United States
Forest Service
Outreach Notice
Region 2
Pike & San Isabel National Forests/Cimarron & Comanche National Grasslands
Salida Ranger District, Mountain Zone Fire
Outreach notice valid through January 20, 2014
Supervisory Fire Engine Operator GS-0462-6/7
Organizational Unit: Region 2 - Pike and San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron and Comanche National
Grasslands. The Salida Ranger District is located in the San Isabel National Forest, and is situated within the
Upper Arkansas River Basin located in central Colorado. The District Ranger reports directly to the Forest
Supervisor. The Salida Ranger District manages a total of 448,885 acres and intersects five counties. The
District has 20 permanent employees and approximately 25 seasonal employees. The Salida Ranger District
is one of three San Isabel National Forest Districts which make up the San Isabel Area (POD). A number of
District employees routinely work cooperatively within the POD sharing work and responsibilities across
geographic lines.
Opportunity Type: This position is being announced under an open continuous recruitment for status eligible
candidates as well as all US Citizens. Those that wish to be considered for this position must apply to the
vacancy announcement by January 20, 2014, and identify Salida, CO as the duty location.
This position is being concurrently announced under Merit Promotion Announcement Number Current or
former Federal employees may apply to both announcements, but should be sure to apply to the Merit
Promotion Announcement in order to avoid losing consideration since different referral criteria apply to each
type of announcement. The open continuous announcement can be found at www.usajobs.com under vacancy
announcement number: The announcement can also be accessed directly through these links:
Merit Announcement #; OCR14-462-SFEO(M)-6/7G https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/356883900
Demo Announcement #; OCR14-462-SFEO(M)-6/7DP https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/356883600
Primary Contacts Chris Naccarato, DFMO; (719) 530-2150 cnaccarato@fs.fed.us; or Ben Ingram,
(719)-530-2151 jbingram@fs.fed.us For additional information about the District or the position you
may contact Amy Ormseth Salida District Ranger (719)-539-3591 aormseth@fs.fed.us
Position Details
Introductory Statement: This is a standard wildland fire management position description intended
for use in the USDA Forest Service. This position serves as a first line supervisor on a Fire Engine
Module. The primary purpose of this position is to perform wildland firefighting work and to supervise
crews performing such work. These crews perform work directly related to wildland fire suppression
and control activities including suppression, preparedness, prevention, monitoring, hazardous fuels
reduction, and prescribed burning.
May operate a vehicle requiring the incumbent to obtain and hold a State Class A Commercial Drivers
License. This license must be obtained prior to being assigned these duties. If Commercial License is
required, this position will be a Test Designated Position (TDP) under the Forest Service/Department
of Transportation Alcohol and Controlled Substances Testing Program. Driver is subject to the
requirements of the Department of Transportation drug and alcohol testing program.
This position is located on a wildlland fire crew performing wildland firefighting work and to lead crews
performing such work. These crews perform work including suppression, preparedness, prevention,
monitoring, and hazardous fuels reduction.
This is a continuously open vacancy announcement for one or more locations throughout the Forest
Service. The number and location of positions to be filled will be dependent upon individual unit
needs. Positions may be filled as career ladders or could be filled at the full performance level
dependent upon the individual unit's needs. Availability of government housing, federal day care
facilities, and bargaining unit status will vary by location. To ensure continued interest and availability,
applicants will be notified via e-mail reminding them to re-certify their application every 60 days.
This position has been identified under the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) and is
subject to selective placement factor requirements contained in the Interagency Fire Program
Management (IFPM) Standard and Guide when filling this vacancy. IFPM selective placement factors
are made up of a primary and secondary National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) core Incident
Management Qualifications and Required Training. The applicant must possess these qualifications
to be considered eligible for this position. For further information:
http://www.ifpm.nifc.gov/standard/electronicver/electronic.htm
The USDA Forest Service has legislative authority to recruit and fill Permanent (Career/CareerConditional), Temporary, and Term Appointments under the USDA Demonstration Project. Under this
authority, any U.S. citizen may apply.
KEY REQUIREMENTS
 US Citizenship required.
 Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with the Selective Service.
 Minimum of 90 days of wildland firefighting experience is required.
 Must meet Maximum Entry Age (MEA) requirements.
 Must meet IFPM qualifications.
 Primary firefighter retirement covered position.
 Must possess and maintain a Valid Driver’s License.
 Position requires a Work Capacity Test (WCT).
 May require a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
 Subject to negative drug test prior to entrance on duty if CDL required.
DUTIES:
Serves as a supervisory wildland firefighter on a wildland fire engine. Directs the operation of a
wildland fire engine, ensuring the correct positioning, 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. 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. May be required to be a fully qualified chain saw operator. Serves as initial attack Incident
Commander.
Directs and performs prescribed fire operations including preparation, ignition, monitoring, holding,
and mop-up. Monitors fire behavior, fire effects, and fire weather on prescribed fires and wildland fire
use. May use specialized firing equipment (e.g. fuses, drip torches, flares, and terra torch). May be
required to be a fully qualified chain saw operator.
