Bridger-Teton National Forest Seasonal Position Outreach Notice
The Bridger-Teton National Forest will be hiring seasonal positions for the 2014 summer season on or after February 17 of 2014. The Forest may fill up to 33 positions, including: timber, wildlife, fisheries, hydrology, range, and engineering technicians. Government housing may be available for some positions.
These positions will be temporary, not to exceed 1039 hours. All positions will be advertised on USAJOBS, www.usajobs.gov. The contacts for the individual positions will have the announcement numbers once they are available.
About the Forest:
The 3.4 million acre Bridger-Teton National Forest is the second largest National Forest in the United States outside Alaska. It lies in Western Wyoming, adjoining Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks and within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the largest remaining area of undeveloped land in the 48 conterminous United States. It is noted for its scenery and natural features, large and diverse wildlife populations, and habitat for threatened and endangered species. There are six districts on the Forest: Kemmerer, Afton, Big Piney, Pinedale, Jackson and Buffalo. The Supervisor’s Office is in Jackson.
Fisheries Biological Science Technicians
The Bridger-Teton National Forest is outreaching for up to 6 Biological Science Technicians (Fisheries). These positions will serve on fisheries crews with duties that may include: surveys for amphibians; electro-fishing to determine fish populations; aquatic habitat condition surveys; sediment sampling; and stream and lake improvement activities. Fieldwork requires camping in remote locations for multiple days. Applicants should have experience in a “wilderness” type setting. Applicants should be capable of hiking and wading mountain streams, carrying a backpack, as the work requires physical exertion.
Preference will be given to those who have experience and/or education in fisheries/ecology related fields.
GS-4 – As a crew member, this employee makes fish counts, and traps fry and fingerlings using such methods as baited minnow traps; identifies and measures species, recording numbers, lengths, weights etc., notes environmental factors prejudicial to fish habitat such as log jams and silting, and recommends corrective action; and independently determines count sites on assigned streams. The employee assists higher-graded technicians with the operation of more sophisticated equipment or systems. This person assists in the acquisition of field data by measuring and recording pertinent biological information peculiar to the specific assignment.
GS-5 – Individually, or as a crewmember, the employee conducts fisheries projects requiring adaptation of procedural guides. The employee measures amount and quantity of stream habitat, keeps records of all data and develops these into statistical reports, schedules, services, calibrate repairs, and installs sampling instrumentation, collects data from field recording instruments and makes on-site measurements of study area conditions, runs routine computer programs and checks resulting data for inconsistencies, and provides results to professional personnel for refinement, adjustment, and analysis and may assist in the preparation of reports.
GS-7 – Operating independently or as a crew leader, the employee participates in the development of fisheries project plans; prepares charts and summaries, and assists in developing data through computer software packages or other calculations; records both procedures and observations: develops explanations and provides an analysis with the data presented to the supervisor; ensures that data gathered by the field crew is inputted into the appropriate database, authenticated, and that a summary report of findings is written for all research/field projects. Extensive planning and coordination is required along with working with others, drawing up schedules and selecting appropriate methods and procedures.
Title
Number of positions
Duty station
Contact
Grade levels
Biological Science Technician (Fisheries)
Up to 4
Afton or Pinedale, WY
Matthew Anderson 307-367-5751
manderson08@fs.fed.us
GS – 4 or 5
Biological Science Technician (Fisheries)
Up to 2
GS – 7
Range Technicians
The Pinedale Ranger District, Bridger-Teton National Forest, is outreaching for up to 2 Range Technicians. Primary duties include: inspection of range allotments for compliance with management plans and annual operating instructions which includes monitoring numbers of livestock, forage utilization standards, and range improvement maintenance. The incumbent will report non-compliance or other management needs and keep accurate records on the results of allotment inspections. A large emphasis will be placed on fieldwork which includes: range readiness inspections, running nested frequency transects, and treating noxious weeds. Duties may include construction and re-construction of fences. Much of the forest is inaccessible via motorized vehicle. Fieldwork may require camping in remote locations for multiple days so applicants should have experience in a “wilderness” type setting.
Preference will be given to those whose skills include: plant ID, horsemanship, ATV operation, chainsaw operation, knowledge of fence construction techniques and their application.
