This position is located within a National Forest. The incumbent is responsible for collecting field-based observations and data specific to snow avalanches, the mountain snowpack, and mountain weather conditions for assigned areas. Forest Service Avalanche Forecasters will use the information collected by the incumbent in the creation of avalanche forecasts and advisories.
In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards. Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary. GS-05: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-4 grade level; OR successful completion of 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as meteorology, mathematics, engineering, or physical science; OR combinations of successfully completed post-high school education (in excess of the first 60 semester/90 quarter hours) and specialized experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited business, secretarial or technical school, junior college, college or university with courses related to the occupation of the position. Examples of specialized experience are: Conducted, monitored, coordinated, and controlled various phases of studies, projects, or operations relating to snowpack, weather, or avalanches; Experienced guiding paying clients in avalanche explosive mitigation work, or providing avalanche hazard mitigation and rescue support at a ski area; Maintained seasonal records of snowpack, weather and avalanche observations for professional or educational purposes; Conducted snow stability analysis and snow mechanics as they relate to avalanches. Selective Placement Factors Ability to safely and efficiently navigate mountainous terrain in a harsh winter environment using backcountry skis and snowmobiles. Incumbent must maintain a valid state driver's license and have the ability to drive over snow covered roads in a four-wheel drive vehicle. 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. To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Communicates routinely with local Forest Service Avalanche Center personnel to appraise weather conditions based on judgment and evaluation of relevant factors.
Often drives over snow covered roads in a four-wheel-drive vehicle, operates a snowmobile in deep unconsolidated snow, and cross-country skis in steep backcountry avalanche terrain to do so.
Conducts daily field based avalanche, snowpack, and basic weather watch to obtain, and record avalanche data.
Interprets technical information to make stability evaluations for assigned area of observation, then records written summary of findings in a predetermined format.
Reports findings to Avalanche Forecasters at the local Avalanche Forecast Center. Archives collected field data in the computer data base of avalanche, snowpack, and mountain weather information.
At the request of the Supervisor, provides training on avalanches and avalanche rescue to Forest Service or other personnel; conducts preliminary avalanche incident investigation when Avalanche Forecast Center staff is unable to.