coordinate work of Fire Prevention Technicians in field duties, fire prevention education programs, and fire investigation.
3. Assists with the planning and implementation of fuels management programs. Prepares required environmental documents.
4. Maintains liaison with cooperating agencies ie. federal, local & state fire departments, law enforcement agencies, resource agencies, etc.
5. Insures all administrative business is kept current in regard to payroll, travel, and procurement when acting for DFMO/ADFMO.
Evaluation Factors
Factor 1 Knowledge Required by the Position
1. The incumbent must have extensive knowledge of and practice proper instructional methods as outlined in Forest Service training and instructional guidelines. These methods are used to provide leadership and guidance to instructors and cadre members.
2. Must be familiar with training requirements that are developed for levels of training outlined in the Wildland Fire Qualification SubSystem Guide 3101.
3. Must be able to meet training and experience requirements for Division Supervisor under the Wildland Qualification SubSystem Guide 3101 (require firefighting experience).
4. Skill in coordinating own work with the work of personnel of other organizations to organize and coordinate training operations.
5. Thorough knowledge of fire behavior, fire terminology, fire organizations, Incident Command System, fire equipment, and fireline construction methods to direct suppression of fires under various conditions of fuels, weather and terrain, and to insure proper training.
6. Knowledge of fuel modification techniques to design and execute a program that will prevent unplanned ignition and reduce fire intensity and rate of spread.
7. Knowledge of basic organizational, budget, and work planning procedures to organize, plan, and direct work.
8. Thorough knowledge of safety regulations, to recognize and correct unsafe conditions or practices.
9. The duties of this position require a thorough background in fire suppression.
10. Thorough knowledge of procedures for issuing and processing "Bills for Collection" and processing of SF 182's.
11. Knowledge of hand crew operations and CWN Fire Crew programs to effectively manage CWN Fire Crew program.
12. Knowledge of CWN fire fighter payment procedures to insure CWN firefighters pay document are processed correctly.
Factor 2 Supervisory Controls
The supervisor establishes overall goals and resources available to the incumbent. The supervisor outlines requirements, provides information on related district programs and district objectives, sets broad priorities, provides guidance in planning and in new or changed policies. Supervisor is available for consultation and advice when procedures or methods to be used differ significantly from tried and approved methods. The incumbent independently plans, schedules, and completes own work on the basis of meeting objectives and for coordination with other unit programs. Review is made for conformance with plans, accomplishment of objectives and effectiveness of the fire prevention and training programs.
Although primary supervision is given by the Tujunga District Fire Management Officer, some direction may also come from the South Zone Training Officer in regard to training curriculum and other zone level training matters.
Factor 3 Guidelines
Guidelines include Forest Service Manuals, Handbooks, Health and Safety Code, Fireline Handbook, Wildland Fire Qualifications SubSystem Guide 3101, Collection Officer Handbook, Interagency Business Management Handbook, and other written guides and work plans; ie. environmental assessments, environmental impact statements, and burn plans. These provide principles methods and procedures but do not always cover specific situations. The incumbent must select from, interpret, and apply approved practices, usually without review by supervisor, and must adapt guides to cover new or unusual problems.
Factor 4 Complexity
1. The assignment is to manage and coordinate operations of the Biedebach Regional Training Center, manage the Angeles National Forest CWN Fire Crew Program, serve as Forest Fire Training Officer for the Angeles National Forest, and serve as Supervisor of Apprentices for the Angeles National Forest.
2. The Biedebach Regional Training Center is a program sponsored by the Region. It requires close coordination with the South Zone Regional Training Officer, other training facilities, as well as with numerous local, state, and federal agencies.
3. The Forest CWN Fire Crew Program requires close coordination with local community groups and community colleges. This coordination involves recruitment, training, certification of fire fighters, mobilization, and demobilization of sponsored crews.
Factor 5 Scope and Effect
1. An effective CWN Fire Crew Program has a significant impact on communities, schools, the forest, as well as local and national Type II crew mobilization capability.
2. The purpose of the work to suppress wildland fires is to minimize the loss to valuable watershed, wildlife, recreation improvements, and other natural resources and to do this thru effective presuppression, suppression, and fuel management programs.
3. In the training portion of the job lack of proper judgement in certification and testing of assigned trainees could result in unacceptable, false qualification of fire overhead. Substandard qualification of personnel assigned to fireline duty may jeopardize the lives and welfare of on the ground fire fighters.
4. As "Supervisor of Apprentices," it is critical that all training and work accomplishment is properly documented in a timely and correct manner. This is necessary to insure a smooth conversion process upon completion of the program.
Factor 6 Personal Contacts
Contacts are made both within and outside of the organization. External contacts are frequent and include the media, school officials, home owner associations, community groups, community colleges, planning commissions, local & state fire organizations, and law enforcement organizations. Internal contacts are with District Staff, Forest Fire Management Staff, Regional Training & Fire Staff, Biedebach Training Staff, Apprentice Firefighters, students, coworkers, employees who supervise Apprentices, Forest Business Unit, Forest Human Resource Specialist, Forest FQRC members, and SubJac Committee Members.
Factor 7 Purpose of Contacts
These contacts are to receive, give, or exchange information and instruction concerning the control and suppression of wildfires and to coordinate AD program activities. Similar information exchange is essential in the coordination, formulation, and administration of training at the Biedebach Regional Training Center and in regard to the Apprentice Program.
Contacts made with other agencies are to coordinate activities and are essential to insure high level training, fire suppression, and AD program objectives are met by Forest Service and cooperating agencies. Daily contacts are necessary during fire suppression assignments and during the training season. Contacts with Apprentices occur on a regular basis.
Factor 8 Physical Demands
The duties of this position require that the incumbent meet Level III physical requirements as measured by the step test or 1.5 mile run or equivalent.
Factor 9 Work Environment
75% of the work is performed in an office setting. The other 25% of work is performed in a forest environment in steep terrain, where surfaces may be extremely uneven, rocky, covered with thick, tangled vegetation, etc. Temperatures are frequently extreme, both from the weather or from fire. Smoke and dust conditions are frequently severe. Hazardous nature of the work requires that protective clothing (boots, hard hat, gloves, etc.) be worn in the field.
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