Outreach Notice
GS-0462-03/04/05 Forestry Aid (Fire)
$11.95/$13.41/$15.00
Lakewood/Laona Ranger District
Duty station: Laona, WI
The Position and Major Duties:
The position is located on a wildland fire crew. The primary purpose of this position is to perform wildland
firefighting work. These crews perform work directly related to wildland fire suppression and control
activities including suppression, preparedness, prevention, monitoring, and hazardous fuels reduction. May
also perform duties in other fuels related or ecosystem restoration projects. This position is a
primary/rigorous firefighter position under the provisions of 5 USC 8336 (c) and 8412 (d). Approved for
Primary/Rigorous firefighter coverage by USDA under FERS and CSRS on 03/25/2009, C7 FS1475.
Crew Member Work 70%
Serves as a member of fire crew assigned to suppress the full range of wildland fires independently
performing recurring fire suppression duties. Performs assignments as a wildland firefighter in developing
a working knowledge of fire suppression and fuels management techniques, practices and terminology.
This consists of fireline construction, use of pumps and engines, hose lays using appropriate nozzles and
nozzle adjustments in the effective use of water and additives, working in and around aircraft such as
helicopters, safety rules, and basic fire behavior. Searches out and extinguishes burning materials by
moving dirt, applying water by hose or backpack pump, etc. Chops brush, fells small trees, and moves dirt
to construct fireline using various hand tools such as axes, shovels, Pulaskis, McLeods, and may use power
tools including chainsaws and portable pumps to control spreading of wildland fire and/or to prepare
control lines prior to burning. Patrols fireline to locate and extinguish embers, flareups, and hotspot fires
that may threaten developed firelines. Cleans, reconditions, and stores fire tools and equipment. May assist
trained personnel in more specialized assignments such as backfire and burnout, mobile and stationary
engine attack, construction of helispots, helitack operations, and performing hover hookups. Participates in
fire and safety training in the techniques, practices, and methods of fire suppression and in the safe,
efficient operation and use of tools, equipment and vehicles used in fireline activities. Participates in crew
proficiency checks and drills. Participates in safety sessions and fire critiques. Ensures own and others'
welfare and safety in all aspects of the assignments.
Additional Duties 30%
May be assigned to a fire lookout to provide detection and reporting of wildfires. May perform project
work such as fuel inventory, preparing associated reports, and hazard fuel reduction projects. May perform
project work such as road and trail maintenance, habitat manipulation, and miscellaneous equipment and
facilities maintenance. May assist in forestry/range research efforts; in the marketing of forest/range
resources; or in the scientific management, protection, and development of forest/range resources. Performs
the full range of standardized forestry support duties for fire/fuels activities.
OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS: 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 requires completing a three (3) mile hike within forty-five (45) minutes, while carrying a forty-five
(45) pound pack. Bargaining Unit Status: Eligible - Coverage is dependent upon unit location.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a primary/rigorous firefighter position under the
provisions of 5 USC 8336(c) (CSRS) and 8412(d) (FERS). Performs other duties as assigned.
One position will be advertised. This is a Temporary position Not to exceed (NTE) 1,039 hours.
In addition to the duty station city, work may be performed at the non-duty station as we are a combined
District.
The work schedule is Maxiflex.
Travel is required occasionally and/or overnight.
The announcement will be posted on the USAJOBS website www.usajobs.gov. The announcement
number will be circulated when available.
If you are interested or have any further questions, please respond by: 01/06/2014 to:
Tym Sauter, Lakewood/Laona Ranger District, Forestry Technician (Engine Captain)
Phone: 715-674-4481. Email: tsauter@fs.fed.us
Lakewood District Office
15085 State Rd. 32
Lakewood, WI 54138
715-276-6333
The town of Lakewood in Oconto County is a popular tourist destination town, located near the
metropolitan areas of Green Bay and Appleton. It’s a quick weekend get-away for folks living in and
around the Fox River Valley. The nearby Wolf River is a popular rafting destination and many of the
rafters stay at the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest campgrounds, including the Forest’s largest
campground, Boulder Lake. This campground was recently upgraded to include modern shower buildings
and some sites with electrical hookups. It also has a cultural site with interpretive signs giving visitors a
glimpse into the past.
Other natural areas in the Lakewood area include Quartz Hill and Knowles Creek Wildlife Area. Visitors
can also climb to the top of the historic Mountain Fire Tower for a birds-eye view of the area, or walk back
in time through the Cathedral of the Pines. This stand of virgin timber was never logged. It’s a great place
to hike, explore, or just imagine what the early forest looked like.
Laona District Office
4978 Hwy. 8 West
Laona, WI 54541
715-674-4481
The 1,400 hundred people that live in the Laona area are heirs to the shared heritage of the timber industry.
The turn-of-the-century marked the founding of Laona - just 20 years prior to logging's heyday. Around
1876, the pine loggers came into the area and cleared off the pine stands. Generations of loggers have been
working the Forest ever since.
Laona began to thrive as railroads steamed their way into northern Wisconsin. Laona's economy became
largely dependent upon the timber industry. One of the area’s best known tourist attractions is the
Lumberjack Special steam train. The Lumberjack Special is a vintage 1916 Vulcan steam engine that was
actually used by the Connor Lumber and Land Company in its logging operation and is now used to pull a
passenger train to the Camp 5 Farm Museum.
The Camp 5 Farm, Lumberjack Special, The Community Soup and Nicolet Public Golf Course, along with
the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest make the Laona area attractive to tourists.
OUTREACH NOTICE
APPLICANT REPLY FORM
If you are interested in this position, please complete and submit this form to the person identified above as
contact. This will help us determine the level of interest of prospective candidates and establish the area of
consideration. Thanks for your cooperation.
Title of Outreach Position: Forestry Aid (Fire)
Name:
Email Address:
Mailing Address:
Telephone Number: Work:
Agency Employed with: USFS
Home:
Other (Please list):
Type of appointment currently under (please check one):
Permanent
Temporary
Term
Other (Please list):
Current Region/Forest/District:
Current Series and Grade:
Current Position/Title:
If not a current permanent (career or career conditional) employee, are you eligible to be hired
under any of the following special authorities:
Persons with Disabilities
Veterans Recruitment Appointment
Disabled Veteran w/30% Compensable Disability
Veteran Employment Opportunities Act of 1998
Former Peace Corp Volunteer
Student Career Experience Program
Other (explain):
Additional Background Information: Please add any background information relevant to this
position.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN OUR VACANCY