Monongahela National Forest
Outreach Notice
Date of this Notice: May 7 2014
Notice Valid through: May 28, 2014
The Monongahela National Forest will
soon be advertising to fill a Forest
Ecologist (GS-0408-09/11) position
and a South Zone Ecologist (GS-040809/11) position. The duty location for
the Forest Ecologist may be the
Supervisor’s Office in Elkins, West Virginia
or the Cheat-Potomac District office in
Parsons, WV. The duty location for the
South Zone Ecologist position will be the
Marlinton-White Sulphur Ranger District
in Marlinton, West Virginia.
Primary Contact:
Kent Karriker, Ecosystems Group Leader
304-636-1800, ext. 206;
kkarriker@fs.fed.us
kkarriker@fs.fed.us
About the Positions:
These are permanent full-time positions.
The Forest Ecologist serves as the Forest’s technical lead for terrestrial ecology, TES
plants, and non-native invasive species. This position also serves as the technical lead
for these resource areas on district-level projects on the North Zone of the Forest
(Cheat-Potomac and Greenbrier Districts). This is an exempt, non-bargaining unit
position.
The South Zone Ecologist provides technical assistance and advice on terrestrial
ecology, TES plants, and non-native invasive species on the South Zone of the Forest
(Marlinton-White Sulphur and Gauley Districts). This position may also assist with North
Zone projects as needed. This is an exempt, non-bargaining unit position.
Major Duties of the Forest Ecologist Position:
The incumbent serves as the Forest’s subject matter expert on terrestrial ecology, TES
plants, and non-native invasive species. This person will provide Forest line officers
with advice and interpretation of a broad range of environmental policies related to
these resource areas for North Zone and Forest-wide projects. The incumbent provides
program managers and district staff with technical leadership and guidance concerning
interpretation and implementation of policies related to terrestrial ecology, TES plants,
and non-native invasive species. This position:
 Assists in the development of Forest programs, plans and policies relating to
terrestrial ecology, TES plants, and non-native invasive species.
 Plans, tracks, and reports Forest-wide accomplishments for non-native invasive
species, TES plants, and native plants.
 Establishes and maintains close working relationships with state and federal
agencies to coordinate work and programs.
 Contributes input regarding TES plants, invasive species, and landscape
ecology/terrestrial ecosystems to Forest-wide and North Zone NEPA documents
and Biological Evaluations.
 Conducts and/or directs botanical/ecological surveys of proposed project areas.
 Conducts and/or direct project monitoring for botanical/ecological resources.
 Participates in or leads projects to restore ecosystems.
 Leads projects to enhance habitat for TES plants.
 Implements and/or directs invasive species management (incumbent will be
required to obtain a pesticide applicator’s license).
 Coordinates Forest collaboration, review, and permitting for botanical/ecological
research conducted by others.
 Conducts sustainability analyses and permitting for forest botanical products.
 Collaborates with partners to develop sources for native plant materials.
 Ensures that inventory and monitoring data are stored in the appropriate
corporate databases
 Participates in the implementation of ecosystem restoration partnerships Forestwide and on the North Zone.
 Performs other duties as assigned
Major Duties of the South Zone Ecologist Position:
The incumbent serves as the South Zone’s subject matter expert on terrestrial ecology,
TES plants, and non-native invasive species. This person will provide Forest line
officers with advice and interpretation of a broad range of environmental policies related
to these resource areas for South Zone projects, and may also assist with North Zone
projects as needed. The incumbent provides district staff with technical leadership and
guidance concerning interpretation and implementation of policies related to terrestrial
ecology, TES plants, and non-native invasive species. This position:
 Assists in the development of South Zone programs, plans and policies relating
to terrestrial ecology, TES plants, and non-native invasive species.
 Coordinates with the Forest Ecologist for tracking and reporting of South Zone
accomplishments for non-native invasive species, TES plants, and native plants.
 Establishes and maintains close working relationships with state and federal
agencies to coordinate work and programs.
