Forestry Technician (Hotshot/Handcrew), GS-0462-04/05

Duty Station: Morehead, Kentucky

Daniel Boone National Forest

Cumberland Ranger District

Morehead, Kentucky

2375 KY Hwy 801 South

Morehead, KY 40351

(606) 784-6428 FAX (606) 784-6435

Up to two positions may be filled

The Daniel Boone National Forest, Cumberland Ranger District is filling up to two Senior Firefighter positions with a duty station in Morehead, Kentucky.These positions are permanent, full-time appointments. For more information contact District Ranger, James D. (Dave) Manner at (606) 784-6428

The vacancy announcement for these positions is posted on the U.S. Government's official website for employment opportunities at, under vacancy announcement numberOCR14-462-IHC/HCREW-4/5G & DP. Please specify Morehead, KY as the location. This is an Open Continuous vacancy announcement with no closing date. Those that wish to be considered for this position must apply to the vacancy announcement by April 4, 2014. Applicants must attach a current copy of their IQCS Master Record or equivalent (i.e. Certificates) to the application to show they meet IFPM requirements for the position. All applicants who have applied to the announcement on or before the listed dates and are found to be qualified and in the quality group will be referred for consideration.

Please direct questions to: . Or phone at 606-784-6428 ext 100.

CUMBERLAND RANGER DISTRICT

The Cumberland Ranger District is an excellent example of a balanced ecosystem management program that is consistently building on, and improving, its responsiveness to the public and its respect in the surrounding communities. Centered around the 8,300 acre Cave Run Lake and the 27,000 acre Red River Gorge, the District has one of the most complex recreation programs in the Region. Thirteen thousand acre Clifty Wilderness is also a major attraction. The District's watershed, wildlife, and timber programs have produced many successes. Through innovative and active management, the District has improved water quality and increased opportunities for wildlife viewing, hunting and fishing. The District’s vegetative management program incorporates many innovative silvicultural practices including a sound timber sale and non-commercial timber stand improvement program as important tools for improving forest health conditions.

There are numerous recreational opportunities on the district some of which include camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, and picnic areas. The White Sulphur OHV trail provides 20 miles of riding pleasure for off-highway enthusiasts. Some other interests include the Clear Creek Shooting Range which provides shooting tables and targets; Zilpo National Scenic Byway, an 11-mile scenic route with stops along the way and the Pioneer Weapons Wildlife Management Area, a 7,610-acre tract set aside for hunting with primitive weapons.

About The Position

This is a standard wild land fire management position description intended for use in the USDA, Forest Service. The position is located on a wildland fire crew. The purpose of the position is wild land fire suppression/management/control as a specialized firefighter with responsibility for the operation and maintenance of specialized tools or equipment.

Other wild land fire related duties may involve fire prevention, patrol, detection, or prescribed burning. The incumbent may be assigned for varying periods of time into one or more types of positions within the wildfire program where the individual's specialized skills are required.

This position is categorized as a Senior Fire Fighter (SFF) position in the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard and Guide as designated by the W.O. Fire and Aviation Management. The IFPM selective placement factors for this position must be attained by October 1, 2010, and thereafter must be met prior to entrance into the position as a condition of hire. Refer to the Forest Service IFPM Standard Position Description Crosswalk for a full description of the selective placement factors.

Ninety (90) days of experience as a primary/rigorous firefighter or equivalent experience outside federal employment is a basic qualification for this position.

This position matches PD# A9089, which was approved by USDA on 11-16-04, C2, for CSRS and FERS primary firefighter coverage under the provisions of 5 U.S.C 8336 (c) and U.S.C 8412 (d).

Major Duties of the position’s target grade:

Serves as an experienced firefighter on a hand crew or other related fire suppression crews performing fire suppression and/or fuels management duties under the most adverse conditions of climate, fuels, and terrain. Performs all aspects of wildland and prescribed fire operations including preparation, ignition, monitoring, holding, and mop up. Collects fire weather data, fuel and/or soil moisture samples, maps projects, and maintains records.

Responsible for operation and maintenance of specialized equipment used to respond to wildland and prescribed fire situations

Participates in wildland fire and safety training in the techniques, practices, and methods of fire suppression and in the safe, efficient operation and use of tools, equipment, and vehicles used in fire line activities, with emphasis on those used in the particular function assigned. Participates in crew proficiency checks and drills, safety sessions, and fire critiques

Forestry Activities Support 40%

Performs the full range of standardized forestry support duties for fire, timber, silviculture, recreation, wilderness, or research activities that include the use of applicable hardware and software for data collection such as data recorders.

May perform project work such as road and trail maintenance, habitat manipulation, and miscellaneous equipment and facilities maintenance and construction.

May assist higher level workers in forestry/range research efforts; in the marketing of forest/range resources; or in the scientific management, protection, and development of forest/range resources.

Must possess a valid state driver's license and have the ability to operate light vehicles and 4X4s.

May be required to fill-in for other work leaders on established crews.

Certifications the employee would be expected to have or obtain within a reasonable time include, but are not limited to timber sale marker certification, pesticide applicator certification, and specialized driving skills such as CDL and heavy equipment operator.

