DAKOTA PRAIRIE GRASSLANDS
Region 1 - Little Missouri National Grasslands
MEDORA RANGER DISTRICT
MCKENZIE RANGER DISTRICT
*********************OUTREACH NOTICE**********************
Engine Squad Leader (AFEO)
GS-462-06 PSE 13/13
Engine Senior Firefighter
GS-462-4/5 PSE 13/13
The Little Missouri National Grasslands, located in western North Dakota, may soon be filling up to 3
Forestry Technician (Fire) positions at the GS-4/5 and GS-6 levels. These are Permanent Seasonal
positions with 13 pay periods full-time and 13 pay periods in non-pay status. The locations and
vacancies are as follows:
POSITION
Engine Squad Leader (AFEO)
Engine Senior Firefighter
GRADE
CITY/STATE
GS-462-06 Dickinson, North Dakota
GS-462-4/5 Dickinson, North Dakota
Engine Squad Leader (AFEO)
GS-462-06
RANGER DISTRICT
Medora RD
Medora RD
Watford City, North Dakota McKenzie RD
HOW TO APPLY:
If you are interested in applying for these positions, you must apply through USAJOBS at
www.usajobs.gov, no later than November 24, 2013. These are Open Continuous Recruitment
(OCR) Announcements for all advertised positions.
GS-0462-06:
In USAJOBS, apply to OCRP-462-AFEO-6G (merit) and/or OCRP-462-AFEO-6DP (demo).
This job title on the OCR in USAJOBS is listed as Lead Forestry Technician (Fire Engine Operator).
You must designate Dickinson, ND and/or Watford City, ND as the duty station.
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GS-0462-4/5:
In USAJOBS, apply to OCRP-462-ENGSRFF-4/5G (merit) and/or OCRP-462-ENGSRFF4/5DP (demo). This job title on the OCR in USAJOBS is listed as Forestry Technician (Fire Engine
Operator). You must designate Dickinson, ND as the duty station.
A request for all referral lists will be made on November 25, 2013.
INTRODUCTION:
The Fire Program operates two Type 6 engine modules, one on the Medora Ranger District and one
on the McKenzie Ranger District. Fire load varies year to year from between 9-50+ wildfires. The
Fire Program works closely with local Volunteer Fire Departments and cooperative federal and state
agencies. The Fuels Program burns between 4000-8000 acres per year.
POSITIONS:
Engine Squad Leader (AFEO)
Serves as a lead wildland firefighter on a wildland fire engine. Drives and operates a wildland fire
engine, positioning the engine for proper use and operation. Personally performs and directs others
in starting pump engine, priming pump, adjusting engine speed and pump valves, laying hose, and
using appropriate nozzles and nozzle adjustment in effective use of water and additives. Has
specialized duties such as water handling specialist, fully qualified chain saw operator, or responsible
for maintenance of specialized equipment used to respond to wildland urban interface/intermix
situations. Ensures the engine is kept in a full state of readiness for emergency fire dispatch. Serves
as initial attack Incident Commander.
Serves as a lead wildland firefighter on a prescribed fire crew. Performs prescribed fire operations
including preparation, ignition, monitoring, holding, and mop up. Monitors fire behavior, fire effects,
and fire weather on prescribed fires. May use specialized firing equipment (e.g. fusees, drip torches,
flares, and terra torch).
May perform other duties as designated on Incident Qualification Card. May perform project work
such as fuel inventory and hazard fuel reduction projects, road and trail maintenance, habitat
manipulation, miscellaneous equipment, facilities maintenance, and other resources.
Engine Senior Firefighter
Serves as a skilled crewmember on an engine. As an assistant on a wildland fire engine, works as a
trainee engine operator driving the engine, operating the pump and making hose lays under the
direction of the engine foreman. May drive and operate the fire engine or apparatus. Responsible for
positioning the fire engine or apparatus for safe and efficient operation. Services and makes minor
repairs to engine; inspects, checks and services accessories such as pump, water lines, tank, reels, or
pump power plant; and keeps in fire readiness. Inspects, cleans and stows hose. Makes emergency
repairs and adjustments of pumps while in use.
