What are the responsibilities and job description for the Wildland Firefighter (Fuels Management) - Direct Hire Authority. position at Bureau of Indian Affairs?
Duties
Conditions of Employment
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:
NOTE: This position has been identified as one of the key fire management positions under the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard. This position has been categorized as a Prescribed Fire and Fuels Specialist (PFFS) - Low Complexity and requires selectee to meet the minimum qualification standards for IFPM prior to being placed into the position. Detailed information regarding IFPM positions can be found at
GS-9: 1 year of specialized wildland fire management work experience equivalent to the GS-8 grade level or equivalent pay band in the Federal service. Examples of specialized experience include developing fire management plans and schedules for prescribed fire, wildfire response, and fuels treatment projects; evaluating prescription treatments, monitoring methods; conducting surveys; using a database to model and analyze fire behavior and fire effects observation data; implementing technical aspects of prescribed fire operations, ensuring preparation, ignition, holding, mop-up, and rehabilitation meet prescription standards; conducting field reconnaissance and summarize findings; providing for training needs to support prescribed fire and fuels management programs.
SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTORS: These are MANDATORY qualification prerequisites to qualify for this position. The applicant must have possessed the following qualifications and training requirements to be considered eligible for this position:
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This position is covered under the secondary/administrative firefighter special retirement provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8336(c)(CSRS) and 5 U.S.C. 8412(d)(FERS) when it is filled by an incumbent who transfers directly from a primary or another secondary law enforcement or firefighting position with no break in service to this position. Firefighter retirement coverage of the incumbent will depend upon his or her individual work history. You may meet the qualification requirements, but not be eligible for special retirement coverage. If you are not eligible for special retirement coverage, you will be placed in the regular retirement system.
FERS TRANSITION REQUIREMENT: To be eligible for Secondary retirement coverage under FERS, an employee must: 1) transfer directly (without a break in service exceeding 3 days) from a primary position to a secondary position, AND 2) complete 3 years of service in a primary rigorous position including any such service during which no FERS deductions were withheld, AND 3) must be continuously employed in a secondary position(s) since moving from a primary rigorous position, except for any break in employment from a secondary position that began with involuntary separation (not for cause).
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure this office has enough information to determine your special retirement status to ensure you do not lose benefits (normally through submission of your work history or other documentation that demonstrates work history of approved covered positions).
You must let this office know if you are in a Primary coverage position.
All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
Additional selections may be made from this announcement if identical vacancies occur within 90 days from the closing date.
Physical Demands: Work in the office is primarily sedentary. Field work does require frequent physical exertion, involving walking over rough terrain, sometimes for extended periods, and working under occasionally inclement (hot, cold, snow, wind, etc.) weather conditions.
The incumbent must be in good physical condition in order to safety perform field activities. The incumbent must be able to perform duties in areas of uncontrolled wildfire where hazardous conditions exist. The incumbent must be able to fly as a passenger in helicopters and single engine fixed wing aircraft.
Work Environment: Work is performed in both an office and field setting with field work. Field work involves exposure to temperature extremes, both from weather and fire conditions where falling trees and the presence of smoke and/or dust conditions create hazardous conditions. The nature of fire management work requires that protective clothing (boots, hard hats, etc.) be worn. The incumbent must exercise a variety of safety practices and precautions for the well-being of self and of other.
Education
If you are qualifying based on your education, you MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Unless otherwise stated: (1) official or unofficial transcripts are acceptable, or (2) you may submit a list with all of your courses, grades, semester, year, and credit for the course. All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement.
If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society.
One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.
If You Are Using Education Completed In Foreign Colleges Or Universities To Meet The Qualification Requirements, You Must Send a Certificate Of Foreign Equivalency With Your Transcript In Order To Receive Credit For That Education Which Shows The Education Credentials Have Been Evaluated By a Private Organization That Specializes In Interpretation Of Foreign Education Programs And Such Education Has Been Deemed Equivalent To That Gained In An Accredited U.S. Education Program; Or Full Credit Has Been Given For The Courses At a U.S. Accredited College Or University. For Further Information, Visit:
Additional information
Indian Preference Policy: Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian Preference Act of 1934 (Title 25, USC Section 472). Verification form BIA-4432 must be submitted with the application if claiming Indian Preference. No other documents will be accepted as proof of Indian Preference.
