Explore a new career with the BLM - where our people are our greatest natural resource. This position is located with the BLM Fire & Aviation Directorate, Division of Fire Operations, Equipment Development Section, located at the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), in Boise, Idaho. Information about the area can be found at https://www.boisechamber.org/ We expect to fill one position at this time; however, additional positions may be filled from this announcement if they become available.
Specialized Experience: In order to be rated as qualified for this position, we must be able to determine that you meet the minimum qualification requirements - please be sure to include this information in your resume. No assumptions will be made about your experience. For GS-13: You must possess one (1) full year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-12 level that is equivalent in difficulty and complexity as indicated by the following examples: Design, procurement, or testing of mobile fire equipment; OR managing a fire program at the local, state, regional, or national level. 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. You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement. Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade requirement in accordance with 5 CFR 300.604. If you are a current Federal employee in the General Schedule (GS) pay plan and applying for a promotion opportunity, you must have completed a minimum of 52 weeks at the next lower grade level. There is no substitution of education for specialized experience at the GS-12 and above grade levels. Note: The salaries listed in this announcement reflect the permanent pay increases for federal wildland firefighters, effective March 23, 2025. The new pay schedule is accessible here: Wildland Firefighter. In addition to the listed special base rate salary, this position is also eligible for Incident Response Premium when incumbent is deployed to a qualifying incident, which may significantly increase overall compensation. Incentives: Certain incentives (such as Recruitment, Relocation or Student Loan Repayment) may be authorized to eligible selectees. If eligible and qualified, you may be offered a recruitment or relocation incentive. The decision to offer an incentive will be made on a case-by-case basis and is neither promised nor guaranteed. For information visit: Recruitment Incentive or Relocation Incentive or Student Loan Repayment. Firefighter Special Retirement (Secondary Coverage): This is a secondary/administrative fire 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.
Leads the Bureau's fire equipment development program.
Develops and implements national fire equipment policy to meet the objectives of the Bureau fire program. Disseminates BLM fire equipment policy originating from the National Office.
Provides national direction for procurement, distribution, and maintenance of all Bureau fire equipment.
Establishes or obtains technical fabrication and evaluation parameters. Responsible for performing or directing the design, fabrication, testing, evaluation, and technical reporting of fire equipment developments.
Serves as the chief focal point for field input for fire equipment issues and for coordination and execution of fire equipment development projects. Evaluates and makes recommendations on technical changes.
Serves as the Bureau's inspection officer to review required technical test data on component materials and to determine a final product's conformance with project specifications.
Coordinates Bureau equipment development efforts with interagency partners, including the Department of Agriculture's technology development centers.
Works with National Office of Fire and Aviation Budget and Evaluation Staff on cost target allocations and expenditures, and on project prioritization, evaluation, and monitoring.
Supervises 6-8 permanent full-time employees, in addition to temporarily detailed employees as assigned. Plans work to be accomplished by subordinates. Sets priorities and prepares schedules for completion of work.