OUTREACH NOTICE
HYDROLOGIST/SOIL SCIENTIST
USDA – Forest Service – Northern Region – R1
Nez Perce – Clearwater National Forests
North Zone – Palouse Ranger District & North Fork Ranger District
Duty Station: Potlatch, ID
HYDROLOGIST/SOIL SCIENTIST GS-0470/1315-07/09/11
Outreach Period Nov. 22th through Dec 22th, 2013
Series-Grade:
GS-0470/1315-07/09/11
Appointment:
Permanent Fulltime
Primary Contact:
Susan Shaw, 208-875-1701 or sshaw@fs.fed.us
The Palouse and North Fork Ranger Districts will soon be advertising one permanent, Hydrologist/Soil Scientist
GS-0470/1315-07/09/11. The purpose of this Outreach Notice is to inform the potential applicant pool of this position.
MAJOR DUTIES
This position serves as a hydrologist/soil scientist on two Ranger Districts with responsibility for conducting
and interpreting hydrologic surveys, soil surveys and analysis, watershed and soils rehabilitation and
management planning, and providing technical guidance within the framework of multiple-use management of
forest and range lands.
Supplies soil and hydrology related information to the land management planning process. Candidate will provide
technical expertise in analyzing this information. Determine resource potentials, suggest alternative management
practices, predict the effect of each management alternative, and assess the resource trade-offs required at a project level.
Formulate and recommends projects for soils, water management and restoration and provides technical evaluation and
support to the development of long range plans.
Makes assigned soil management investigations of soil management problem areas, analyzes this data, and makes
recommendations which are used in preparing integrated plans for resource management activities on the Forest. They
advise land managers of capabilities and limitations of soils for a variety of contemplated uses and activities (e.g., timber
sales, watershed rehabilitation projects, transportation planning, or recreation development).
Serve on interdisciplinary teams conducting environmental analyses of proposed projects.
Important evaluation criteria that will be assessed during the selection process are related education, skills and knowledge
related to development, implementation, and administration of plans, programs, and methodology connected
with Watershed & Soil management. The employee must consider a number of variables in developing the
plans and carrying them out. The area may be under intensive use by one or more resources. These varied uses
tend to conflict and cause serious disagreement among particular interest groups. The assignments require the
hydrologist/soil scientist to interpret available data in terms of the variables involved, the effect on other
resources, the rationale of the competing interests, and to extend, modify, or otherwise adapt procedures to
resolve complex issues. This position requires working in remote locations on the Palouse and North Fork Ranger
districts and staying in Forest Service Work Centers located across the Palouse and North Fork Ranger Districts. This
work is performed in a forest environment where the terrain may be steep, uneven, rocky, and covered with thick and
tangled vegetation. Temperatures may range from very hot and dry in the summer to cool and extremely wet. Rain, snow,
wind, or dust may be encountered. Some winter work may require the use of snowmobiles and ATV’s.
THE DUTY STATION:
The Palouse Ranger District office is located in Potlatch, Idaho. The District is easily accessed by State Highways 95, 3,
6, and 8, which traverse the District. Land is owned in a checkerboard fashion, with the Idaho Department of Lands and
Potlatch Corporation being some of our largest neighbors. The land is typified by gentle, rolling hills and is extremely
productive. It has a long history of intense forest management. There is a very active fuels program and an active timber
sale program on the District (approx. 20 MMBF/year) as well. The District is at the center of western white pine
restoration. There are numerous recreation opportunities available and motorized trail use is growing. The land types and
productivity provide excellent habitat for a rich variety of plants and animals. The area is well known for its big game
hunting opportunities.
COMMUNITY: Potlatch is located in Latah County, Idaho about 18 miles north of Moscow at the edge of the Palouse
Prairie. The Palouse Prairie is a fertile farmland area of rolling grain fields. Potlatch is nestled in this picturesque prairieforest interface. Potlatch is a small town with a population of about 800 people. The Potlatch School System offers preschool, a grade school, a Jr-Sr High School, as well as a library, the Lions, an active Historical Society, and other civicminded groups. It serves as a bedroom community to Moscow and Pullman, Washington.
Moscow is the seat of Latah County, and houses the University of Idaho. Washington State University is 8 miles west of
Moscow in Pullman, Washington. These two communities offer a full range of amenities and services, including
professional health services, religious organizations, civic, sports, and social opportunities. The larger communities of
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and Spokane, Washington are within a one and a half hour drive north of Potlatch while the
communities of Lewiston, Idaho and Clarkston, Washington are within a one hour drive south of Potlatch.
Housing is available in the Potlatch area, and ranges from about $75,000 to $200,000. Home prices is Moscow range
from $150,000 - $500,000. Country homes with acreage are available at a variety of prices. For more in-depth
community information visit http://www.potlatch.com/.
SALARY: $57,408 - $74,628 depending on Grade and Step
OUTREACH NOTICE RESPONSE FORM
NEZ PERCE-CLEARWATER NATIONAL FORESTS
North Zone – Palouse Ranger District & North Fork Ranger District
DUTY STATION: POTLATCH, IDAHO
RESPOND BY: CLOSE-OF-BUSINESS ON DECEMBER 10 TH, 2013
TITLE, SERIES, AND GRADE OF POSITION: HYDROLOGIST/SOIL SCIENTIST 0470/1315-07/09/11
NAME:
EMAIL:
TELEPHONE NUMBER:
MAILING ADDRESS:
CURRENT EMPLOYER:
OR
AGENCY EMPLOYED WITH:
TYPE OF APPOINTMENT:
PERMANENT / TEMPORARY
/ OTHER
CURRENT DUTY STATION:
CURRENT TITLE/SERIES AND GRADE:
CURRENT EMPLOYMENT STATUS:
IF NOT A CURRENT PERMANENT EMPLOYEE (CAREER OR CAREER CONDITIONAL), ARE YOU ELIGIBLE TO BE
HIRED UNDER ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SPECIAL AUTHORITIES?
PERSON WITH DISABILITIES
VETERAN'S REEMPLOYMENT ACT
DISABLED VETERAN'S W/30% COMPENSABLE DISABILITY
VETERAN'S EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES ACT OF 1998
FORMER PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEER
OTHER
THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN OUR VACANCY!
If you are interested in this position and want to receive a copy of the Vacancy Announcement, please complete this form
and return it to Susan Shaw at:
Email:
sshaw@fs.fed.us
Or Hardcopy: Palouse Ranger District
1700 Highway 6
Potlatch, Idaho 83855