All new hires earn the beginning salary of their pay grade (Step 1). See
Note: "Salary will change with the release of the new (GW) pay schedule specific for firefighter positions. Pay will be adjusted for individuals onboarding on or before 4/14/25. Once released you will be able to access the new pay schedule through this link-
TRAVEL AND RELOCATION EXPENSES WILL NOT BE AUTHORIZED. ANY RELOCATION EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH REPORTING FOR DUTY WILL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE SELECTED EMPLOYEE.
The pay flexibilities of a recruitment or relocation bonus MAY BE authorized by the manager (pending availability of funds and higher management approval).
TELEWORK: Indian Affairs has has determined that the duties of this position are not suitable for telework under any circumstances.
This position has been designated as an Incidental Operator under the Indian Affairs Motor Vehicle Safety Program and requires the incumbent to operate a motor vehicle in order to properly carry out his/her assigned duties but whose principal duties are not operating a motor vehicle and his/her position is not classified as a motor vehicle operator. The incumbent will be required initially and annually to acknowledge and certify possession of a valid state driver's license.
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) OR Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) Programs provides placement assistance to permanent Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated. Applicants claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF50 noting position, grade level, duty location with their application. To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, applicants must be qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements), and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. For more information visit:
- Direct and manage the wildland fire, fuels management, and prescribed fire programs to include providing short- and long-range planning, and budgeting.
- Ensure the smoke management program complies with state air quality standards.
- Review existing prescription treatments, monitoring methods, and new technologies and make improvements to increase the organization's effectiveness relating to fuels management.
- Assess annual objectives and management direction to prepare treatment schedules to implement prescribed fire and fuels treatment projects.
- Plan and conduct surveys to evaluate data for the development of fuels treatment prescriptions, and wildland fire monitoring.
- Conduct fuels management surveys to document presence, amount, and types of hazardous fuels.
- Conduct field reconnaissance of prescribed fire/fuels treatment units, summarizes field findings and identifies criteria for meeting program objectives.
- Operates, moves, inspects, and performs preventative maintenance on vehicles and equipment to conduct surveys, field reconnaissance, etc.
- Exercise delegated supervisory authorities and responsibilities 15% of the time. Plan, assign and evaluate work to be accomplished by subordinates; and approves leave.
Conditions of Employment
- U.S. Citizenship Required
- Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
- You may be required to successfully complete a probationary period
- A background security investigation will be required for all new hires. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication.
- If you are a male applicant born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency.
- This position requires the incumbent to possess and maintain a valid state driver's license.
- This is a Testing Designated Position and is subject to both pre-employment and random drug testing as a condition of employment. Applicants will not be appointed to the position if a verified positive drug test is received.
- This position is subject to pre-employment and annual medical screening and physical fitness testing for arduous duty.
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:
NOTE: This position has been identified as one of the key fire management positions under the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard. This position has been categorized as a Prescribed Fire and Fuels Specialist (PFFS) - Low Complexity and requires selectee to meet the minimum qualification standards for IFPM prior to being placed into the position. Detailed information regarding IFPM positions can be found at
GS-9: 1 year of specialized wildland fire management work experience equivalent to the GS-8 grade level or equivalent pay band in the Federal service. Examples of specialized experience include developing fire management plans and schedules for prescribed fire, wildfire response, and fuels treatment projects; evaluating prescription treatments, monitoring methods; conducting surveys; using a database to model and analyze fire behavior and fire effects observation data; implementing technical aspects of prescribed fire operations, ensuring preparation, ignition, holding, mop-up, and rehabilitation meet prescription standards; conducting field reconnaissance and summarize findings; providing for training needs to support prescribed fire and fuels management programs.
SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTORS: These are MANDATORY qualification prerequisites to qualify for this position. The applicant must have possessed the following qualifications and training requirements to be considered eligible for this position:
- Primary Core Qualification: Engine Boss (ENGB) or Crew Boss (CRWB) or Firing Boss (FIRB), or Helicopter Manager (HMGB) or higher.