Title
Number of positions
Duty station
Contact
Grade levels
Range Technician
Up to 2
Pinedale, WY
Barb Franklin 307-367-5721
bfranklin@fs.fed.us
GS – 4 or 5
Hydrology – Hydrologic Technician
The Bridger-Teton National Forest will be hiring a seasonal Hydrologic Technician for the 2014 summer season. This individual will be hired at the GS-7 level and will be based out of Jackson, Wyoming.
Government housing may be available. Preference will be given to applicants having experience and/or education related to the position tasks.
The Technician is responsible for hydrologic monitoring and other data gathering across much of the Bridger-Teton National Forest. The position also requires document preparation and data management. The position is supervised by the Forest Hydrologist. Duties include:
· Independent preparation of analyses, charts, forms, and hydrographs, using the computer or other specialized equipment for computations and analyses.
· Maintaining field notebooks and logs of events andactivities.
· Hydrologic testing, measurement, and data collection. This includes selecting appropriate methods based on situations at a field site and adjusting standard methods. Interpretation of results is also required. Stream channel and riparian condition assessment are included in the workload.
· Installation, maintenance, and repair of field equipment and instruments. Instruments include those associated with gaging stations and temperature loggers.
· Preparation of internal reports describing techniques, findings, and neededadjustments.
As an advanced trainee, the candidate must be able to work independently, in consultation with the Forest Hydrologist as needed. They must be comfortable communicating professionally with Forest Service and external individuals, both orally and in writing. They must have the aptitude for maintaining equipment and records, and ensuring that information is accurate and complete. Field work is conducted in a forest
environment in which temperature and weather extremes may be encountered and where the terrain may be steep, uneven, and rocky. Applicants should be capable of hiking and wading mountain streams, carrying a backpack, as the work requires physical exertion.
Title
Number of positions
Duty station
Contact
Grade level
Hydrologic Technician
1
Jackson, Wyoming
Ronna Simon 307-739-5598
rsimon@fs.fed.us or
Eric Winthers 307-367-5740
ewinthers@fs.fed.us
GS-7
Timber Forestry Aids and Technicians
The Bridger-Teton National Forest is outreaching for up to 6 Forestry Aids and Forestry Technicians. These positions will serve on the forest timber crew which is based out of Big Piney Ranger District or the Buffalo Ranger District but can travel and work on various other districts on the forest. Duties will include marking and cruising timber on timber sales, reforestation inspections and surveys, stand exams, hazard tree removal and noxious weed removal and spraying.
GS-3 Forestry Aid – Individual is able to perform technical duties in support of the timber crew. Duties include taking and or recording basic measurements such as compass readings, tree heights, tree diameters, tree growth, and determine common species. Receives training on marking trees for harvest, using tools such as a Spiegel Relaskop, clinometer, compass, chain, diameter tape, increment borer, electronic field data recorder, etc. Traverses boundaries of harvest units using a GPS and assists in cruising timber by taking and recording simple measurements as well as using a GPS unit to determine plot locations. Individual will participate in other aspects of resource management support work such as recreation, maintenance, silviculture, tree planting, etc.
GS-4 Forestry Technician – Individual is able to perform presale duties including timber marking, traversing, and basic tree measurements. For timber cruising, serves as a tally person and may operate electronic field data recorders. Will assist in the measure of limiting distances, tree diameter, tree height, and estimate defect and quality, and related fundamental timber cruising procedures and may be able to become a qualified timber cruiser. Individual will participate in other aspects of resource management support work such as recreation, maintenance, silviculture, tree planting, etc.
GS-5 Forestry Technician – Individual to perform presale duties including timber cruising, and timber marking. Independently applies silvicultural prescriptions and marking guides to designate harvest timber and acts as a certified timber cruiser. Independently applies the instructions issued in a cruise plan.
Takes and records tree measurements, assesses quality, and determines defect. Prepares and computer processes cruise data. Will traverses harvest unit boundaries, road locations, and determines area.
Individual will participate in other aspects of resource management support work such as recreation, maintenance, silviculture, tree planting, etc.
Title
Number of positions
Duty station
Contact
Grade levels
Forestry Aid
Up to 2
Buffalo
Karl Buermeyer 307-543-3909
GS – 3
or Big
kbuermeyer@fs.fed.us
Forestry Technician
Up to 4
Piney,
Dennis Barron
GS – 4 or 5
WY
307-276-5818
dbarron01@fs.fed.us
Biological Science Technicians (Wildlife)
The Bridger-Teton National Forest is outreaching for seasonal Biological Science Technicians (Wildlife) to be stationed on districts across the Forest, in Afton, Big Piney, Pinedale, or Jackson. These positions will serve on wildlife crews with duties that may include: avian surveys; carnivore monitoring; or amphibian sampling, mapping, forest, range, and riparian habitat assessments, and plant identification.
