Forestry Technician (Timber Sale Preparation)
GS-0462-4/5
WEST ZONE- HIAWATHA NATIONAL FOREST
Recruit and Fill
March 24, 2014
Outreach
The Hiawatha National Forest is recruiting to fill the
GS-462-4/5 Forestry Technician position. This position
is a permanent full time position. The position will be
stationed on the Rapid River/Manistique Ranger
District in Rapid River, MI.
This position works in the timber management
program as a GS-462-5 Forestry Technician marking
and cruising timber. This is a field going position and
employees should expect to work in all types of
weather conditions.
Contact Information
Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) red
pine plantations are just one of the
forest types managed for timber on the
Hiawatha NF.
Anyone interested in further information or in
receiving a copy of the vacancy announcement when
it opens is advised to complete the attached Outreach Response Form.
PLEASE NOTE: The purpose of this Outreach Notice is to determine the potential
applicants for this position. This information will help us establish the recruitment
method and area of consideration for the upcoming advertisement. Responses received
from this outreach notice will be relied upon to make this determination.
Interested candidates are encouraged to reply to this outreach by April 15, 2014. If you
are interested in being considered, please complete the Outreach Notice Reply Form to
indicate your interest in the detail and send to James McFarland, Acting TMA 17at
jdmcfarland@fs.fed.us or at 8181 US Hwy 2, Rapid River, MI 49878. If you need
additional information, please call James McFarland at 906-387-2512 x18.
About The Position
This position includes performing a variety of tasks in support of the District's timber
program.
Ideally, applicants would have:
 Knowledge of timber sale preparation
 Knowledge of timber cruising methods
 A safe and professional working attitude and good communication skills
 Ability to work with others and help foster a positive work environment
Hiawatha: “Your Great Lakes National Forest”
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QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Those who are interested must meet the
qualification requirements for the GS-0462 series. The OPM Qualification Standards
Handbook Manual is available for review at any federal personnel office OR on the
Internet at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/standards/group-stds/GS-PROF.asp.
Applicant must have one year of specialized experience at the next lower level.
Specialized experience is that which has equipped the applicant with the particular
knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position that is
typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled.
GS-04: One year of general experience or two years education above a high school
education.
GS-05: Two years of general experience or one year experience equivalent to at least
the next lower grade level (GS-04).
About The FOREST
The Hiawatha National Forest lies in the central and eastern Upper Peninsula of
Michigan. Approximately 1 million acres fall within
the Forest boundary.
There are approximately 775 miles of rivers and
streams and more than 400 lakes on the forest.
More than seventy-seven miles of National Forest
shoreline lie along Lakes Superior, Michigan and
Huron. Nearly 46 percent of the Hiawatha is
wetlands of various types. Varying landforms,
combined with the influence of the Great Lakes,
create many different weather zones. Summer
temperatures are typically in the 70 degree range
near the Great Lakes shorelines, while inland away
from the lakes' moderating influence they reach 10
to 15 degrees higher.
The Hiawatha National Forest’s uniqueness stems largely from its proximity to three
Great Lakes. The Great Lakes affect its weather, recreation opportunities, scenery,
historic sites, hydrology and ecosystem diversity. The Forest’s recreation niche, “Your
Great Lakes National Forest” captures some of this uniqueness by focusing on the
Forest’s “Great Lakeshores” (Lakes Superior, Michigan and Huron), “Great Lighthouses”
(Point Iroquois, North Light, East Channel Light, Christmas Range Light, Peninsula Point
and Round Island Lighthouse); “Great Islands” (Grand Island, Round Island, and St. Vitals
Island); and “Great Snow” (referring to the hundreds of inches of snow that fall each
winter.
Hiawatha National Forest is divided geographically into two units. Munising Ranger
District and Rapid River/Manistique Ranger District comprise the Forest’s West Unit. The
West Unit includes shoreline on Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. The Forest’s East Unit
Hiawatha: “Your Great Lakes National Forest”
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includes the St. Ignace and Sault Ste. Marie Ranger Districts, including a work station
located in Raco. The East Unit includes shoreline on Lakes Superior, Michigan and Huron.