Additional information:

WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the ARDUOUS level is a ''condition of employment.'' The Arduous fitness (Pack) Test requires completing a three (3) mile hike within forty-five (45) minutes, while carrying a forty-five (45) pound pack.

Bargaining Unit Status: Eligible - Coverage is dependent upon unit location.

FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a primary/rigorous firefighter position under the provisions of 5 USC 8336(c) (CSRS) and 8412(d) (FERS).

Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge Required:

Practical knowledge of fire gained from wildland firefighting experience or participating on-the-ground in prescribed burn operations.

Knowledge of fire behavior including causes of wildland fire, influence of temperature, humidity, wind, topography, slope and fuel moisture conditions, and fuels in order to know where to attack the fire, build fire line, where to be positioned to manage a wildland fire, and to identify hazards. Knowledge of accepted fire safety practices and procedures to prevent injury and loss of life. Knowledge of wildland fire management techniques, methods and conditions to accurately analyze fire circumstances, determine when additional forces may be needed, or determine when circumstances warrant disengagement. Specific technical firefighting knowledge such as, but not limited to hand crew operations to enable the incumbent to function in assigned capacities and to instruct or lead others in those duties if necessary.

The Community

Morehead is located on U.S. Highway 60 and State Highway 32, about midway between Lexington (64 miles) and Ashland (58 miles) in eastern Kentucky. The District office sets on a slope overlooking Cave Run Lake. The Cumberland Ranger District administers most recreation facilities on the lake, including two large, modern campgrounds with swimming beaches plus numerous lakeshore picnic areas, boat ramps, fishing points, hiking trails and scenic overlooks.

Morehead is a full service community with a population of approximately 8,000 city and 27,000 county.

It is the county seat of Rowan County. Rowan County has abundant natural and recreational resources. Two community parks provide recreation for the citizens and visitors to the community. The 35-acre Morehead City Park contains a swimming pool, two baseball fields, softball field, tennis courts, and multi-purpose courts in addition to picnicking facilities and a playground. The Morehead-Rowan County Park is 16 acres and includes a baseball field, two softball fields, and a multi-purpose field.

Morehead is also the home of Morehead State University, founded in 1922. Located in the city of Morehead, the 500 acre campus includes a skyline of more than 50 major structures. Academically, the University offers more than 130 major programs of study on the associate, baccalaureate, and graduate level in three academic colleges.

Schools: Clearfield Elementary School, Rodburn Elementary School, Tilden Hogge Elementary School, McBrayer Elementary School, Rowan County Middle School, Rowan County Senior High School, Rowan State Vo-Tech School, and Morehead State University. The Rowan County School System was identified as one of the top 100 school systems in the nation.

Weather: The climate is generally moderate, rarely dropping below the 20's in the winter or rising above 90's in the summer.

Medical: St. Claire Hospital, Cave Run Clinic, Morehead Clinic, and a wide range of physicians practice in Rowan County.

Churches: Over 25 churches representing most denominations.

Library: Rowan County Public Library

Shopping Facilities: Trademore Shopping Center and Pine Crest Plaza along with various other local businesses are available.

Financial Services: Numerous banks, savings and loan companies, credit unions and other financial services.

Housing: The median value of homes in Rowan County is $85,000. If you are looking to rent, the median is approximately $500 a month.

DANIEL BOONE NATIONAL FOREST

The Daniel Boone National Forest is located along the Cumberland Plateau in the Appalachian foothills of eastern Kentucky. The forest encompasses over 706,000 acres of mostly rugged terrain. The land is characterized by steep forested ridges dissected by narrow ravines and over 3,400 miles of sandstone cliffs.

These lands are federally managed to provide the nation with a sustained yield of natural resources, including wood, water, forage and wildlife. Recreation opportunities on the national forest are an added bonus. The conservation management of natural resources and recreation provides significant economic, environmental and social benefits in the public interest.

Millions of visitors come to enjoy the scenic beauty and abundant wildlife that the forest has to offer. Cave Run lake and Laurel River Lake are popular attractions on the forest. Other special areas include the Red River Gorge Geological Area, Natural Arch Scenic Area, Clifty Wilderness, Beaver Creek Wilderness, and five wildlife management areas.

Over 600 miles of trails provide a quiet escape to more remote places within the forest. Hikers, horseback riders and other trail users get back to nature along the 269-mile Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail that extends the entire length of the Daniel Boone. Hundreds of miles of winding rivers and streams provide the finishing touch in outdoor beauty.

Candidates may learn more about the Forest by visiting our web site.

Outreach Notices Response Form

Title of Outreach Position:______

Series and Grade of Outreach Position: ______

Unit Name of Outreach Notice: ______

Outreach Position Location: ______

Responding Employee:

Name: ______

Current Agency/Region/Forest/District:______

Current Position Title: ______

Current Series and Grade: ______

E-mail Address: ______

Telephone Number: ______

Brief statement of how you think your experience/education meets the duties and basic qualifications of the outreach position.

______

Return form to the point of contact listed on the Outreach Notices Database.