These positions will be located at a Forest Service office within Southern Region (Region 8).. The incumbent is responsible for developing and recommending objectives, plans, policies, standards, and procedures for the Regional UAS Program in support of National Forest System with a primary focus on fire and will also support resource management and protection activities. For additional information about the duties of this position, please contact Russ Marchion at russell.marchion@usda.gov.
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. Specialized Experience Requirement: For the GW-9 level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GW-7 grade level; OR a master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related; OR an appropriate combination of specialized experience and education (only graduate education in excess of 18 semester hours may be used to qualify applicants for this grade level). The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. Examples of specialized experience at the GW-09 level are: Assist with the implementation of fire aviation policies, procedures, and guidelines. Plan and coordinate resources with state and federal agencies in wildland fire management. Plan and implement formal and informal training in fire related aviation activities. Gather data on aircraft capabilities for analyzing use in fire-connected missions. Implement fire related aviation projects. Conducting Unmanned Aircraft Systems operations. For the GW-11 level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least to the GW-9 grade level; OR a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related; OR an appropriate combination of specialized experience and graduate level education (beyond what is required for a master's degree, i.e., more than 36 semester hours leading to a Ph.D.). Examples of specialized experience for the GW-11 are: Assist with the oversight of Unmanned Aircraft Systems operations. Make recommendations for certification of Unmanned Aircraft Systems pilots. Participate in the implementation of national program policy and procedures in wildland fire suppression and resource management operations. Evaluate effectiveness of programs through quality assurance reviews of aviation operations. For the GW-12 level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GW-11 grade level. Examples of specialized experience for the GW-12 are: Independently planning and supervising Unmanned Aircraft Systems operations, evaluating ground facilities, and developing and conducting training. Assisting in the development of fire and aviation management plans, policies, or programs. Administer the Unmanned Aircraft Systems operations program and serve as a principal advisor on Unmanned Aircraft Systems administrative and technical matters. Advise for the Unmanned Aircraft Systems program and provide assistance to cooperating state and federal agencies. Selective Placement Factors To qualify at the GW-09, applicant must possess a valid Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Remote Pilot certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under 14 CFR 107 -OR- be able to obtain certification within 12 months after appointment. To qualify at the GW-11 and GW-12, the applicant must possess a valid Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Remote Pilot certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under 14 CFR 107. 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. FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a secondary firefighter position under 5 USC 8336 (CSRS) and 8412(d) (FERS). Prior wildland firefighting experience is required. There is no age limit for entry into secondary positions. Firefighter retirement coverage of the incumbent depends upon his or her individual work history. 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, MODERATE, or LIGHT level is a condition of employment. To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Duties listed are at full performance grade GW-13 level.
Apply knowledge of forest fire protection resources, methods, organization, tactics, and costs; development of new or improved methods of utilizing aircraft for fire detection and suppression.
Develop, review, and analyze new or proposed UAS aviation policies, procedures, and guidelines that impact a significant organizational segment of an agency.
Responsible for the oversight of Regional Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilots. Ensure certifications are in accordance with the FAA 14 CFR 107 and Forest Service Standards for UAS Operations.
Administer the Regional Unmanned Aircraft Systems operations program and serves as principal advisor on Unmanned Aircraft Systems administrative and technical matters.
Plan and supervise Unmanned Aircraft Systems operations, evaluates ground facilities, and develops and conducts training.
Assist in the development of fire and aviation management plans, policies, or programs.