Responsible for operation and maintenance of specialized equipment used to respond to wildland
and prescribed fire situations. Accomplishes emergency repairs as necessary to permit continued use
of equipment. In those instances when the apparatus cannot be used effectively in suppressing the
fire, the incumbent takes appropriate control action in attacking the fire.
Performs wildfire suppression support as directed within training and physical capabilities and other
duties as assigned. Duties listed are at the full performance level.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
Applicants must meet all the required qualification requirements, including education if applicable,
and any selective placement factors described below before a certificate of candidates from this
announcement is issued to the selecting official. Education may only be substituted in accordance
with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook. Additional
information on the qualification requirements for this position is outlined in the OPM Qualification
Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions and is available at OPM’s
website:http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/Standards/IORs/gs0400/0462.htm
Basic Qualifications: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills,
and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the
work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent
to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the
organization. Specialized experience directly related to this position should be documented in the
online application or resume. Applicants are encouraged to provide a narrative in the online
application or resume that describes the duties performed relative to the specialized experience
defined for this position. Show percentages of time performing these duties if work involved a variety
of different duties (i.e. 75% of the time performing these duties and 25% of the time performing this
duty).
Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following:
For the GS-06 position, in addition to meeting the basic entry qualification requirements, applicants
must have had one (1) year of specialized experience at least equivalent to GS-05 level: Has made
initial evaluation of fire situation, determined suppression method to use, hose lays, deployment of
crew, point of initial attack, type of tools to use, and application of water; Has evaluated safety as to
whether the crew and equipment needs to be relocated during initial attack on wildland fires; Has kept
dispatcher and superior informed of progress on fire situation and requests additional assistance as
needed; Served as a working leader on a wildland fire engine; Directs others and provides leadership
in wildland fire operations including prescribed fire.
For the GS-07 position, in addition to meeting the basic entry qualification requirements, applicants
must have had one (1) year of specialized experience at least equivalent to GS-06: Has served
infrequently as Initial Attack Incident Commander on wildland urban interface, and all-hazard
incidents;Has assisted with search and rescue incidents, victim recoveries, automobile accidents,
hazardous materials incidents during local responses involving multi jurisdictional and multi agency
cooperators; Directed project work in support of ecosystem management such as prescribed fire,
including development of burn plans; Performed administrative support (procurement, property
mgmt., etc.) and human resource management functions relative to a wildland fire crew.
Substitution of Education for Experience:
For the GS-6 level, there is no substitution of education for experience for this position.
The experience requirements for the GS-7 level may be met by completion of one (1) year of
graduate level education in a position-related field of forestry or natural resources management.
Combination of Education and Experience:
For the GS-6 level, there is no combination of education and experience for this position.
For the GS-7 level, combinations of successfully completed education and experience may be used
to meet the experience requirements.
Selective Placement Factors:


A minimum 90 days experience performing wildland fire suppression duties as a member
of an organized fire suppression crew or comparable unit that utilized knowledge of
wildland fire suppression, containment or control techniques and practices under various
conditions. This experience must be documented with specific dates in the online
application or resume.
Primary firefighter positions include the following age requirements: Under age 37 -ORless than age 37 after subtracting the months of Federal Service worked in a primary or



secondary firefighter/law enforcement position -OR- a veteran preference eligible, older
than age 37 and is requesting a waiver to the maximum age requirement.
Successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Engine Boss (ENGB).
Successfully completed the Secondary NWCG Core Requirement of Incident
Commander Type 5 (ICT5).
Successfully completed the NWCG Course # S-211Portable Pumps and Water Use.
Time in Grade Requirement: If you are a current federal employee in the General Schedule (GS)
pay plan and applying for a promotion opportunity, you must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirements
with 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position
being filled. This requirement must be meet the date a certificate of candidates is issued from this
Open Continuous Announcement.
To receive consideration for this position, you must meet all qualification requirements the date a
certificate of candidates is issued from this Open Continuous Announcement.
Must be 18 years of age.
Subject to satisfactory completion of a one year supervisory/managerial probationary period.
May be subject to satisfactory completion of one year probationary or trial period.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
This position may require the selectee to obtain or possess a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and is a
Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Department of Transportation (DOT)/Forest Service (FS) Alcohol
and Controlled Substance Testing Program. Applicant tentatively selected for this position will be required to
submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use. Final appointment is conditional on a negative drug test. This
announcement constitutes 30 days advance notice.
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 MODERATE level is a
"condition of employment." The Moderate fitness (Field) test requires completing a two (2) mile hike within
thirty (30) minutes, while carrying a twenty-five (25) pound pack. You are strongly encouraged to consult with
your physician and begin training immediately if applying for this position. This announcement constitutes the
required 30 days advanced notice for testing requirements.
