Summary This position is located in the Southern Region, Region 8. This position assists the fire dozer operator with initial attack, fire, and fuels management activities. The helper assists in support of other natural resource projects. For additional information about the duties of this position, please see the ADDITIONAL INFORMATION section for regional contacts. Responsibilities Performs maintenance and makes minor repairs and adjustments to equipment operated. Reports major mechanical problems to supervisor. Ensures that work is performed safely and efficiently in accordance with established standards. Performs wildfire suppression support as directed within training and physical capabilities. Receives and follows detailed instructions for new or difficult assignments. Under close supervision, performs service and operator maintenance on equipment being operated. Assists journeyman equipment operator in equipment operation and operates equipment under close supervision. Supports journeyman engineering equipment operators in operating heavy equipment, such as large industrial tractors, loaders, backhoes, graders, dump trucks, and soil compactors. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's Federal Wage System Qualifications Standards. Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary. Basic Requirement: You must possess the Basic Requirements identified below to be considered eligible for this position. Your application or resume must clearly show that you possess the appropriate experience requirements to successfully perform the duties of Engineering Equipment Operator Helper. Applicants will be evaluated on their ability to perform the duties of the position rather than length of experience. Eligibility will be determined by the relevance, scope and quality of all experience and training, regardless of where or how acquired. Applicants will be rated based on their knowledge of the job elements identified in this announcement. Screen-out Job Elements: Applicants must show the Ability to do the work of the position without more than normal supervision. Applicants who do not meet the screen-out job elements will not be further evaluated. In addition to the above requirements, applicants will be ranked and rated based on their knowledge of the job elements identified below: Ability to do the work of the position without more than normal supervision. Operation of Motor Vehicles Work Practices (includes keeping things neat, clean, and in order) Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (related to mobile equipment operation) Ability to Drive Safely (Motor Vehicles) Reliability and Dependability as an Engineering Equipment Operator Ability to Operate Safely (Non-Motor Vehicle) Selective Placement Factors Position may be required to drive vehicles that require a Class A or Class B Commercial Driver's License, based on type or kind of equipment being operated. Incumbent is subject to medical screening and must meet the Federal Wildland Firefighter Medical Qualification Standards for moderate level duty wildland firefighting Primary firefighter positions include the following age requirements: Under age 37 -OR- less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent 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 -OR-currently occupy a permanent position with primary fire fighter retirement coverage. For those who do not currently occupy a permanent Federal position covered under primary fire fighter retirement, you must be under age 37; less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position; or a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and requesting a waiver to the requirement. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a primary/rigorous position covered under the special retirement provisions of 5 USC 8336(c) for the Civil Service Retirement System and of 5 USC 8412(d) for the Federal Employees Retirement System. 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 ARDUOUS, MODERATE, or LIGHT level is a condition of employment. To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Education Additional Information For additional information about the duties and location(s) of these positions, please contact regional representative: To see the different locations within the Regional Offices | US Forest Service (usda.gov) Region 1: Northern Region - Tiffany Counts at tiffany.countsusda.gov Region 2: Rocky Mountain Region - Scott McDermid at scott.mcdermid@usda.gov Region 3: Southwestern Region - Tobe Haught at tobe.haught@usda.gov Region 4: Intermountain Region - Celeste Hancock at celeste.hancock@usda.gov Region 5: Pacific Southwest Region - Deirdre Cherry at deirdre.cherry@usda.gov Region 6: Pacific Northwest Region - Jason Heinz at Jason.heinz@usda.gov Region 8: Southern Region - Russ Marchion at russell.marchion@usda.gov Region 9: Eastern Region - Brian Hicks at brian.a.hicks@usda.gov Job Corps Center: All Region- Dirk Huber at dirk.huber@usda.gov Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. These are permanent positions with varying tours of duty and may include weekend work. Some positions may have irregular and protracted hours of work. Tours of duty include full-time or less than full time (guaranteed minimum 13 pay periods full-time employment). Availability of government housing, federal day care facilities, and telework may be available. This is dependent upon unit location. Pay rates vary depending on location and may be higher or lower than the amount shown. Please visit the Appropriated Fund Wage Schedules webpage for additional information on pay rates. Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. Final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at time of job offer. The Forest Service may use certain incentives and hiring flexibilities, currently offered by the Federal government, to attract highly qualified candidates. Additional information is available at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/pay-and-leave-flexibilities-for-recruitment-and-retention/ Selectee will be responsible for tax obligations related to payments for moving expenses - 2017 Tax Cuts and Job Act, Public Law 115-97. Questions should be directed to the Travel Help Desk, 877-372-7248, Option 1, or email SM.FS.asc_tos@usda.gov This is a bargaining unit position and is represented by either NFFE, AFGE, or NAGE.