Outreach Notice – Recent Graduate Pathways Program
Note: This is a pre-announcement, it is NOT the official vacancy announcement
GIS Specialist, GS-0401-07
Location: Allegheny National Forest
One position at Marienville Ranger District, Marienville, Pennsylvania
OR Forest Supervisor’s Office, Warren, Pennsylvania
As part of the Forest Service Pathways Recent Graduate Program the Allegheny National Forest will soon be
filling a GIS Specialist position, GS-0401-07, with a starting annual salary of $38,790 and eligibility for
conversion to a permanent full time position. Government housing is not available.
This position is a Chief’s Scholar Recent Graduate. The conversion potential for this position is to a GS-040109 GIS Specialist with a duty location at Marienville or Warren, PA.
If you are interested in this challenging opportunity, please submit the attached outreach form to Rob Fallon no
later than close of business on Wednesday, August 7, 2013. You will be notified of the Vacancy
Announcement for these positions as soon as it becomes available. The official Vacancy Announcement for
these Pathways Recent Graduate positions will be posted on the U.S. Government’s official website for
employment, www.usajobs.gov. You will have to apply online once the announcement is posted.
Please Note: The anticipated date for the vacancy announcement is July 29, 2013
For specific position information, applicants can contact:
Jeanne Hickey
Nadine Pollock
Rob Fallon
GIS Program Manager
Ecosystem Staff
District Ranger
Supervisor’s Office
Supervisor’s Office Marienville Ranger District
(814) 728-6175
(814) 728-6179
(814) 927-5799
jmhickey@fs.fed.us
npollock@fs.fed.us
rfallon@fs.fed.us
ABOUT THE GS-0139-07 GIS SPECIALIST POSITION:
Description
Each position is located on a Ranger District or Supervisor’s Office and serves as an advanced trainee
performing productive work while training for a higher level GIS Specialist position.
Major Duties at the GS-09 Level (GS-07 Level is a training position to prepare for the GS-09 Level)
Serves as a data manager and data base administrator for geographic information system (GIS) data. Maintains
the file structure and data location on the Corporate server space for GIS software and data. Determines schema
of databases for new data, applying Forest Service corporate standards as much as possible. Manages software
and user licenses.
Develops spatial and non-spatial databases for customers. Works with requestor to clarify scope, determine data
requirements and desired output content and format. Applies knowledge of existing datasets to determine what
current data can be used and what data needs to be developed to meet the customer’s requirements. Researches
other sources within and outside the federal government to find data that the project might require. Customizes
new datasets to meet requirements where data does not exist. Works with the requestor to determine and
develop schema of the data that will be required on a recurring basis. Develops custom applications and
interfaces, often connecting to data sources outside of the GIS database, to allow users to capture and use data
that will be required on a recurring basis. Custom applications include menu systems, input screens, reports and
other automated database manipulation functions written in a scripting language. Final products are provided to
the requestor electronically or in hard copy as required.
Assists users with workflow and task integration in solving complex analytical projects. Provides personalized
instruction and coaching on a wide variety of GIS topics with varying levels of complexity. The training
involves specialized, one time training for issues such as new software versions. Tailors the complexity and
content of instruction to meet the needs of the intended audience.
HOW TO APPLY:
These positions will be filled under the Pathways Recent Graduate program. A valid State Driver's License is
required for this position.
About the Pathways Program for Recent Graduates
The Recent Graduates Program is available to individuals who have completed qualifying degree or certificate
programs in the previous two years. Qualified veterans may have an extended application period due to military
service obligation. The Recent Graduates Program provides developmental experiences in the Federal
Government. It is intended to promote possible careers in the civil service to individuals who, within the
previous two years, graduated from qualifying educational institutions with an associates, bachelors, masters,
professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from qualifying educational institutions. To
be eligible, applicants must apply within the previous two years of degree or certificate completion.
Veterans precluded from applying due to their military service obligation will have up to six years after degree
or certificate completion to apply. For more information about Federal employment information for veterans, go
to OPM's Feds Hire Vets website.
In late July 2013, for a limited time, the Forest Service will advertise an agency-wide Pathways job
announcement for Recent Graduate opportunities using the USAJobs website: https://www.usajobs.gov/
The application period will be brief, so we recommend that you prepare your application materials in advance
on USAJOBS.gov (see below).
You will need to complete an application for this position. During the application process, you will be asked to
choose what duty locations you would be willing to accept. If you are interested in being considered for either
position, make sure you choose both MARIENVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA and WARREN,
PENNSYLVANIA. If you wish to be considered for only one location, then choose that location.
Please note: This is a Chief’s Scholar Recent Graduate position.
Orientation, mentoring, and training plans are requirements of the programs.