The weather in this area, due to the close
proximity to Lake Michigan, has consistently
high humidity and experiences four distinct
seasons. Summers are warm and humid, with
average high temperatures in the mid 80’s and
average lows in the mid 60’s. Winters are cold,
snowy and windy with temperatures often
below freezing. Spring and fall are mild with
low humidity.
Community Information
Rapid River is a small unincorporated town
located at the northern end of Little Bay de
Noc. The town has a few convenience stores,
restaurants, bank, etc.
The Forest has a strong trails program
with over 100 miles of the North
Country National Scenic Trail.
Gladstone (population 5,000) is located 5
miles north of Escanaba (population 13,000).
Commuters and shoppers travel between the
two communities. Gladstone offers schools,
parks, trails, recreation, a summer concert
series, a harbor, and other amenities.
Escanaba has a population of around 13,140 (2000 census). Escanaba is the third-largest
city in the Upper Peninsula after Marquette and Sault Ste. Marie and is the county seat of
Delta County. There are many restaurants, shopping amenities, churches, etc. located in
and around Escanaba. Escanaba is also home to Bay de Noc Community College. There
is a modern airport that provides both corporate and general aviation services.
Houses for sale fluctuate based on the local market. A number of houses in the Delta
County area are available from $80,000 on up. Generally, there are few houses for rent
and apartments in the commuting area range from $325 per month and up.
Delta County Airport serves the city with daily flights to larger airports. Major
transportation routes in Escanaba include US Highway 2, US Highway 41, and M-35.
Delta Area Transit Authority operates a bus system throughout Delta County.
Eight public school districts and two private schools operate in Delta County. For more
information on K-12 schools, click here. Post-secondary educational institutions include
Bay de Noc Community College, located in Escanaba, and Northern Michigan University,
located about 65 miles away in Marquette, MI.
Cultural opportunities in Escanaba include the William Bonifas Fine Art Center, the
Waterfront Art Festival, Escanaba City Band, Players de Noc, and Bay de Noc Choral
Society, and many smaller arts organizations, art galleries, and musical performing
groups.
Hiawatha: “Your Great Lakes National Forest”
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Delta County: Delta County is located in the central Upper Peninsula and lies on the
shore of Lake Michigan. The county prides itself in having more fresh water shoreline
than any other county in the nation. The county includes of a mix of private and public
lands including Escanaba State Forest and Hiawatha National Forest.
If you’re looking for outdoor recreation opportunities, Delta County has much to offer.
Residents enjoy a wide range of outdoor pursuits including sea kayaking, canoeing,
camping, mountain biking, hiking, trail running, cross-country skiing, ice fishing,
snowshoeing and more. Recreation oriented groups include the Bays de Noc Great Lakes
The City of Escanaba Recreation Department offers a variety of recreational activities and
leagues, and the Delta YMCA offers a variety of recreational activities and classes
promoting family wellness.
SURROUNDING AREA
Marquette (population 19,700) is the
Upper Peninsula’s largest city. Located
on Lake Superior about 6o miles north
of Gladstone, it is a handy location in
which to find additional options
including medical services, shopping,
art, culture, entertainment, restaurants
and more. Marquette is home to
Northern Michigan University and
Marquette General Hospital, numerous
clinics, several malls and large chain
stores, a food coop, theaters, and a YMCA.
Bay College, a community college, is located in Escanaba.
Bay provides a range of online and classroom learning
opportunities including AA, AS, and AAS degrees and
certificates.
Northern Michigan University is located in Marquette, a
vibrant, progressive community with outstanding
educational, entertainment and recreation opportunities.
Websites: For more Information about Rapid River and the surrounding area, visit the following
the websites:
City of Escanaba
City of Gladstone
Delta County
Delta County Chamber of Commerce
Bays de Noc Convention & Visitors Bureau
Hiawatha: “Your Great Lakes National Forest”
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