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Performs basic fireline activities such as line construction, hose layout, operations of pumps and
accessories, lopping and scattering of fuels using hand tools and holding, patrolling, monitoring, and
mop-up operations. Moves dirt, chops brush, small trees, etc. to construct fire line. Independently or
with one or two other crewmembers may be assigned to carry out specialized assignments such as
tree falling, backfire and burnout, mobile and stationary engine attack.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Incumbent must pass the work capacity fitness test at the arduous level. Incumbent must possess a
valid state driver’s license.
Both positions are categorized as a Senior Firefighter position in the Interagency Fire Program
Management (IFPM) Standard and Guide as designated by the Washington Office Fire and Aviation
Management. The IFPM selective placement factors for these positions are Fire Fighter Type 1
(FFT1) and completion of National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) course S-290
Intermediate Fire Behavior.
Proof of IFPM selective placement factor are required to be considered for these positions. This can
be accomplished by submitting Supporting Documentation in USAJobs - i.e., copies of
certificates, Interagency Qualifications and Certification System (IQCS) master record and/or copy of
completed task book.
THE GRASSLANDS, DISTRICTS:
The Dakota Prairie Grasslands stretches over 1,259,000 acres. The Grasslands are not solid blocks of
National Forest System lands; rather, they are intermingled with other federal, state, and privately
owned lands. This mixed ownership pattern contributes to the uniqueness of the Grasslands. The
Dakota Prairie Grasslands encompasses the Little Missouri, Sheyenne, Grand River and Cedar River
National Grasslands.
Each of the National Grasslands has a flavor all its own. The tall grass prairie on the rolling hills of the
Sheyenne National Grasslands are a significant contrast to the stark badlands found in the Little
Missouri National Grasslands. The resources are as varied also; paleontological and archeological
digs, oil and gas production, cattle grazing, and recreation.
The Medora Ranger District is the southernmost ranger district of the Little Missouri National
Grasslands and encompasses 520,000 acres of rolling prairie, badlands, woody draws and high
buttes.
The Medora District is rich in history, mineral wealth and biological diversity. The only stand of
Limber Pine in the state is found on the District as well as the only natural Ponderosa Pine forest.
The Little Missouri River bisects the District and is considered a "scenic" river by the state. The
District also surrounds the southern unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the historic town of
Medora.
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The McKenzie Ranger District is the northernmost ranger district of the Little Missouri National
Grasslands and encompasses 580,000 acres. It is the host to a large and expanding oil and gas
program.
The District surrounds the northern unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park and parts of the district
border the southern edge of Lake Sakakawea, very popular for fishing and recreation.
Wildlife is abundant and important. As the largest block of public land in the state, the Little Missouri
Grassland is considered to be one of the most important wildlife lands. The Districts supports
populations of elk, bighorn sheep, whitetail and mule deer, wild turkeys, waterfowl, prairie dogs,
antelope, upland game birds, raptors, and numerous songbirds.
COMMUNITIES:
Dickinson, ND: Dickinson has a population of about 26,000 and is located about 100 miles west of
North Dakota capitol of Bismarck and about 65 miles east of the Montana state line. Dickinson is a
service and shopping “hub” for areas of western North Dakota, northwestern South Dakota and
eastern Montana.
The school system is considered to be good to excellent with both public schools, parochial schools
and a four year university, Dickinson State University. The city has 26 churches representing most
denominations. A 129-bed hospital and several clinics and nursing homes are available. A new
community hospital is currently under construction and is projected to open in early 2014.
The climate is considered to be the garden spot of North Dakota with a mean January temperature of
17°F and a mean July temperature of 72°F. Seasonal extremes range from 105°F to -35°F.
Recreation opportunities are varied and abundant - archery, snowmobiling, horseshoes, fishing,
hunting, golfing and water sports. Lake Sakakawea lies about an hour north of Dickinson and offers
world-class fishing for walleye, pike, bass, trout, and salmon. The city of Dickinson has an excellent
Park and Recreation Department with programs available for kids and adults. Dickinson is the home
of the Dakota Dinosaur Museum, Roughrider Days Rodeo, Ukrainian Festival and the Northern Plains
Heritage Festival.
Shopping opportunities include 2 malls with major department stores, 3 grocery stores, 2 discount
stores (Wal-Mart and Kmart), hardware stores, and numerous smaller specialty stores. There is also a
number of retail, home improvement and grocery stores currently under construction in the Dickinson
area, all of which are estimated to open within the next 6-24 months.
Housing:
Please note that the housing market is strong in both locations, much of that a result of
the energy market and the work going on now in that arena.