- Secondary Core Qualification: Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4) or higher.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This position is covered under the secondary/administrative firefighter special retirement provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8336(c)(CSRS) and 5 U.S.C. 8412(d)(FERS) when it is filled by an incumbent who transfers directly from a primary or another secondary law enforcement or firefighting position with no break in service to this position. Firefighter retirement coverage of the incumbent will depend upon his or her individual work history. You may meet the qualification requirements, but not be eligible for special retirement coverage. If you are not eligible for special retirement coverage, you will be placed in the regular retirement system.
FERS TRANSITION REQUIREMENT: To be eligible for Secondary retirement coverage under FERS, an employee must: 1) transfer directly (without a break in service exceeding 3 days) from a primary position to a secondary position, AND 2) complete 3 years of service in a primary rigorous position including any such service during which no FERS deductions were withheld, AND 3) must be continuously employed in a secondary position(s) since moving from a primary rigorous position, except for any break in employment from a secondary position that began with involuntary separation (not for cause).
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure this office has enough information to determine your special retirement status to ensure you do not lose benefits (normally through submission of your work history or other documentation that demonstrates work history of approved covered positions).
You must let this office know if you are in a Primary coverage position.
All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
Additional selections may be made from this announcement if identical vacancies occur within 90 days from the closing date.
Physical Demands: Work in the office is primarily sedentary. Field work does require frequent physical exertion, involving walking over rough terrain, sometimes for extended periods, and working under occasionally inclement (hot, cold, snow, wind, etc.) weather conditions.
The incumbent must be in good physical condition in order to safety perform field activities. The incumbent must be able to perform duties in areas of uncontrolled wildfire where hazardous conditions exist. The incumbent must be able to fly as a passenger in helicopters and single engine fixed wing aircraft.
Work Environment: Work is performed in both an office and field setting with field work. Field work involves exposure to temperature extremes, both from weather and fire conditions where falling trees and the presence of smoke and/or dust conditions create hazardous conditions. The nature of fire management work requires that protective clothing (boots, hard hats, etc.) be worn. The incumbent must exercise a variety of safety practices and precautions for the well-being of self and of other.
Education
If you are qualifying based on your education, you MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Unless otherwise stated: (1) official or unofficial transcripts are acceptable, or (2) you may submit a list with all of your courses, grades, semester, year, and credit for the course. All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement.
If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society.
One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.
If You Are Using Education Completed In Foreign Colleges Or Universities To Meet The Qualification Requirements, You Must Send a Certificate Of Foreign Equivalency With Your Transcript In Order To Receive Credit For That Education Which Shows The Education Credentials Have Been Evaluated By a Private Organization That Specializes In Interpretation Of Foreign Education Programs And Such Education Has Been Deemed Equivalent To That Gained In An Accredited U.S. Education Program; Or Full Credit Has Been Given For The Courses At a U.S. Accredited College Or University. For Further Information, Visit:
Additional information
Indian Preference Policy: Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian Preference Act of 1934 (Title 25, USC Section 472). Verification form BIA-4432 must be submitted with the application if claiming Indian Preference. No other documents will be accepted as proof of Indian Preference.
All new hires earn the beginning salary of their pay grade (Step 1). See
Note: "Salary will change with the release of the new (GW) pay schedule specific for firefighter positions. Pay will be adjusted for individuals onboarding on or before 4/14/25. Once released you will be able to access the new pay schedule through this link-
TRAVEL AND RELOCATION EXPENSES WILL NOT BE AUTHORIZED. ANY RELOCATION EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH REPORTING FOR DUTY WILL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE SELECTED EMPLOYEE.
The pay flexibilities of a recruitment or relocation bonus MAY BE authorized by the manager (pending availability of funds and higher management approval).
TELEWORK: Indian Affairs has has determined that the duties of this position are not suitable for telework under any circumstances.
This position has been designated as an Incidental Operator under the Indian Affairs Motor Vehicle Safety Program and requires the incumbent to operate a motor vehicle in order to properly carry out his/her assigned duties but whose principal duties are not operating a motor vehicle and his/her position is not classified as a motor vehicle operator. The incumbent will be required initially and annually to acknowledge and certify possession of a valid state driver's license.
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) OR Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) Programs provides placement assistance to permanent Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated. Applicants claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF50 noting position, grade level, duty location with their application. To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, applicants must be qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements), and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. For more information visit:
- A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
Salary : $61,111 - $79,443