This position has been identified under the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) and is
subject to selective placement factor requirements contained in the Interagency Fire Program
Management (IFPM) Standard and Guide when filling this vacancy. IFPM selective placement factors
are made up of a primary and secondary National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) core Incident
Management Qualifications and Required Training. The applicant must possess these qualifications
to be considered eligible for this position.
Bargaining Unit Status: Not eligible.
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
PIKE/SAN ISABEL NATIONAL FORESTS & CIMARRON/COMANCHE
NATIONAL GRASSLANDS
The Pike & San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron & Comanche National Grasslands are located in Southern
Colorado. The Forest unit is comprised of eight Ranger Districts stretching over 3 million acres from Leadville,
CO to Elkhart, KS. The Forest Supervisor’s Office is located in Pueblo, Colorado. The Forest and Grasslands
have a complexity of resources including range, timber, wildlife, water, wilderness areas, developed and
dispersed recreation, and ski areas.
THE DISTRICT
The Salida Ranger District is located in the San Isabel National Forest, and is situated within the Upper
Arkansas River Basin which is located in central Colorado; about 3 hours south of Denver. The Ranger District
is located in the “Home of the Fourteeners” with fourteen thousand foot peaks towering over the western side of
the valley. The climate is unique in that the valley boasts over 300 days of sunshine with low amounts of
precipitation. The valley is irrigated by snow melt with climate zones varying from foothills and montane to
sub-alpine and alpine on the peaks.
Locally, the valley is known as the “Banana Belt” of Colorado because of the outstanding climate. Recreation
opportunities abound and include premier Mountain biking along the Crest Trail, skiing and snowboarding at
Monarch Ski Area, white water rafting on the Arkansas River and hiking, climbing peaks, riding horses and
four-wheeling along mountain roads and trails on the District. Big game hunting is a popular fall activity along
with fishing opportunities at high lakes and along the Arkansas River. Salida and the upper Arkansas Valley are
truly a recreation destination for visitors from Colorado and neighboring states.
The Salida Ranger District manages a total of 448,885 acres, and intersects five counties. Three wilderness
areas are located on the District with a fourth area proposed on BLM land directly adjacent to National Forest
and Browns Canyon. The Monarch Ski and Snowboard area is located 20 miles west of Salida and it operates
under permit with the US Forest Service. Monarch has been an anchor business in the local area for more than
50 years, employing many residents on a seasonal basis and offering some of the best natural snow in the state.
Downtown Salida
The Community
Salida is the county seat for Chaffee County with a population of around 5,500 in the city limits and a total of
15, 359 in the county. The elevation is 7,036 feet making growing seasons short but an abundant local
agricultural movement has sprung up in recent years. Local growers support a Farmers Market on Saturdays
through the summer and falls seasons. Summertime festivals and events occur nearly every weekend during the
summer months. Salida is home to one of the largest historic districts in the State of Colorado and many of the
historic buildings have been restored and revitalized into a thriving downtown area that sports art galleries, fine
restaurants, breweries and recreation related shops. Buena Vista located 26 miles north of Salida is a smaller
community but similar in many ways to Salida with a quaint historic downtown and a new sustainably built
South Main area with retail and residential shops and homes. Poncha Springs is a bedroom community for
Salida and it is located 5 miles west on Hwy 50.
Amenities and services located in or near Salida:
Medical Facilities: Salida is home to the Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center. The medical
center was constructed in 2008. It offers 20 beds with a state-of-the-art birthing suite, emergency services,
surgery including orthopedic and sports medicine specialties. Life flight services are provided and the hospital
is rated as a top trauma center for central and southern Colorado. Nursing home facilities are available in both
Salida and Buena Vista.
Schools and Colleges: Salida has a solid K-12th grade system with a new high school slated for
construction in 2012, a nearly new middle school and a small elementary complex. Buena Vista has a high
school, middle school and elementary facilities. Colorado Mountain College has campuses in Buena Vista and
Leadville. Both communities have strong Boys and Girls Clubs for after school programming.
Churches and Worships Centers: There are various denominations represented in the valley.
Housing: No government housing is available. Rentals typically range from $500/month for a one-bedroom
apartment in downtown Salida to $700 to $1000 per/month for a three bedroom house. Rentals are difficult to
find because of fluctuations in seasonal employments and economic factors. Realtors may have a list of
properties that are management as rentals. Home prices are relatively high compared to other areas in the West,
ranging from $150,000 for a small 2 bedroom home to $300,000 for a larger 3 bedroom home. Local realtors
can give a listing of recent home sale prices.
Public Transportation: Commercial airlines fly out of Pueblo and Colorado Springs and Denver. Bus
service via a shuttle is available for destinations in Denver and Pueblo. Small aircraft services are available at
the Salida and Buena Vista airports.
Remarks: We suggest contacting the Chamber of Commerce, 406 West Rainbow Blvd., Salida, Colorado
81201 for further information regarding the area. The phone number is (719) 539-2068 or web page is
www.salidachamber.org.
Related information to learn about the PSICC and/or Pueblo area: http://fsweb.psicc.r2.fs.fed.us, or call the
Pueblo Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-233-3446.