Following successful completion of the program after one year, the selected candidate will be eligible for
conversion to a permanent position.
What can you do in advance of the Vacancy Announcement to prepare?
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Get familiar with USAJobs. See “How to Apply for a Job on USAJobs” at:
http://www.fs.fed.us/fsjobs/USAJOBS_Instructions.pdf
Create an account on USAJobs website. https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Account
Use the USAJobs tool to create a profile and resume
Post all relevant documents to your USAJob account, i.e. current transcripts, degree completion
documentation, letters of recommendations, and veterans preference documentation
Sign-up for e-mail notifications for Forest Service job postings using the “save search” function in your
USAJobs profile.
You can learn more about how to apply for Pathways opportunities on USAJobs through an Office of Personnel
Management video on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQzXYVqBmZg&feature=youtu.be
ALLEGHENY NATIONAL FOREST
The Allegheny National Forest is headquartered in Warren,
Pennsylvania and has two Ranger Districts. The Marienville
Ranger District is located in Marienville, PA and the
Bradford Ranger District is located in Marshburg, PA. The
513,000-acre Forest is the only national forest in
Pennsylvania and lies within a day’s drive of 1/3 of the
Nation’s population. It includes two Wilderness areas, two
National Scenic Areas, two National Wild and Scenic
Rivers, and the Tionesta Research Natural Area (the largest
contiguous tract of old growth forest in Pennsylvania). A
variety of recreation activities include boating, camping,
hunting, fishing, ATV riding and snowmobiling that result
in about 4 million recreation visitor days annually. The
12,000-acre Allegheny Reservoir provides boating,
camping, and fishing opportunities. Roughly, 1/3 of the
world’s supply of black cherry furniture veneer is grown on
the Allegheny National Forest, resulting in a profitable
timber program. Abundant fish and wildlife provide a variety of hunting, fishing, and viewing opportunities.
The changing colors of the hardwood leaves each fall provide spectacular views.
COMMUNITY
Warren and the surrounding communities of Bradford, Kane, Ridgway, Marienville, and Tidioute are located in
northwestern Pennsylvania. Main access to Warren is US Route 62 from the north or south and US Route 6
from the east or west. The area’s climate provides a classic display of the four distinct seasons. Summers are
warm and moderately humid with average temperatures of 75 to 80 degrees. Fall provides panoramic views as
the foliage turns spectacular colors of yellow, red and purple. Springtime brings alive the many blooming wild
flowers and other natural vegetation. The winters are moderate with average temperatures of 20 to 25 degrees.
Annual precipitation is about 40 inches.
Downtown Warren is currently undergoing a revitalization effort.
Residents of Warren County have access to five public libraries, each reflecting the
unique communities they serve. A Public Libraries of Warren County card can be
used at the Sheffield Township Library, Sugar Grove Free Library, Tidioute Public
Library, Youngsville Public Library, and Warren Public Library. These five libraries
cooperate to provide services and programs that benefit all residents of Warren
County such as the “One County, One Book” program, a combined web-based public
access catalog of all holdings and access to the 45 databases included in the PA
POWER Library.
Warren County is home more than 70 religious organizations representing 18
different denominations. Bradford, Kane and Warren have a general hospital, with
several medical clinics, ambulance service, physicians of all specialty areas, dentists
and nursing homes throughout the region. There are motels, radio stations, city and county offices and local
retail businesses. Recreation facilities include baseball and soccer fields, all weather track, tennis courts, health
and fitness clubs, an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, four 18-hole golf courses in Warren County alone and
several parks. Organized youth and adult sports activities are numerous. In the immediate vicinity trout fishing,
hunting, hiking, bicycling, camping and ATV riding are available. The main industries are manufacturing,
social services and retail. The nearest commercial airports are in Bradford, PA (40 minutes), Jamestown, NY
(40 minutes), Erie, PA (1.24 hours) and Pittsburgh, PA (3 hours).
The area’s educational opportunities consist of various elementary and high schools (K-12), and several satellite
campus curriculums offered through the cooperative efforts of the Warren-Forest County Higher Education
Council and Jamestown Community College. Within an hour and a half, you will find other major universities,
such as Gannon in Erie, PA; Edinboro University in Edinboro, PA, Clarion University in Clarion, PA; and St.
Bonaventure University in nearby Olean, NY. Penn State University in State College, PA, and the State
University of Buffalo, located in Buffalo, NY, are both approximately 3 hours away. In addition, the University
of Pittsburgh Bradford (UPB) Campus, a four year highly rated smaller eastern college, is located in Bradford,
PA. With recent and continuing expansions to UPB, it has become an exceptional facility and a mainstay to the
Bradford community.
