Pacific Northwest Region

Pacific Northwest Region WILDLAND FIREFIGHTER APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM USDA FOREST SERVICE

== Amendment #1 08-28-01 == OPENING PERIOD FROM: POSITION: August 20, 2001 TO September 28, 2001 Student Trainee (Forestry), GS-0499-03/04

Approximately 25 positions may be filled on National Forests in the Pacific Northwest Region. See attachment for listing of anticipated positions and locations.

STUDENT EDUCATIONAL EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM: Prior to final selection and appointment, applicants:  must be accepted ** into the Apprenticeship Academy, which is accredited within the California Junior College system, for the academic portion of this program; or  be enrolled or accepted for enrollment at another accredited educational institution; and  meet all of the requirements for employment under the Student Career Employment Program (SCEP).

**The Forest Service will assist with this enrollment process

APPRENTICESHIP: Prior to entering this Apprenticeship program:  Selectees will be required to sign a mobility agreement, permitting placement to any vacant position within the Forest Service.  Selected applicants will also be required to sign a continued service agreement, obligating repayment of academic training costs if he/she fails to complete the training program or leaves Federal service prior to meeting the service obligations of the agreement.

Work Experience the Fall of 2001/Spring of 2002 and annually while a student:  The guaranteed tour of duty is a minimum of 13 pay periods (26 weeks) full-time as a GS-03 or GS-04 depending on individual qualifications.  Dependent upon workload and funding, the remaining 13 pay periods may be in non-pay status.

From January 2002 through the Spring of 2002, a series of 4-week academies are held.  Each student will participate in one of these academies conducted in a formal classroom setting.  Students will receive wildland firefighter training through the Apprenticeship Academy, which is an accredited school.  The educational portion of the program is completed through a formal classroom academic setting.  Students must maintain a set academic standard in order to continue the program.  On the first day of the basic academy, selectees will be given and MUST successfully pass the written examination for Introduction to Fire Behavior (S-190) in order to continue in the program. There is NO retesting for this written examination.  Students earn college-level credits.

The Apprenticeship Program requires 4000 hours of work processes (on-the-job training) to complete the program. The work experience is gained at a variety of duty locations during the program.

From January 2003 through Spring of 2003, another series of 4-week academy sessions will be held for advanced academic training.

Upon successful completion of the program:  Students are eligible for and may be converted to a permanent Forestry Technician position.  The guaranteed tour of duty is a minimum of 13 pay periods (26 weeks) full-time.  Dependent upon workload and funding, the remaining 13 pay periods may be in non-pay status.  Individuals may be converted up to the GS-05 level, depending upon qualifications. COMPENSATION:

The basic salary rate for GS-03 is $8.37 and GS-04 is $9.77 per hour. The final hourly rates will be higher as the basic rate does not include locality pay, which varies depending on the adjustment for each location. In addition, firefighters frequently earn substantial overtime. Firefighters may also earn additional premium pay when conditions warrant.

Benefits include coverage under the Federal Employees Health and Life Insurance programs and Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).

BARGAINING UNIT STATUS: Bargaining unit status may vary, based on assignment location.

AVAILABILITY OF FOREST SERVICE AFFILIATED DAY CARE FACILITIES: May be available, depending on the location.

WORK CONDITIONS: The work is performed in a wildland forest environment in steep terrain, where surfaces may be extremely uneven, rocky and covered with thick, tangled vegetation. Temperatures are frequently extreme, both from the weather and fire. Smoke and dust conditions are frequently severe. Hazardous nature of the work requires use of protective clothing (such as boots, hardhats and gloves).

HOUSING: Government housing may be available, depending on location.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Education: For GS-03: Successful completion of 1 year of study that included at least 6 semester hours in a combination of courses such as range management or conservation, agriculture, forestry, wildlife management, engineering, biology, mathematics, or other natural or physical sciences.

