This position is located within a National Forest. The incumbent performs a variety of technical work in support of the unit's recreation program in the area of dispersed and developed recreation, recreation special uses, wilderness and backcountry, ecology, data collection, and trails. This includes avalanche forecasting, search and rescue, and winter recreation programs.
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-06: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-05 grade level. GS-06: There is no substitution of education for this position. Examples of specialized experience include: Working as a Forest Protection Officer (FPO) or similar position writing incident reports or violation notices as needed; providing technical support to the recreation program on the unit performing winter patrols of wilderness boundaries to assure compliance with winter recreation regulations and winter travel plans; providing information on resource management practices and recreation regulations, opportunities, and restrictions; ensuring recreation areas and trails were maintained in accordance with standards; and performing crew-based forestry related support work, such as for recreation or trail maintenance projects. Selective Placement Factors Incumbent must be able to get certified as a Wilderness First Responder or Emergency Medical Technician and maintain the certification. 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
Accomplishes day-to-day operation plans, improvements, and maintenance tasks associated with forest recreation sites used for various recreational activities. Inspects assigned areas to determine compliance with wilderness regulations/specifications.
Explains or enforces use regulations according to local, state, or federal policies and laws. Contributes information or provides assistance to operation and work plans for recreation sites and the avalanche center program.
Performs or oversees regular maintenance at trailheads and dispersed wilderness/recreation sites, including site cleanup and naturalizing.
Acts as liaison with community organizations and interest groups to stimulate interest and use of recreation facilities. Coordinates outfitter use and prepares reports on conditions of outfitter activities and equipment.
Maintains visitor use records and prepares visitor use information for data processing.
Resolves a full range of irregular or problem situations encountered when performing assignments pertaining to forest wilderness programs, such as non-compliance of permits, avalanche control support and monitoring assistance.
Participates as a team member or solo on climb patrols on the unit that includes mountaineering routes of technical terrain where ability to travel on snow, glaciers, steep rock, and mountainous terrain is a frequent activity.
The incumbent is responsible for using roped-travel techniques and safely conducting mountain travel with teammates or solo using protective equipment.
Climbing patrols are conducted for the purpose of mountain familiarization, contacting independent and guided climbers, monitoring and evaluating outfitter guide performance and compliance with Special Use Permit.
Climbing patrols are conducted for the purpose of route information to be published and communicated to the public, and to monitor public use of climbing routes/cross-country areas for the purpose of resource protection/wilderness management.
A high level of physical fitness is required to perform these duties.
Serves as a Snow Ranger for an Avalanche Center, with remote patrol duties. Checks for conditions hazardous to the public from avalanche, ice falls, crevasses, and undermined snow.
Determines present avalanche hazards and forecasts future hazards based on snow pit tests, field observations, and snow stability.
Issues avalanche hazard advisories using field data, as well as mountain weather resources, such as weather maps, satellite imagery, and real time weather data.
Uses judgment to produce public avalanche and safety advisories and disseminates this information via website, telephone, physical postings, or other social media.
Communicates daily with local Forest Service Avalanche Center personnel to appraise weather conditions based on judgment and evaluation of relevant factors. Serves as a Forest Protection Officer (FPO).
Issues notices of field violations when violations of regulations are encountered. Conducts investigations, collects evidence and prepares case reports on violations and misuse. Assists agency law enforcement personnel with violation information.
Documents destruction to or impacts on recreation sites. Analyzes ways to educate users. Assists in rescues and performs rope rescues on steep snow and ice terrain often under adverse weather conditions.
Responsible for technical rescue equipment maintenance, selection, and replacement.
This equipment includes mountain axes, ice tools, ice screws, rock nuts, and rock pitons, helmets, slings and cords, ascenders, pulleys, harnesses, snow pickets and flukes, and numerous dynamic and static ropes.