 Contributes input regarding TES plants, invasive species, and landscape
ecology/terrestrial ecosystems to South Zone NEPA documents and Biological
Evaluations, and may assist with North Zone projects as needed.
 Conducts and/or directs botanical/ecological surveys of proposed project areas.
 Conducts and/or direct project monitoring for botanical/ecological resources.
 Participates in or leads projects to restore ecosystems.
 Leads projects to enhance habitat for TES plants.
 Implements and/or directs invasive species management (incumbent will be
required to obtain a pesticide applicator’s license).
 Coordinates Forest collaboration, review, and permitting for botanical/ecological
research conducted by others.
 Conducts sustainability analyses and permitting for forest botanical products.
 Collaborates with partners to develop sources for native plant materials.
 Ensures that inventory and monitoring data are stored in the appropriate
corporate databases
 Participates in the implementation of ecosystem restoration partnerships.
 Performs other duties as assigned
About the Forest:
The Monongahela National Forest includes over 921,000 acres of Federal ownership in 10
counties in West Virginia, making it the fourth largest National Forest in the 20 northeastern
states. It is within a one-day drive of one-third of the population of the United States. The
Forest is a recreation destination and a tourism attraction hosting over 3 million visitors
annually. The topography is varied, with elevations ranging from 900 feet at Petersburg to
4,863 feet at Spruce Knob, the highest point in West Virginia. The Forest has four Ranger
Districts, two Visitor Centers, eight Wildernesses, and the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks
National Recreation Area (the nation’s first Forest Service National Recreation Area). The
Forest is located in the Allegheny Mountains in southeastern West Virginia.
Year-round natural beauty and a tremendous range of slopes, aspects, and habitats
characterize the Forest. The area contains a range of dense forest ecosystems, ranging
from the high elevation red spruce forests to tall yellow poplar and other cove hardwoods,
to drier oak-hickory and pine stands, interspersed with small openings. The diversity of
habitats and underlying soils and geology led The Nature Conservancy to include most of
the Monongahela in an area deemed to be globally important for its ecology.
Within this mountain and valley setting, recreational opportunities abound throughout all
times of the year. A blanket of snow often covers the ground for much of the winter. Spring
brings moderate temperatures perfect for trout fishing. Summers are typically moderate,
with pleasantly sunny days perfect for camping and hiking. The forest is a favorite
destination in the fall, when the days turn cooler and the trees feature a beautiful palate of
reds, oranges and yellows. The Forest offers some of the best big and small game hunting
in the state. Fishing is also spectacular, especially trout fishing with designated areas for fly
fishing and catch and release. For more about the Monongahela National Forest, visit us
on the web at www.fs.fed.us/r9/mnf/.
About the South Zone
The Marlinton District is managed jointly with the White Sulphur District by one District
Ranger stationed in Marlinton, along with about 18 other permanent employees. The White
Sulphur District office, an hour south in White Sulphur Springs houses another 7 permanent
staff. The Gauley District office, an hour west in Richwood is managed by the Gauley
District Ranger, and includes about 14 permanent employees. The Cranberry Mountain
Nature Center is between Marlinton and Richwood, about ½ hour to either office.
The combined Zone is about 400,000 acres situated in the southern half of the
Monongahela National Forest. The area is rural and mountainous. The Zone has active
programs in recreation, wildlife, range, watershed, timber and fuels.
About the Communities:
Elkins
Elkins is a regional center for many services, including medical, legal, dining, and shopping.
Rated as one of the top 100 Small Arts Communities in the United States, there is a locally
funded arts in the schools program; a Community Arts Center; a small college (Davis and
Elkins) with an internationally known 5 week summer program with classes in musical,
visual, and performance arts; and a community theater. All levels of education are
available, including a private Christian school and a Montessori school. Many churches are
located in the immediate area. Shopping includes small locally owned stores, and large
chain stores. Entertainment options include a multi-screen movie theater, two music and
dance variety show Branson-style venues, community plays, college plays, and dozens of
music performance locations.