Housing costs are among the lowest in the nation. There are rentals available ranging between $300$600/month. Rental homes and apartments range from $300-$600 per month for an average three bedroom
home/apartment. The price of single family homes range from $40,000 and up, depending on where you live in
the county. The average price is $61,000. Warren County residents are subject to real
estate taxes computed by multiplying the property assessment by the millage rate. The
total millage rate includes taxes for the county, the school district, and the local
municipality. Property is assessed at half the market value.
Special annual events include the Warren Jaycees Fourth of July Parade, Warren
County Fair, Wild Wind Arts Festival, Hickory Creek Ranch Wild West Pro Rodeo,
American Power Boat Racing Association Power Boat Races, Tour de Forest ATV trail
riding event, Music in the Park Concert Series, Annual Ribfest, Farmer’s Market,
Annual Santa Parade and Christmas Walk and several theatrical and musical presentations at the Struthers
Library Theatre.
Major employers in Warren County are Blair Corporation, Northwest Saving Bank, United Refining
Corporation, Betts Industries, Ellwood Forge, Whirley Industries, Superior Tire and Rubber, Warren General
Hospital, Berenfield Container, Lowes and Wal-Mart.
MARIENVILLE COMMUNITY
Marienville is a small rural community with about 600
residents located in NW Pennsylvania in the southern part
of the Allegheny National Forest. The Marienville Ranger
Station, constructed in 2005, is an attractive and spacious
office located north of the community. While there are
limited services within the community; it does have a K-12
school, community center and swimming pool, library and a
number of churches. In addition, the community has two
small grocery stores, hardware store, pharmacy, satellite
clinic, motels, restaurants and a gas station/convenience
store.
BRADFORD AND OTHER COMMUNITIES
The surrounding full-service communities of Bradford, Clarion, Kane, Ridgway, Brookville and Warren are all
within a 30-50 minute drive of each other.. The area’s climate provides a classic display of the four distinct
seasons. Summers are warm and moderately humid with average temperatures of 75-80 degrees. Fall provides
panoramic views as the foliage turns spectacular colors of yellow, reds and purples. Springtime brings alive the
many blooming wild flowers and other natural vegetation. The winters are moderate with average temperatures
of 20-25 degrees. Annual precipitation is about 40 inches.
Bradford, Kane Warren and Clarion each have a general hospital, with several medical clinics, ambulance
service, physicians of all specialty areas, dentists and nursing homes throughout the region. There are motels,
radio stations, city and county offices and local retail businesses. Recreation facilities include baseball and
soccer fields, all-weather track, tennis courts, health and fitness clubs, an indoor and outdoor swimming pool,
four 18-hole golf courses in Warren County alone and several parks. In the immediate vicinity are trout fishing,
hunting, hiking, ATV trails, bicycling, camping, and wildlife viewing. The main industries are manufacturing,
social services and retail. The nearest commercial airports to Marienville are in Bradford, PA (52 minutes),
Jamestown, NY (82 minutes), Erie, PA (2 hours) and Pittsburgh, PA (2.5 hours).
There is no government housing available for these positions., but housing costs are among the lowest in the
nation. There are rentals available ranging between $400-$700/month.
For more information about the Forest and local communities, please visit the following websites.
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Allegheny National Forest.
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For travel in Pennsylvania.
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For the Bradford Ranger District:
o Warren County
o McKean County - http://www.allegheny-vacation.com/
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For the Marienville Ranger District:
o Elk & Forest County - http://www.pagreatoutdoors.com/
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination on all its programs and activities on the basis of race,
color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (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 (voice
and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten
Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is
an equal opportunity provider and employer.
RECENT GRADUATE OUTREACH RESPONSE FORM
Allegheny National Forest
Respond to Rob Fallon by Close of Business on August 7, 2013
by email to rfallon@fs.fed.us or by Fax at 814-927-2285
Position Title/Series/Grade: GIS Specialist, GS-0401-07
Duty Station (Select Preference):
Marienville, PA: ______
Warren, PA: ______
PERSONAL INFORMATION:
Name:
Date:
Address:
Phone No:
E-mail address:
EDUCATION:
Award date of most recent associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree
or certificate from qualifying educational institutions (must be within 2 years prior to July 2013; or, for
Veterans, within 6 years prior to July 2013): _____________________
WORK EXPERIENCE:
Are you currently a Federal employee?
Yes
No
IF YES: Current Agency, position and location: ____________________________________
Type of Appointment:
Permanent
Term
Temporary
(Optional) If you are not a current permanent (career or career conditional) employee, are you eligible for
appointment under any of the following special authorities?
Person with Disabilities
Veterans Recruitment
Former Peace Corps Volunteer
Disabled Veteran w/30% Compensable Disability
Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998
Other (Specify: ___________________________)
Briefly describe why you will be a quality candidate for this position: