Visit our Website at http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/cnnf/ Outreach and Notice of Announcement Supervisory Forestry Technician (Fire) 1 or 2 positions may be filled GS-0462-08/09 Permanent Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Great Divide, Medford-Park Falls, and Washburn Ranger Districts Duty Station(s): 1 or 2 of the following: Hayward, Glidden, Park Falls or Washburn, Wisconsin Opening Date: 11/14/13 Closing Date: 12/05/13 OCR14-462-DZAFMO(M)-8/9G OCR14-462-DZAFMO(M)-8/9DP Please refer to the last page of this notice for detailed instructions on how to apply to this position if it is listed as Open Continuous Recruitment (OCR). The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest is announcing a vacancy for ONE or TWO Supervisory Forestry Technician-Fire (Assistant Fire Management Officer) positions, GS-462-8/9. These are Permanent appointments with a Full-time tour of duty. Filling of exact number of positions will be funding dependent – 1 or 2 candidates may be selected. Applicants are strongly encouraged to select multiple duty stations from the four potential locations, as exact duty station(s) will be guided by the final number of positions filled. Position(s) may be located at the Great Divide Ranger District with potential duty locations of Glidden or Hayward, Wisconsin; Washburn Ranger District with a potential duty station in Washburn, Wisconsin; or Medford-Park Falls Ranger District with a potential duty station in Park Falls, Wisconsin. The incumbent(s) will serve as the Assistant Zone Fire Management Officer (AZFMO) for the West Zone on the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and will report to the Zone Fire Management Officer of the west zone of the forest. Duties will include operational oversight and planning of wildland fire suppression activities and also responsibility for prevention, prescribed burning, and hazardous fuel reduction for the zone. The position(s) supervises two Engine Captains, who have one or two employees reporting under them. The Position is responsible for: This is a standard wildland fire management position description intended for use in the USDA Forest Service. The primary purpose of this position is to provide operational oversight and planning of wildland fire suppression activities, and specialized expertise in assigned zone/area. The incumbent is also responsible for preparedness, prevention, prescribed burning, monitoring, hazardous fuel reduction, and facilities within assigned zone/area. The incumbent also assists in writing and executing wildland fire management plans, prescribed burn plans, and preparedness plans. Please reference position descriptions FS2169 or FS2170, for more information on job description. OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS: This position is subject to medical monitoring program. 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 level is a ''condition of employment.'' The Arduous fitness (Pack) Test consists of a three (3) mile hike, within forty-five (45) minutes, while carrying a forty-five (45) pound pack. Bargaining Unit Status: Not eligible. FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a secondary firefighter position under 5 USC 8336(c) (CSRS) and 8412(d) (FERS). Prior wildland firefighting experience is required. Performs other duties as assigned. Applicants must meet FS/FPM position requirements as defined in the US Forest Service Standard Position Description Crosswalk Addendum to IFPM by October 1, 2013. For a moderate complexity Zone/District those qualifications are; TFLD and either ICT3 or RXB2*, secondary pathway HEB1 & ICT3 *Currency required. http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/management/ifpm/crosswalk.pdf Other Information of Interest: The area of consideration is Government-wide and Demo. This outreach will run concurrent with the vacancy listing. One or two positions are being advertised. In addition to the duty station city, work will be performed on other districts across the zone (West Zone consists of Glidden, Hayward, Medford, Park Falls, and Washburn). The work schedule is Maxiflex. Travel is required occassionally and/or overnight. Transfer of station benefits are allowed per FSH 6509.33, R9 Cheni 6509.33-2004-1. The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest is located in the beautiful Upper Great Lakes Region of the Midwest and Wisconsin's Northwoods, covering over a million and a half acres. The Chequamegon side (West Zone) of the forest covers about 858,400 acres in Ashland, Bayfield, Sawyer, Price, Taylor, and Vilas counties, while the Nicolet side covers nearly 661,400 acres in Florence, Forest, Langlade, Oconto, Oneida, and Vilas counties. Renowned for its four seasons of natural beauty, it is home to a diverse array of northern hardwoods, pines, and meadows. It is bountiful with lakes, rivers, and streams. Areas of highlands overlook the surrounding landscapes. The Wisconsin Northwoods have been the destination of recreationists and vacationers for over a century, with its abundant opportunities for fishing, biking, hunting, camping, hiking, skiing, boating, birding, and cultural resource sights and attractions. Located 300450 miles north of Chicago, the Northwoods weather is characterized by generally pleasant summers of warm days and cool nights, perfect for enjoying the abundant lakes, camping sites, canoeing and kayaking rivers. The fall season is generally cool and dominated by great panoramas of color. The winters generally offer plentiful snowfalls, cold temperatures, and great opportunities to frequently snowshoe, ski, and snowmobile. Guest house at Forest Lodge near Cable, Wis. Photo courtesy Elizabeth Bouchard Community Descriptions: Glidden Office 22223 Hwy. 13 Glidden, WI 54527 If you are looking for a small town with a neighborly lifestyle, Glidden Wisconsin is a wonderful place to call home. With a population of around 1500, there are many Glidden businesses which include a grocery store, convenience stores, hardware/lumber yard, bank, and hair salon to name a few. There are several dining establishments in and around town. Three churches offer regularly scheduled services. Newly consolidated Chequamegon School District pre-K through 12 with campuses in Glidden and Park Falls report an enrollment of 784 students for the 2012-13 school year. Medical facilities are available in neighboring Park Falls, Ashland, and Hayward. Air transportation is available in Ironwood MI; Rhinelander WI; and Duluth MN – all within approximately 60-100 miles. Wisconsin state income tax is 7.75% of adjusted gross income. Sales tax is 5.5% excluding food items. Housing prices are variable depending on location, but are generally somewhat lower than other parts of the Midwest. Rentals are available. For further information about the