For GS-04: Successful completion of 2 years of study that included at least 12 semester hours in any combination of courses such as forestry, agriculture, crop or plant science, range management or conservation, wildlife management, watershed management, soil science, natural resources (except marine fisheries and oceanography), outdoor recreation management, civil or forest engineering, or wildland fire science. No more than 3 semester hours in mathematices is creditable. OR Experience:

For the GS-03 level, 3 months of general experience is required.

For the GS-04 level, 6 months of general experience and 6 months of specialized experience required. Specialized experience is experience which is in or related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. This experience could include wildland fire suppression experience working on an engine, handcrew, or helitack crew.

FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: The Forestry Technician position, the Student Trainee position, and Senior Firefighter position are determined to be primary firefighter positions under 5 U.S.C. 8336 (C) (CSRS) and 5 U.S.C. 8412 (D) (FERS). Persons who are making their first entry into a firefighter position under these authorities cannot be selected if they have reached age 37 prior to beginning the Apprenticeship Program. Applicants already in covered secondary positions or persons with previous approved service who apply for a primary firefighter position cannot be considered if their age at reentry into a primary firefighter position is 37 after subtracting their years of covered service from the date of entry into the primary firefighter position. The burden is on the applicant to prove he/she has previously served in approved positions (letter from the previous agency, ruling from OPM, official position descriptions, etc.) at time of application to the position. Firefighter positions used to extend the age requirement must have been approved by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) or under authority of the Department (Federal Agency) where employed, or the applicant has to have a ruling on that individual service from OPM or from that Department. Applicants over age 37 not providing this proof with the application package will not receive consideration for this program.

DRUG TESTING: Some of these positions require a commercial driver's license (CDL). Accordingly, selectees will be subject to drug testing.

The student may be required to operate a large fire engine. A license must be obtained prior to being trained in driving an engine. If the position requires the selectee to obtain a CDL, it is a Test Designated Position (TDP) under the Forest Service/Department of Transportation (DOT) Alcohol and Controlled Substance Testing Program.

Applicants tentatively selected for these positions may be required to submit to a urinalysis test to screen for illegal drug use unless they currently occupy a TDP under the Forest Service/DOT Alcohol and Controlled substances Testing Program.

If the tentative selectee does not currently occupy a TDP under the DOT/Forest Service program, the following conditions of employment may apply to this position:

(1) Receipt by agency of a negative drug test. (2) Completion & submission by selectee of "CDL Questionnaire". (3) Completion & submission by selectee of "Release of Alcohol and Controlled Substances Testing information from Previous Employer" (if applicable). (4) Receipt by agency of information from previous employers (if applicable).

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

 The duties of this position requires sustained, arduous physical exertions under rigorous and unusual conditions. Persons appointed will be potentially subject to physical hazards and to irregular and protracted hours of work. The health of individuals must be such that they have the capacity to meet demands for performance in the position. Upon employment and annually thereafter, every firefighter must pass a physical fitness test at the arduous level in the form of the Work Capacity Test (WCT). This test requires the firefighter to carry a 45 pound pack over a level 3 mile course in 45 minutes or less. Applicants selected for positions that will fight fire must pass this physical fitness test as a condition of employment. Failure to pass the test may lead to termination of employment.

 Firefighters are subject to recall to duty to meet workload requirements.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE: Generally, preference is granted to veterans who entered the military service prior to October 14, 1976; or served on active duty during the period from August 2, 1990, through January 2, 1992, and who is otherwise eligible; or who have served in a military action for which they received a Campaign Badge or Expeditionary Medal. This includes the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM) awarded to those who participated in Operation Joint Endeavor or Operation Joint Guard. Preference eligibles or veterans who have been separated from the Armed Forces under honorable conditions after 3 years or more of continuous duty may apply. Also, you may be entitled to veterans preference if you are a disabled veteran; you have received a Purple Heart; you are the spouse or mother of a disabled veteran; or you are the widow, widower, or mother of a deceased veteran.

WHO MAY APPLY: All U.S. citizens at least 18 – 34 years of age who meet or will meet (prior to appointment) the eligibility requirements of the Student Career Employment Program may apply.