Field work typically takes place in remote or wilderness settings, where terrain may be uneven, rocky, covered with dense vegetation, and with exposure to weather and temperature extremes, and biting insects. Work may require working closely in pairs or on a small crew, and camping for multiple days. Applicants should be physically fit to hike up to 15 miles or more per day in mountainous terrain and to navigate through wetlands, and should be comfortable working in areas where grizzly bears and other natural hazards may occur. Preference will be given to those who have experience and/or education in wildlife/ecology related fields.
GS-4 position expectations – Independently, or as part of a team, participates in procedural wildlife- related assignments where methods and techniques are well-established. Identifies wildlife and plant species and measures and records habitat conditions in the field. Delineates wildlife habitat using GPS and topographic maps. Maintains records as directed by team leader or supervisor. Under supervision prepares maps and data summaries in proper format. Records data accurately in the field and maintains summaries or enters data for analysis.
GS-5 position expectations – Independently, or as part of a team, conducts field surveys and projects by following or adapting procedural guidelines, as directed by team leader or supervisor. Identifies and measures species and habitat conditions. Measures habitat variables, records data, delineates wildlife habitat in the field and on topographic maps using GPS and GIS, and develops reports. Collects field data from recording instruments and makes on-site measurements of study area conditions. Assists in the proper collection, handling, and preservation of specimens. Enters data in GPS or computer programs.
Prepares data summaries using statistical procedures.
GS-6 position expectations – Individually, or as a crew leader, participates in the development of field survey plans. Assists biologists in the collection, ordering, and analysis of biological and physical data in the environment. Collects species and habitat data and makes on-site measurements of habitat conditions. Collects and makes preliminary analysis of biological and physical data. Schedules and maintains field sampling instrumentation and equipment. Computes and summarizes data and prepares charts, graphs, and figures for data analysis and statistical reporting. Maintains and files accurate records of all data.
Runs routine computer programs and checks resulting data for inconsistencies. Provides results to supervisor for refinement, adjustment, and analysis and assists in the preparation of reports.
GS-7 position expectations – Operates independently, or as a crew leader, planning and conducting a variety of field studies of a range of wildlife species, including sensitive species, to determine numbers, environmental conditions, and the condition of the species and its habitat. Develops work plans to collect required data, determines recording requirements, and determines factors to use in completing assessments of habitat and species. Participates with biologists in planning work and will contribute productive ideas on uses of materials and methods. Improves, adapts and develops techniques, procedures, and equipment based on detailed practical knowledge and broad experience. Adapts study procedures and data collection in accordance with conditions found in order to provide clear, concise recommendations, which will improve habitat and condition of the species. Develops and maintains detailed and accurate reports on work methods, data collected and project evaluation.
Title
Number of positions
Duty Station
Contact
Grade levels
Biological Science Technician (Wildlife)
Up to 4
Afton, WY
Don DeLong 307.886.5319
ddelong@fs.fed.us
GS 404-4, 5,
6, or 7
Biological Science Technician (Wildlife)
Up to 6
Big Piney, WY
Ann Roberts 307.276.5813
annrroberts@fs.fed.us
GS 404- 4,
5, 6, or 7
Biological Science Technician (Wildlife)
Up to 3
Jackson, WY
Kerry Murphy 307.739.5411
Kmmurphy02@fs.fed.us
GS 404-4, 5,
6, or 7
Engineering Technician
Position Description: These positions will work full time (40 hours per week) with varying weekly schedules (most often 4 ten hour days Monday through Thursday). These positions are field based and will require overnight camping every night for the majority of the summer. For these positions, the maximum number of regular base hours that can be worked in a one year period is 1,039 hours; this is called the appointment limitation. The hours in the appointment limitation do not include training hours (up to 685 hours maximum in the first year and up to 80 hours maximum in each subsequent year).