Elkins is approximately 3 hours south of Pittsburgh, PA and 4 hours west of the
metropolitan Washington, DC area. Government housing is not available.
For more information about the area, please visit http://www.randolphcountywv.com/.
Parsons
Parsons has a population of approximately 1,500. Local services include grocery store,
dollar stores, pharmacy, sit-down and fast-food restaurants, several banks, a hardware
store, churches of many denominations, an urgent care clinic, library, and K-12 schools.
Purchase price of a nice three-bedroom house in the Parsons area ranges from
$100,000 and up. Property values are likely to rise because of the construction of a new
four-lane, east-west highway about 2 miles from town. Government housing is not
available.
For more information about the area, please visit www.tuckercountywv.gov
Marlinton
Marlinton (pop. 1,200) is the county seat of Pocahontas County (pop. 9,000). While small,
the town boasts a thriving downtown area with several several physicians, dentists, a small
hospital, numerous churches, banks, various stores (grocery, hardware, auto parts, ,
furniture, clothing, sporting goods, flower shops, pharmacies, gift shops, computer
service/supply, thrift shop), laundromat, auto dealership and service centers, and gas
stations. Marlinton is home to a Nationally-recognized rural library and a beautiful new
wellness center that offers an open gym, equipment room, and multiple classrooms. As a
popular tourist destination, Marlinton and the surrounding area offer a variety of motels,
B&B’s, cabins, and restaurants. Snowshoe Ski Resort on the north end of the county is the
largest of its kind in the mid-Atlantic region. Government housing MAY be available.
WANT MORE INFORMATION?
If you are interested in these positions or require more information, please fill out the
voluntary outreach response form and return to Kent Karriker at kkarriker@fs.fed.us or
call 304-636-1800 ext. 206 by May 28, 2014.
MONONGAHELA NATIONAL FOREST
OUTREACH NOTICE FORM
POSITION TITLE: Forest Ecologist (Ecologist) GS-0408-09/11
UNIT: Supervisor’s Office, Monongahela National Forest, Elkins, WV or Cheat-Potomac
Ranger District, Parsons, WV
PERSONAL INFORMATION
NAME:
E-MAIL ADDRESS:
MAILING ADDRESS:
CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE:
TELEPHONE:
CURRENT EMPLOYMENT STATUS
AGENCY:
LOCATION:
POSITION TITLE/SERIES/GRADE:
TYPE OF APPOINTMENT:
If you are not currently a permanent (career or career conditional) employee, are you
eligible to be hired under any of the following special authorities?
Person with Disabilities
Veteran’s Readjustment Authority
Disabled Veterans with 30% Compensable Disability
Veteran’s Employment Opportunities Act of 1998
Former Peace Corps Volunteer
Other (Please Identify):
DUTY STATION PREFERENCE:
Elkins
Parsons
Either
Please return your completed form to Kent Karriker (kkarriker@fs.fed.us) by
May 28, 2014.
Thank you for your interest in this position!
MONONGAHELA NATIONAL FOREST
OUTREACH NOTICE FORM
POSITION TITLE: South Zone Ecologist (Ecologist) GS-0408-09/11
UNIT: Marlinton-White Sulphur Ranger District, Monongahela National Forest,
Marlinton, WV
PERSONAL INFORMATION
NAME:
E-MAIL ADDRESS:
MAILING ADDRESS:
CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE:
TELEPHONE:
CURRENT EMPLOYMENT STATUS
AGENCY:
LOCATION:
POSITION TITLE/SERIES/GRADE:
TYPE OF APPOINTMENT:
If you are not currently a permanent (career or career conditional) employee, are you
eligible to be hired under any of the following special authorities?
Person with Disabilities
Veteran’s Readjustment Authority
Disabled Veterans with 30% Compensable Disability
Veteran’s Employment Opportunities Act of 1998
Former Peace Corps Volunteer
Other (Please Identify):
Please return your completed form to Kent Karriker (kkarriker@fs.fed.us) by
May 28, 2014.
Thank you for your interest in this position!