HOW TO APPLY: There is no limit on the number of positions you may be considered for under this announcement. However, unless you are applying electronically, you must submit a separate application for each Forest you are applying for.

The following information must be RECEIVED by the closing date of this announcement to receive consideration:

1. OF-612, Optional Application for Federal Employment. When describing your skills and abilities, be sure to include any experience you might have which is directly related to the duties of this position as described above. Each description of paid and/or nonpaid work experience should include the job title, duties and accomplishments, employer's name and address, supervisor's name and telephone number, salary (if paid work), and indicate whether your supervisor may be contacted. If more space is needed to fully describe your work experience than is provided on the OF-612 form, you may submit attachments to the form.

2. OF-306, Declaration for Federal Employment. 3. Legible copy of undergraduate and/or graduate college transcripts which indicate courses taken and degrees conferred (if utilizing college coursework to meet qualification requirements). Credit for course work will not be given unless substantiated by transcripts.

4. Copy of DD-214, Report of Separation from Active Duty, must be received with your application package if you are claiming veterans' preference and must show an honorable discharge. Additional documentation may be required. If you have questions concerning documents needed, please contact the person identified below.

5. SF-15, Claim for 10-Point Veteran, as well as proof required on reverse of form, if you are claiming compensable disability preference.

6. USDA Applicant Supplemental Sheet, AD-1086 (Optional), form attached.

7. National Forest Preference. Indicate the specific Forests you wish consideration for on the attached form.

Application forms may be obtained electronically by connecting to the Internet at http://www.opm.gov/forms/index.htm. Forms are also available at Forest Service offices and in some Federal office buildings.

Use of postage paid government agency envelopes to file applications is a violation of federal laws and regulations. Applications submitted in postage paid government envelopes will not be accepted.

Applications and supporting documents not received by the closing date will not be considered. If an application package is incomplete, only the information submitted will be considered. It remains the responsibility of the applicant to ensure the timely receipt of the application regardless of the submission used. The Forest Service assumes no responsibility for late delivery of applications.

WHERE TO APPLY: Mail application packages via:

Surface Mail to: USDA, Forest Service Human Resources-Joanne Ochse P.O. Box 3623 Portland, OR 97208-3624

OR E-Mail to: [email protected] Subject: Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Program

OR Fax to: 503-808-2610, Attn: Joanne Ochse, Subject: Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Program

APPLICANT NOTIFICATION: Hiring will occur late-October. All selectees will receive written confirmation if selected.

The USDA Forest Service provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify Mary Woodward at (505) 842-3407 for assistance. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To file an informal complaint of discrimination (EEO), based on your race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability (physical and/or mental), and/or reprisal for participation in an EEO related activity, write USDA, Forest Service, Civil Rights Staff, 201-14th Street, SW, Rm. 4SW-Wing, Washington, DC 20250 or call (202) 205- 1585. To file a formal complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-7467 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. AD-1086 FORM APPROVED CASE FILE NUMBER: OMB NO. 0505-009 (FOR OFFICE USE ONLY)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE APPLICANT SUPPLEMENTAL SHEET

Applicants for positions with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are requested to provide the following information for statistical purposes only. The information will be used to evaluate USDA'S recruitment and hiring activities. Public Law 93-579 (Privacy Act of 1974) permits solicitation of personal information. SUBMISSION OF THIS INFORMATION IS VOLUNTARY. Your failure to do so will not affect the processing of your application. Your cooperation is appreciated.

