Francis Marion National Forest
Southern Area Region R-8
***** Supervisory Forestry Technician *****
Fire Engine Operator
GS-0462-7
1 Vacancy
Reply by October 1, 2016
The Francis Marion Sumter National Forest is seeking interested employees for a GS-0462-7 Permanent Full Time Supervisory Forestry Technician Position with a duty location of Huger South Carolina. The Incumbent will perform the duties of a Supervisory Engine Operator (SEOP) on the Francis Marion Ranger
Application Information
The purpose of this Outreach Notice is to determine the potential applicant pool for this position and to establish the appropriate recruitment method for the job advertisement. Depending on the results of the outreach, the position will be announced for applications from either current government employees (MERIT) or the general public (DEMO). Please review the information below and, if interested in applying for this position, fill out the candidate response form and e-mail it to mploski@fs.fed.us by October 1, 2016. You are encouraged to include a brief summary of your education and work experience. Notification of availability of the application will follow when the vacancy announcement is posted in USAJobs. For more information on the application process in USAJobs visit https://www.usajobs.gov/ and for more information on the position contact Mark Ploski, AFMO, at 843-336-2200.
ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: Not yet available
POSITIONS AND HIRING INFORMATION: The primary purpose of this position is to perform wildland firefighting work and to lead crews performing such work. This position has been identified as one of the key 13 fire management positions in the Interagency Fire Program (IFPM) Standard, and will be subject to selective placement factors that are conditions of hire on ~January 1, 2017.
Key Fire Management Position: Supervisory Engine Operator (SEOP)
NWCG Incident Management Qualifications: Primary: Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1)
Additional Required Training: Completion of S-290
A copy of the IQCS master record should be submitted along with the application as supporting documentation to validate NWCG Qualifications and Additional Required Training.
JOB SERIES AND GRADE: GS-0462-7
Incumbent is funded Permanent Full Time for 26 pay periods
FOREST: The 259,000 +/- acre Francis Marion National Forest (FMNF) is located in the Coastal Plain of South Carolina and is adjacent to the Santee River, the inter coastal waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. The FMNF is comprised of several different landforms, ranging from swamps, floodplains, stream terraces, side slopes, and xeric ridges. The Forest contains over 30 different natural communities ranging from dry longleaf pine/Turkey Oak woodland to clay-based Carolina bay wetlands. To date, over 1,600 species of plants have been documented on the forest, which include 32 species of orchids, 22 species of ferns, and 12 species of carnivorous plants. There are approximately 280 miles of perennial streams and 150,000 acres of palustrine, riverine, lacustrine, and estuarine wetlands on the FMNF.
FIRE PROGRAM: The Francis Marion has an extremely active prescribe burning program within an urban interface environment and supports one of the largest populations of the federally endangered red-cockaded woodpecker in the United States. Wildfire occurrence typically ranges anywhere from 10 to 50 wildfires per year. The normal fire season on the Forest is from October thru June. Fire suppression tactics primarily involve Dozers/Tractor Plows, engines and helicopters.
In addition to an active fire season, the district averages 32,000 acres of prescribed burning each year, primarily through aerial ignition utilizing a Type 3 helicopter. Although reducing fuel loading is the primary purpose, prescribed fire is crucial for the restoration of the longleaf pine/bunch grass ecosystem and numerous endangered plant and animal species, particularly that of the Red Cockaded Woodpecker.
In additional to program work, the incumbent needs to be aware that the Francis Marion National Forest supports an adaptive and collaborative management approach. Candidates are expected to be willing to work where needed.
Major Duties of the Position: Wildland Fire Engine. Serves as a Supervisory Engine Operator (SEOP) on a wildland fire engine. Drives and operates a Type 6 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, and is 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 serve as initial attack incident commander.
Performs other multifunctional work as assigned in areas such as Wildlife, Recreation, timber stand improvement and reforestation.
Prescribed Fires:
Serves as a Supervisory Engine Operator (SEOP) on a prescribed fire engine crew. Performs prescribed fire operations including preparation, ignition, monitoring, holding, and mop up. Monitors fire behavior, fire effects, and fire weather on prescribed fires. Will use specialized firing equipment (e.g. fusees, drip torches, flares, and pyro shot).
Fire Suppression:
Makes initial evaluation of fire situations, determines rate of spread, potential hazards to property and other improvements. Recognizes the best suppression methods to use during initial attack, considering the proper tools and equipment for minimum resource damage.
Gathers and considers information on weather data, topography, fuel types, and fire behavior in responding to wildland fire incidents. Recommends best approaches and practices to use in protection of the values at risk.
Completes emergency repairs as necessary to permit continued use of equipment.
Participates in wildland fire and safety training, continues to refine safe techniques, practices, and methods in fire suppression. Participates in crew proficiency checks and drills, safety sessions, and fire critiques. Ensures own and other’s welfare and safety in all aspects of the assignment.
Operates a variety of motor vehicles and trailers to transport equipment, supplies, crew members, etc.
Performs basic first aid.
DUTY STATION: The duty station at Huger is located 40 minutes inland from the coast and 20 minutes from Lake Moultrie, a large reservoir famous for its catfish and striped bass fisheries. Huger is a very small rural community that is on the outskirts of the Charleston Metropolitan area (pop. 577,000) that includes:
The Town of Moncks Corner – 30 minutes from Huger
The Town of Mt. Pleasant – 30 minutes from Huger
The City of Charleston – 45 minutes from Huger
The National Forest is situated between two major metropolitan areas: Myrtle Beach (30 miles to the north) and historic Charleston (30 miles to the south). This part of coastal South Carolina is a popular tourist destination well known for its salt-water recreation, beautiful coastal scenery and historical landmarks dating all the way back to colonial America. With a population of over 128,000 residents, Charleston is the largest nearby metropolitan area. However, the towns of Moncks Corner (22 miles), Goose Creek (36 miles), Mount Pleasant (23 miles), and McClellanville (20 miles) are nearby.
HOUSING/TRAVEL: Housing prices are variable depending on location, but are significantly higher in Charleston County than Berkeley and Georgetown counties where most of the Francis Marion employees live. Apartment/Condominiums are readily available to rent within Charleston County and not as available in Berkeley County. Air transportation is available at Charleston Regional Airport. There is an Amtrak station in North Charleston.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Mark Ploski
Assistant Fire Management Officer
mploski@fs.fed.us or 843.336.2200