Duties: The selected individual surveys and records data on primitive Forest Service roads; collects data on soil, topography, gradient, stream location, road geometry, road features, and related physical characteristics; reads maps and uses GPS to estimate road locations and record terrain features; participates in road surveys from pickups or all-terrain vehicles and often on foot; records road survey information on proper agency forms; compiles data in summary form and inputs data into agency database; uses GIS for information, data manipulation, and data entry; exercises judgment and initiative in recognizing inconsistencies or gaps in the information and in seeking possible sources of data; prepares, inspects, and processes information using written or computerized systems; and performs other duties as assigned.
Applicants must provide appropriate outdoor attire and hiking footwear. Candidates must possess a current ATV Rider Course certification from the ATV Safety Institute (or accepted substitute).
Applicants must be proficient driving a pickup truck on primitive roads with a trailer, including backing up a trailer. Some days will require working in varying weather and road conditions, applicants will need to provide suitable outdoor apparel. These positions are field based and will require overnight camping every night for the majority of the summer. Safety will be a major component of the execution of these tasks. The incumbent will be supervised and receive direction from one of the Engineering Staff Transportation Engineers.
Title
Number of positions
Duty stations
Contact
Grade levels
Engineering technician
Up to 2
Jackson, WY
Mike Oltman 307.739.5445
moltman@fs.fed.us
GS-3
GS-4 GS-5
Engineering Equipment Operator Helper
The selected individual will perform the simpler and more routine operation of heavy gasoline or diesel powered equipment, such as, large industrial tractors, dump trucks, motor graders, soil compactors, tractors with attachments, dozer tractors, front-end loaders, backhoes, excavators and brush cutters. The incumbent will operates equipment to perform basic assignments for cutting, moving, digging, grading, and rolling earth, sand, stone, and other materials. Work involves flat and stable terrain conditions when maintaining ditches, road shoulders and beds, and fire lines.
Duties include hooking up attachments when required and learning to perform adjustments such as setting level, angle, or depth. This position is responsible for performing basic service and maintenance on equipment operated. The incumbent will receive detailed instructions and training to operate and service heavy equipment for work that is new and more difficult.
Although the primary responsibility is the operation of equipment, some manual labor may be necessary. Labor duties require prior work experience or training and some degree of manual skill and very heavy physical effort, such as installation of culverts or drainage structures, installation of water sources and associated pipelines, and water capture and storage structures. Assignments require the use of heavy power equipment, common hand tools, and making minor repairs on various types of equipment used.
The incumbent will be required to operate Government vehicles that meet the definition of a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) under 49 CFR 382.107, which requires the operator to possess a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
Considerable physical effort is required to stand, reach, bend, turn and move hands, arms and legs to handle different sets of controls in operating equipment and attachments. There is constant vibration of the equipment and jerking and jolting over a variety of surfaces.
Work requires heavy physical effort to frequently lift and move objects weighing over 50 pounds, and operating heavy equipment or pushing heavy loads. The work requires prolonged standing, bending, climbing, and/or walking over rough terrain.
Work is performed inside and outside. When working outside, there is exposure to all kinds of weather conditions. Operation of engineering equipment is on flat, even, stable terrain. Indoor work is often in
well lighted, heated, and ventilated areas such as warehouses, trade shops. Incumbent is frequently exposed to drafts, vibration, noise, dust, fumes, and dirt. The tools, heavy equipment operation and objects involved increase chances of serious injury.
Incumbent must follow safety procedures and use standard safety equipment such as gloves, ear protectors, safety glasses and steel-toe shoes to avoid possible hazards in the work area.
The duty station will be in Afton Wyoming. Duties will require employees to camp Monday through Wednesday evenings while working.
Title
Number of positions
Duty stations
Contact
Grade levels
Engineering Equipment Operator Helper
1
Afton
Anita Lusty 307.886.5315
alusty@fs.fed.us
WG-5
Engineering Equipment Operator
The selected individual will operate one or more types of heavy equipment, such as graders, tractors with bulldozer or angledozer blades, front-end loaders, backhoes, trench diggers, and large industrial tractors with pan or scraper attachments. Work is generally done on flat or rolling terrain with simple terrain problems, such as forest roads and compounds. The incumbent maintains ditches, road shoulders, and beds and firelines and clears brush, tree stumps and rocks. Tasks will be evaluated and the operation will be required to adjust equipment attachments for a set level, angle, or depth, according to the type of equipment used. The incumbent will ensure equipment is maintained in good working condition.
This work involves operating trucks over 26000 GVW with trailers, on public roads (belly dumps, dump trucks with loaders, transports with lowboys hauling graders, etc. Incumbent must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license and a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Applicants for and employees of positions in which they are required to have a CDL to perform their duties are subject to random alcohol and drug testing.