1. Which of the following best describes your current employment status? (Check no more than two.) 01 College/university teaching or research 02 Private industry 03 State/local government 04 Federal government 05 Member of the military 06 Unemployed 07 Current USDA employee 08 Other:

2. Which of the following describes your veteran preference status? (Check one.) 01 None 04 10 point compensable 02 5 point 05 10 point other 03 10 point disability 06 10 point/30% compensable

3. Which of the following describes your race/national origin? (Check one.) A American Indian/Alaskan Native B Asian or Pacific Islander C Black, not of Hispanic origin D Hispanic E White, not of Hispanic Origin Y Not Hispanic, Puerto Rico Q All Other Asian or Pacific Islander in Hawaii

4. Which of the following best describes your disability status? (Select all that apply.) 01 No disability 06 Complete paralysis 02 Hearing impairment 07 Convulsive disorder 03 Vision impairment 08 Mental retardation 04 Missing extremities 09 Mental or emotional illness 05 Partial paralysis 10 Severe distortion of limbs and/or spine 11 I have a disability not listed

5. Are you: (Check one.) Male Female

THANK YOU FOR FILLING OUT THIS FORM

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB number for this information collection is 0505-0009. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 5 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information.

THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER --- WILDLAND FIREFIGHTER STUDENT CAREER EXPERIENCE EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM WILDLAND FIREFIGHTER APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM NATIONAL FOREST PREFERENCE

Forests Number Check Local Contact of Preference Phone Number Positions ✔ Burns Fire Zone 1 541.573.1000 Colville 3 509.684.7000 Columbia Gorge 1 503.386.2333 Deschutes/Ochoco 2 541.383.5300 Fremont 3 541.947.6315 Gifford Pinchot 1 360.891.5000 Malheur 6 541.575.3000 Mt. Hood 2 503.668.1700 Olympic 2 360.956.2327 Wenatchee- 2 509.662.4335 Okanogen Siuslaw 1 541.750.7024 Umatilla 1 541.278.3800 Winema 2 541.883.6850 --- This supplement is for the USDA Forest Service, Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Program only. Provide all information requested on this format and in the job announcement.

1. Job Title in Notice 2. Grade Applying For: Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Program GS-

3. Last Name 4. First Name & MI 5. Social Security Number

6. Permanent Mailing Address 7. Contact Numbers Daytime ____ - _____ - _____ Evening ____ - _____ - _____

City, State & ZIP Code Cell ____ - _____ - _____ E-mail:

WORK EXPERIENCE 8. Describe your paid and nonpaid work experience related to the job for which you are applying for starting with your most recent experience.

A) Job title (if Federal, include series and grade)

From (MM/DD/YY) To (MM/DD/YY) Salary per ______Hours per week $ . Employers name and address Supervisor's name and phone number

Describe your specific duties and specific accomplishments: Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Program (continued)

Last Name First Name & MI Social Security Number

WORK EXPERIENCE (continued)

B) Job title (if Federal, include series and grade) From (MM/DD/YY) To (MM/DD/YY) Salary per ______Hours per week $ . Employers name and address Supervisor's name and phone number

Describe your specific duties and specific accomplishments:

C) Job title (if Federal, include series and grade) From (MM/DD/YY) To (MM/DD/YY) Salary per ______Hours per week $ . Employers name and address Supervisor's name and phone number

Describe your specific duties and specific accomplishments: Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Program (continued)

9. May we contact your current supervisor? YES [ ] NO [ ]

EDUCATION 10. Mark Highest level completed. Some HS [ ] HS/GED [ ] Associate [ ] Bachelor [ ] Master [ ] Doctoral [ ]

11. Last high school (HS) or GED school. School's name City State ZIP Code Year received: (if known) (diploma or GED)

12. Colleges and universities attended. Applicants should complete this block or provide a copy of the transcript(s). Name Major Total Credits Degree Year Degree Earned Obtained Received Semester Quarter City State Zip

Name Major Total Credits Degree Year Degree Earned Obtained Received Semester Quarter City State Zip

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS - DO NOT attach certificates, licenses, awards, photos, letters, etc.

13. Job-related skills (other languages, computer software/hardware, tools, machinery, typing speed, etc.). Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Program (continued)

14. Job-related honors, awards, and special accomplishments (publications, memberships in professional/honor societies, leadership activities, public speaking, and performance awards).