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Homes for sale in the Dickinson area have a median price range at/around $255,000.
Rentals are more in demand, with a 1-bedroom apartment starting at $1,000/month and
three bedroom homes starting around $2500/month plus utilities.
Government housing is not offered or available in Dickinson.
Watford City, ND: Watford City has a population of about 8,000 and is located 40 miles southeast
of Williston, North Dakota in the northwest corner of the state. It is the county seat for McKenzie
County and is a full service community.
Services include: county services, library, hospital, health clinic, wellness center, dentist, optometrist;
three full service banks and a credit union, grocery stores, drug stores, hardware and lumber yard; a
variety of retail stores, restaurants; motels, movie theater and nine churches of various
denominations. The economy is stable and growing with a supportive business climate that
contributes to the steady development and growth of the area.
The school system has an elementary and high school, which is considered to be excellent. The
sports program consists of 7th through 12th grade football, wrestling, boys and girls basketball, cross
country, track, golf, boys baseball, girls volleyball, band, and theater. Outside of the school system
there is hockey, gymnastics, figure skating, Legion and Junior Legion baseball. Watford City has a
very active Park and Recreation Board which manages a wonderful park system in the community.
There is a new swimming pool, baseball field, and children’s park. The Watford City Golf Course is
located two miles east of town and offers a 9-hole course with grass greens.
Recreation opportunities are varied and abundant, such as big game, upland bird and waterfall
hunting; trail riding, biking, hiking, wildlife watching and motorized recreation. Lake Sakakawea is
located less than one hour north and east of Watford City. The lake boasts 1,600 miles of lake shore
inviting people to experience water sports and world-class fishing.
Housing:
Homes for sale in the Watford City area have a median price range at/around $250,000
with rentals starting at $1,200/month plus utilities. There are several apartment
complexes located in Watford City, with more under construction, that offer lower rental
rates for critical service workers, such as Forest Service employees.
Limited Government housing may be available in Watford City.
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This notification is being circulated to inform prospective applicants of these opportunities and to
determine interest in these positions. For more information about the positions contact:
Kevin Tomlinson
Lenny Houle
Oscar Knudtson
Engine Crew Foreman
Engine Crew Foreman
AFMO
Medora RD 701-227-7844
McKenzie RD 701-842-2393
McKenzie RD 701-842-2393
kltomlinson@fs.fed.us
lhoule@fs.fed.us
oknudtson@fs.fed.us
Please complete and return by November 15, 2013, the attached OUTREACH RESPONSE FORM via
email/mail to:
Kevin Tomlinson, Engine Crew Foreman
kltomlinson@fs.fed.us
Medora Ranger District
99 23rd Avenue West, Ste B
Dickinson, ND, 58601
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants
for employment on the bases of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, and
where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or all or part of an
individual's income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or
in any program or activity conducted or funded by the Department. (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all
programs and/or employment activities.)
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OUTREACH RESPONSE FORM
(Submitting the Outreach Response Form is not a substitution for applying to this job. The Outreach is merely a way to keep track of
the number of candidates interested in the position. You must go through www.usajobs.gov to submit your application. See ‘HOW TO
APPLY’ on Page 1.)
I AM INTERESTED IN THE FOLLOWING POSITION:
LOCATION: Little Missouri National Grassland
GS-0462-06 13/13 Engine Squad Leader
GS-0462-4/5 13/13 Senior Firefighter
Dickinson, ND
Watford City, ND
Medora Ranger District
McKenzie Ranger District
PERSONAL INFORMATION:
NAME: __________________________________________________________
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MAILING ADDRESS: ______________________________________________
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TYPE OF APPOINTMENT: _________PERMANENT _______TEMPORARY _______ OTHER
CURRENT REGION/FOREST/DISTRICT: _________________________________
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CURRENT POSITION TITLE: ___________________________________________
CURRENT RED CARD QUALIFICATIONS: _______________________________
IF NOT A CURRENT PERMANENT (CAREER OR CAREER CONDITIONAL) EMPLOYEE, ARE
YOU ELIGIBLE TO BE HIRED UNDER ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SPECIAL AUTHORITIES;
_____ Person with disabilities
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_____ Veteran's Employment Opportunities Act of 1998
_____ Former Peace Corps Volunteer
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UNIQUE/SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND/OR WHY YOU WOULD BE A QUALITY
CANDIDATE:
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