community, please visit Glidden’s homepage at: http://www.gliddenwi.org Hayward Office 10650 Nyman Ave. Hayward, WI 54843 The tourist destination city of Hayward in Sawyer County has a population of 2,129. Hayward is a community rich in history, culture, recreation, and commerce. Hayward is rich in fishing history and home to the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame. Other wellknown annual events include North America’s largest Honor the Earth Pow Wow, Musky Festival, Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival, and the renowned American Birkebeiner crosscountry ski race. Hayward has many restaurants and tourist shops. The school district offers pre-K through 12. More information on the school system is available via this link: http://www.hayward.k12.wi.us/. Seven churches offer regularly scheduled services. Medical facilities are located within the city. Air transportation is available in Duluth MN and Eau Claire WI, all within approximately 60-100 miles. Wisconsin state income tax is 7.75% of adjusted gross income. Sales tax is 5.5% excluding food items. Housing prices are variable depending on location. Rentals are available. For further information about the area, please visit Hayward’s homepage at: http://www.haywardareachamber.com Washburn Office 113 East Bayfield Street Washburn, WI 54891 Surrounded by forest, the city of Washburn nestles on the shore of Lake Superior's historic Chequamegon Bay in northernmost Wisconsin. With unparalleled outdoor recreation opportunities, a vibrant cultural life, and a progressive atmosphere, Washburn is great place to live, a rewarding place to do business, and a spectacular place to visit. Washburn hosts a variety of options for outdoor enthusiasts. A full menu of streams, inland lakes, and Lake Superior provide a banquet of choices to those that love fishing, sailing, canoeing and kayaking. The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest provides hundreds of miles of trails for lovers of the outdoors. Washburn's proximity to the Apostle Islands allows for a quick getaway to one of our nation's most pristine treasures. Also located on the District is Mt. Valhalla Recreation Area. The area offers trails for snowmobiles, cross-country skiing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback and ATV riding. Valhalla has a chalet with fire pit and tables for large groups or family gatherings. Washburn is nestled between Ashland to the south and Bayfield to the north. Ashland is the home of the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center, and Bayfield is the jumping off point for the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. The Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center features a regional History Center and Archives, gift shop, art gallery, theater, and a five-story observation tower offering a panoramic view of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands Region. Air transportation is available in Duluth MN and Eau Claire WI, all within approximately 60-100 miles. Wisconsin state income tax is 7.75% of adjusted gross income. Sales tax is 5.5% excluding food items. Housing prices are variable depending on location. Rentals are available. Park Falls Office 1170 4th Ave South Park Falls, WI 54552 In the southern portion of the zone, among all this natural beauty and isolated Northwoods landscapes are full service communities of Park Falls (pop. 3,500) and Phillips (pop. 3,000). The communities feature a range of industry, from fishing pole and deer cam manufacturers to timber and paper mills. The reservation of the Lac du Flambeau Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa Indians is east of the Park Falls, adjoining the National Forest. A quality hospital and medical professionals, including The Marshfield Clinic, are located in Park Falls and Phillips. Large cities of Wausau and Eau Claire are an easy 2 to 3 hour drive. These Northwoods communities offer respected public and private schools which also offer numerous extra-curricular opportunities. The North Central Technical College satellite technical campuses are located in Minocqua and Phillips. Civic organizations actively contribute to the quality of small town life. Community theater and arts councils offer both great entertainment as well as the opportunities to participate. Numerous houses of worship are located within these communities. Housing choices in the Park Falls and Phillips areas include in-town apartments and homes in nice neighborhoods, often reasonably priced. Outside of town there are wooded parcels, country homes, and some waterfront properties available. Housing costs are generally affordable. Air transportation is available in Rhinelander, WI, Eau Claire WI, and Duluth MN, all within approximately 60-100 miles. Wisconsin state income tax is 7.75% of adjusted gross income. Sales tax is 5.5% excluding food items. Housing prices are variable depending on location. Rentals are available. Additional Information: The following individuals can provide you with additional information on the Forest and the local duty station area. Jim Grant, Fire & Aviation Staff Officer, Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Supervisor’s Office, Rhinelander, WI, 715-362-1341 (work) or 715-493-9137 (cell), or email jwgrant@fs.fed.us. Connie Cummins, District Ranger, Great Divide and Washburn Ranger Districts, 10650 Nyman Ave, Hayward, WI 54843, 715-634-4821, or email ccummins@fs.fed.us Jennifer Rabuck, West Zone Fire Management Officer, Great Divide Ranger District, 10650 Nyman Avenue, Hayward, WI 54843, 715-634-4821 ext. 324, or email jrabuck@fs.fed.us . See below for application instructions. HOW TO APPLY Open Continuous Recruitment 1. This position is currently being advertised through an Open Continuous Recruitment (OCR) announcement which can be found at http://www.usajobs.opm.gov. 2. To ensure consideration, you must apply for this position by the close of business on December 5, 2013. The vacancy will be posted as an Open Continuous Recruitment (OCR) announcement on USAJOBS. A list of qualified candidates (referral list) will be requested from ASC-HCM shortly after that date. 3. The OCR job announcement numbers are: OCR14-462-DZAFMO(M)-8/9G OCR14-462-DZAFMO(M)-8/9DP 4. You must select at least one of the following potential duty stations: Washburn, Hayward, Park Falls, Glidden, Wisconsin in order to be considered for this position. Candidates are STRONGLY encouraged to apply to multiple locations listed for these positions – funding levels will decide the final number of positions filled and the exact duty location(s). 5. Contact the Albuquerque Service Center-Human Capital Management at 877-3727248 if you are having difficulty applying for the position through the Avue Digital Services process. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.