15. List Current ICS/Red Card Qualification(s):

16. Individual wildland fire experience. By fire size class, list the number of times you worked in a specific position. Also, list the total number of days spent in that position. Size classes in acres are: A=.25 or less, B=.25-10, C= 10-100, D= 100-300, E= 300-1000, F= 1000-5000, G= 5000+. Position Title #of Fires per Size Class Total Days A B C D E F G Firefighter Squad Boss Faller, Class A Faller, Class B Faller, Class C Other

17. FIRE TRAINING COURSES COMPLETED: Enter year attended, provider and location.

Course Course Title Year Attended Provider Location Number S-130 Basic Firefighter S-190 Introduction to Fire Behavior I-220 Basic ICS (or I-100 or I-200) S-200 Initial Attack I.C S-201 Intro to Fire Supervision S-205 Fire Ops in the Urban Interface S-211 Portable Pumps and Water Use S-212 Power Saws 18. FIRST AID TRAINING (list course, year attended, provider and location).

Course Course Title Year Attended Provider Location Number

19. Do you have a current EMT certificate? YES [ ] NO [ ]

20. Do you have a current First Responder certificate? YES [ ] NO [ ]

If yes, list Certificate Type: Issuing Agency: Date of Expiration: Date of Birth (MM/DD/YY)

21. Job-related certificates and licenses (current only).

GENERAL 22. Are you a U.S. Citizen? YES [ ] NO [ ] Give the country of your citizenship.

23. Do you claim veterans' YES [ ] NO [ ] Mark your claim of 5 or 10 preference? points below. If 5 points [ ] Attach your DD 214 or other proof. If 10 points [ ] Attach an application for 10- Point

24. Were you ever a Federal YES [ ] NO [ ] If yes, provide series, Civilian Employee? grade and inclusive dates.

25. Are you eligible for reinstatement based on career or career-conditional Federal status? NO [ ] YES [ ] If yes, attach SF 50 as proof.

26. Date of birth (MM/DD/YY) ______. If you will be 37 years of age or older at time of appointment, provide documentation of covered firefighter positions previously held for eligibility determination.

APPLICANT CERTIFICATION 27. I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, all the information on and attached to this application is true, correct, complete and made in good faith. I understand false or fraudulent information on or attached to this application may be grounds for not hiring me or for firing me after I begin work, and may be punishable by fine or imprisonment. I understand that any information I give may be investigated.

SIGNATURE DATE SIGNED

--- ENCLOSURE 1

MOBILITY AGREEMENT

Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Mobility Agreement

Acceptance to the Wildland Firefighter Program requires that you understand and adhere to the following Mobility clauses.

During your supplemental training period, you will be expected to accomplish a variety of training (i.e. engines, helitack, hotshots, etc.) which may require you to be placed at different duty stations within or on units other than your home Forest.

Placement at time of conversion may be at any Forest Service facility. The Forest Service may choose to place you at a unit other than which you were selected for.

After being converted, you may have the opportunity to apply for positions at other locations, and any agency within the Department of Agriculture. This would still be considered a benefit to the Federal Government, but also give some flexibility to the employee.

Your signature on this Mobility Agreement is your agreement to the above mobility clauses. Failure to follow or agree to these clauses will result in your rejection or removal from the Apprenticeship Program, and the consequences of breaking your Service Agreement.

Supervisor of Apprentice Date Apprentice Date --- ENCLOSURE 2

SERVICE AGREEMENT

Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Service Agreement

Acceptance to the Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Program requires that you agree to the following terms:

You must remain in federal service for a period three times the length of your training period, but in no case less than two seasons, upon completion of the training period and conversion to a permanent position.

If you fail to complete the program, you could be liable for all expenditures made on your behalf (i.e. travel, special expenses, tuition, etc.) excluding salary.

The estimated cost for an employee to complete the program starts at $10,000. If reasons for failure to attend or complete the program are Agency work related, family emergencies or hardships outside the employee's control, the Joint Apprenticeship Committee may give consideration to waiving the reimbursement obligation. Written documentation to request consideration for fee waiver must be submitted in writing to the Joint Apprenticeship Committee within 30 days.

Your signature on this document is your agreement to all terms listed above.

Supervisor of Apprentice Date Apprentice Date