Memo of the Month - U.S. Forestry job announcement seeking only "unqualified applicants" - Column - Brief Article

Washington Monthly, Oct, 1998

ANNOUNCEMENT: R510-026-90 OPENING DATE: 11-20-89 CLOSING DATE: 12-18-89 SERIES/GRADE: GS-462-5/6 (TARGET 4-7) TITLE: FORESTRY TECHNICIAN LOCATION: SIX RIVERS N.F. CITY/ST: EUREKA, CA.

THIS POSITION IS INTERCHANGEABLE WITH R510-122-89, GS-462-5/6 (TARGET GS-7)

PROMOTION POTENTIAL: THIS IS AN UPWARD MOBILITY POSITION WITH A TARGET GRADE OF GS-7. ENTRY LEVEL IS AT THE GS-5 LEVEL. ONLY UNQUALIFIED APPLICANTS FOR GS-5 WILL BE CONSIDERED. THE SELECTED EMPLOYEE MAY BE PROGRESSIVELY PROMOTED TO THE GS-7 LEVEL WITHOUT COMPETITION UPON MEETING QUALIFICATIONS, TIME ON-GRADE REQUIREMENTS, AND SATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE. SELECTION WILL BE BASED UPON POTENTIAL TO PERFORM THE TARGET JOB.

AREA AND LEVEL IF CONSIDERATION: Region-wide. This announcement is open to all Forest Service, employees having competitive status. Applications will be accepted from UNQUALIFIED applicants only. Applications must be received by the closing date of the announcement to be considered. Applications must be submitted whether or not a voluntary application was previously on file.

DUTIES: Serves as Assistant Dispatcher and performs related administrative duties.

TOUR OF DUTY: Permanent Full

QUALIFICATION: ONLY UNQUALIFIED APPLICANTS MAY APPLY. Applicants will be rated against the OPM X-118 qualification standards to determine what is needed to qualify for the target position. A training agreement will be developed for the selectee to provide the necessary training in order for the individual to train towards and be promoted into the target position upon meeting all requirements.

FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION, REFER TO THE OPM X-118 HANDBOOK IN YOUR PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT. APPLICATIONS MUST MEET X-118 AND TIME-IN-GRADE REQUIREMENTS WITHIN 60 DAYS AFTER THE VACANCY CLOSES.

EVALUATION CRITERIA:

1. Ability to learn dispatching procedures for numerous and varied "First Responder" resources to Emergency situations.

2. Ability to acquire knowledge of Computer Systems used in the support of the Aviation and Fire Management program.

3. Ability to acquire knowledge of fire fighting techniques and terminology, fire behavior, aircraft and related equipment utilized in the suppression of wildfires.

4. Ability to learn to communicate verbally.

TIMEFRAMES FOR LEARNING THE SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGES WILL BE ESTABLISHED BASED ON THE SELECTEE'S NEEDS. IN THE TRAINING AGREEMENT REQUIRED FOR UPWARD MOBILITY POSITIONS.

SELECTION CRITERIA: All of the above plus:

Contributes to a federal workforce reflective of the nation's diversity with respect to race, color, religion, sex or national origin.