Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands Bessey Ranger District

Lead Forestry Technician (Fire Engine Operator) GS 0462-6 The National Forests and Grasslands will be hiring a Lead Forestry Technician (Fire Engine Operator) GS-0462-6 position in the near future. The duty station for this position will be in Halsey, Nebraska on the Bessey Ranger District.

About the Position

This position is an Assistant Engine Captain for a Type 6 wildland engine module. The incumbent will supervise up to three seasonal or permanent part-time crew members when the Engine Captain is away. The program of work is wildland fire activities such as suppression, preparedness, prevention, hazardous fuels reduction, and prescribed fire. The units of Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands typically average about 30 fires per year on the Forest. Our engine crews enjoy good working relationships with our cooperators and provide mutual aid assistance on an additional 10 or so fires during a typical season. The modules are very active year-round and take advantage of opportunities for off-forest fire assignments and prescribed fire details. The modules support a forest-wide hazardous fuels treatment program of approximately 2,000 acres per year. While the person hired for each of these positions will work directly for the Engine Captain, the District Fire Management Officer provides oversight for the overall programs. The Bessey Fire Crew is known for being energetic and competent. We assist other resource areas when our schedule allows.

Look for the vacancy announcement shown above for these positions on http://www.usajobs.gov/. The “How to Apply” tab will provide additional information.

This appointment is permanent part-time, with a guarantee of full-time employment for 18 pay periods per year. It is likely we will have funding for 26 pay periods per year for the next two years.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Successfully complete the 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 level is a “condition of employment.” The Arduous fitness (Pack) Test consists of completing a three mile hike within 45 minutes, while carrying a 45 pound pack.

This position has been identified as one of the key 13 fire management positions in the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard. As a condition of employment you must meet the following minimum qualification standards (MQS) per the NWCG Incident Management Qualifications:

• Advanced Firefighter (FFT1); • Completion of S-290 Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior Currency Requirement: Required

This is a primary/rigorous firefighter position under the provisions of 5 USC 8336(c) (CSRS) and 8412(d) (FERS).

About the Forest and Area

The Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands encompass over 1.1 million acres of land in both Nebraska and South Dakota. The administrative units on the Forest include: the Nebraska and Samuel R. McKelvie National Forests; the Buffalo Gap, Oglala, and Fort Pierre National Grasslands; the Soldier Creek Wilderness; the National Recreation Area; and the Charles E. Bessey Nursery. The Forest also hosts the Pine Ridge Job Corps Center. The Supervisor's Office is located in Chadron, Nebraska. More information is available on the Forest’s website or on Facebook.

About the Community of Halsey, Nebraska

Halsey has a population of 75 and serves the rural ranching community. It has a post office, a bar/restaurant, and one motel. Housing is reasonable compared to many areas, with many homes listing under $75,000. Rentals are occasionally available as well. Thedford, 16 miles to the west, has a grocery store, a hardware and lumber store, two gas stations, a bank, a restaurant, and two motels. Broken Bow (50 miles southeast, population 3,400) and North Platte (85 miles southwest, population 22,000) are the nearest large commercial centers and medical facilities. Churches of various denominations are available in the area. Schools provides an excellent small classroom atmosphere with grades K-6 attending school in Halsey and grades 7-12 attending the Sandhills Junior/Senior High School in Dunning. Busing is provided from Halsey to Dunning, 12 miles to the east.

The Bessey Forest Service compound is home to the Charles E. Bessey Tree Nursery (oldest federal nursery in the U.S. - started in 1902). The Bessey recreation complex includes a campground, a picnic area, and close access to ATV, hiking, and horseback trails. The Bessey Unit of the is home to the second-largest hand planted forest in the world and the historic Scott Lookout Tower.

No government housing is available. This is a rather remote location that lacks bright lights and upscale malls, yet it provides an excellent opportunity and is a very good environment to raise a family. More information about the Halsey area can be found at: http://www.city-data.com/city/Halsey-Nebraska.html

If you are interested in any of these positions, please complete the attached Outreach Response Form and return it to:

Nathan Hanson, Engine Captain Bessey Ranger District PO Box 39 Halsey, NE 69142 Office: 308-533-8125 FAX: 308-533-2310 [email protected]

PLEASE RESPOND AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!

The vacancy announcement for this position will be posted on the U.S. Government’s official website for employment opportunities at http://www.usajobs.gov/. Those who wish to be considered for this position must apply to the vacancy announcement. All applicants who have correctly applied to the announcement, and are found to be qualified, will be referred to the selecting official for consideration.

Outreach Response Form

Lead Forestry Technician / Assistant Engine Captain / GS-0462-6 / 18/8 Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands USDA Forest Service, R2-Rocky Mountain Region Please respond by AS SOON AS POSSIBLE to: Nathan Hanson, Engine Captain, at 402-443-7124 or [email protected]

Name: ______Email Address: ______Phone Number: ______Work, Home or Mobile?

Employer: FS Unit______Other ______Location: ______Tour: Permanent Temporary Student/Intern Contractor Other Current Position Title: ______Series/grade if Federal Employee: ______

How did you hear about this position? ______Agency Contact______Other______

If not a current permanent employee, are you eligible to be hired under any of the following special authorities? Schedule A (Person with Disabilities) Veterans Readjustment Veterans w/30% Compensable Disability Veterans Employment Opportunities Act Of 1998 Former Peace Corps Volunteer Pathways Program (Students and Recent Graduates) Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act Other ______

Submission of this response form is voluntary but appreciated. Thank you for your interest.