Considerable physical effort is required to stand, reach, bend, turn and move hands, arms and legs to handle different sets of controls in operating equipment and attachments. There is constant vibration of the equipment and jerking and jolting over a variety of surfaces.
Work requires heavy physical effort to frequently lift and move objects weighing over 50 pounds, and operating heavy equipment or pushing heavy loads. The work requires prolonged standing, bending, climbing, and/or walking over rough terrain.
Work is performed inside and outside. When working outside, there is exposure to all kinds of weather conditions. Operation of engineering equipment is on flat, even, stable terrain. Indoor work is often in well lighted, heated, and ventilated areas such as warehouses, trade shops. Incumbent is frequently exposed to drafts, vibration, noise, dust, fumes, and dirt. The tools, heavy equipment operation and objects involved increase chances of serious injury.
Incumbent must follow safety procedures and use standard safety equipment such as gloves, ear protectors, safety glasses and steel-toe shoes to avoid possible hazards in the work area.
The duty station will be in Afton Wyoming. Duties will require employees to camp Monday through Wednesday evenings while working.
Title
Number of positions
Duty stations
Contact
Grade levels
Engineering Equipment Operator
1
Afton
Anita Lusty 307.886.5315
alusty@fs.fed.us
WG-8
About the duty stations:
The map below shows the six duty stations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Those available under this outreach are described below.
Pinedale Wyoming:
Pinedale, Wyoming, is located 80 miles southeast of Jackson, WY and 100 miles North of Rock Springs WY. The Town of Pinedale, established in 1878 by cattlemen, lies 15 miles west of the Wind River Range of the Continental Divide in western Wyoming. Pinedale’s Main Street (Highway 191) has a small town western flavor and is the county seat for Sublette County. Pinedale claims to be the only county seat in the US to lack a single traffic light. Housing may be available.
Big Piney Wyoming:
Big Piney is a small community of about 800 people and is located on Highway 189, 45 miles south west of Pinedale and 90 miles south of Jackson, Wyoming. Big Piney is a rural community with an economic focus on ranching and oil and gas production. Although small, the community offers a multitude of benefits with a great library, fitness center, bowling alley and movie theater. Located just 30 minutes east of the Wyoming Range and 10 minutes from the Green River the fishing, hiking, hunting and all other outdoor opportunities are abundant. Housing may be available.
Jackson Wyoming:
The Town of Jackson is the county seat of Teton County and home of the Bridger-Teton National Forest Supervisor Office. “Jackson Hole” as it’s often called, refers to the whole area which is a 50 mile long valley surrounded by high mountains. Jackson is a popular tourist destination because of its proximity to Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks, its unmatched scenic beauty, its world-class skiing, and its western character. For tourism information, including listing of lodging, restaurants, and shopping, please contact the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce at 307-733-3316 or on the web at www.jacksonholechamber.com. This spectacular valley in the mountains offers residents and visitors alike an unparalleled array of outdoor activities for year-round enjoyment. From world-class skiing, snowmobiling, backcountry touring and dog sledding in the winter to hiking, rafting, fly fishing, paragliding, mountain biking and rock climbing in the summer. Since only 3% of the land in Jackson Hole is privately owned, land and housing is extremely expensive. A three bedroom, standard home on a 1/2-acre lot is priced around $1.2 Million+. A standard two/three bedroom rental cost $1,800+ plus per month. The Teton Housing Authority (http://www.tetonwyo.org/housing/) and Teton Housing Trust (http://www.housingtrustjh.org/) offer affordable housing options. There is a 6% State and County tax on goods. Real estate is high, but there is no personal income tax. Government housing in a crew quarter environment may be available.
Afton Wyoming:
Afton is the largest town in Star Valley and is located at the south end. Afton has a population of about 2,000. Star Valley is 60 miles long by 5 miles wide, located on between the Idaho-Wyoming border to the
west and the Salt River Range on the east, the elevation is 6,134 feet. The town also boasts the largest Elkhorn Arch in the world spanning 75 feet and containing over 3000 antlers donated by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Cutter (winter horse chariot) racing had its humble beginnings in Afton, and there is a track where locals enjoy this thrilling sport. The nearest airport is in Jackson. The crime rate in Afton is well below the national average. The state of Wyoming does not have State income tax. Housing may be available.