Wildland Firefighter (Aviation) (Airtanker Base Manager) Direct Hire Authority
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Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Summary
This is a Direct-Hire advertisement. Veterans preference is not applicable to this advertisement. Learn more about this authority at: Direct Hire Authority
This position is located in Worland WY and Miles City MT. Information about the surrounding area may be found by selecting the location.
We expect to fill 2 vacancies at this time; however additional positions may be filled from this announcement if they become available.
- Directs and oversees the activities of an airtanker base in support of wildland fire suppression.
- Serves as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) in all elements of airtanker base operations for the unit.
- Delegated the responsibilities of a project inspector of a full-service retardant contract and provides daily oversight and support for various aircraft contracts.
- Serves as the primary point of contact with airport management.
- Responsible for identifying and coordinating the logistical needs for the Airtanker Base.
- Manages the mixing and loading of retardant chemicals on to aircraft and responsible for ensuring all retardant quality assurance standards are meet.
- Responsible for the implementation of Risk Assessment and Aviation Safety Management Systems (SMS) procedures and implementing all aviation/airport safety and security protocols.
- Ensures all aircraft data records are input correctly.
- Develops comprehensive airtanker base operations plans.
- Exercises delegated supervisory authorities and responsibilities of personnel assigned to the air base and all air base operations on the ramp and office operations area.
- Ensures all workplace policies and regulations are followed. (HR travel credit card etc.)
- Evaluates work performance and if required initiates minor disciplinary measures.
- Supervisory duties are performed 20% of the time.
Conditions of employment
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Be sure to read the HOW TO APPLY and REQUIRED DOCUMENTS Sections.
- You cannot hold an active real estate license; nor can you have an interest or hold stocks in firms with interest in Federal Land.
- Direct Deposit Required.
- Background Investigation Required.
- Appointment will be subject to a favorably adjudicated background/suitability investigation/determination. Failure to possess or obtain a favorable determination will result in the cancellation of the offer or will be grounds for termination.
- You must meet specified levels on annual physical fitness tests and pass periodic medical exams for wildland fire personnel commensurate with current incident management qualification.
- Applicant(s) tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use and to pass the test prior to addition this position is subject to random testing for illegal drug use.
- This position requires regular and recurring overtime and shift work during peak fire season.
- May require completion of a one year probationary period.
- Driving duties require the incumbent possess and maintain a valid state drivers license.
- Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered for Selective Service.
Qualifications
** THIS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT HAS BEEN EXTENDED; PREVIOUS APPLICANTS NEED NOT REAPPLY ** Applicants who previously applied do not need to apply again to be considered but may take this opportunity to update information/resume/responses or submit required documentation outlined in the vacancy announcement.
Specialized Experience Requirements:
In order to be rated as qualified for this position we must be able to determine that you meet the specialized experience requirement(s); please be sure to include this information in your resume. No assumptions will be made about your experience. To be creditable this experience must have been equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade of the position to be filled.
To qualify for the GW-09 grade level 1 year of creditable specialized experience equivalent to the GW-08 is required. Examples include but are not limited to: experience managing an aviation program in the absence of the Unit Aviation Manager and functioning as the Air Tanker Base Manager including scheduling resource flights as needed updating and developing the aviation plans monitoring and evaluating aviation operations in both fire and resource activities; assisting with preparation review and disseminate aviation policy statements safety bulletins manuals and handbooks; administering applicable aircraft and retardant contracts as the Project Inspector (PI); performing day to day administration of the contracts in place and enforcing contract provisions.
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.
Substitution of Education for Experience:
There is no substitution of education for experience at this grade level.
Selective Placement Factor(s): This position requires a special qualification that has been determined to be essential to perform the duties and will be used as a screen out element. Those who do not provide evidence they possess the following selective factor(s) will be rated not qualified.
You must have possessed all of the following National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) incident management (qualifications to be considered eligible for this position (currency not required):
- Ramp Manager (RAMP)
You must meet all qualification and selective placement factor requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
Physical Demands: Long irregular hours are required much of it occurring during periods of fire operations. Frequent standing walking and long periods outside in high temperatures and direct sunlight may be required while working around multiple arriving and departing aircraft. Activities in and around moving aircraft and other equipment require constant monitoring and alertness for hazardous conditions and safety of personnel. Work in an office environment and long periods of sedentary work occurs when reports and flight records are prepared. Lifting and carrying heavy equipment/materials and operating a variety of hand and power tools is required for base set-up tear down and maintenance/repair.
Work Environment: Majority of activities are performed in an airbase environment both inside and outdoors. Extreme variations in temperature and climactic conditions are common. Work requires use of safety equipment including hearing and eye protection and high visibility clothing. Exposed to irritant chemicals is possible. The work involves exposure to operating aircraft that result in high noise levels and exposure to turning propellers prop wash jet intake areas and jet-blast and flying dust and debris. Concurrent movement of multiple mixed aircraft types and service vehicles in the ramp area creates potential for serious accident injury or property damage. Fatigue and mental stress could be present due to extensive work periods and emergency nature of work.
This is a secondary/administrative firefighter position under the special retirement provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) (CSRS) and 5 U.S.C. 8412(d) (FERS). While secondary positions are not subject to the maximum entry age policy the selectee must have prior service in a primary position (3 years of service in primary/rigorous position(s)) and meet the transfer requirement for movement from a primary to secondary position to be eligible for special retirement coverage. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure this office has enough information to determine your retirement status to ensure you do not lose benefits (normally through submission of your SF-50). YOU MUST LET US KNOW IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY IN A PRIMARY POSITION.
FACT SHEET for Fire Positions: Information on Special Retirement.
Education
See Qualifications Section.
Additional information
The new Special Base Rate (SBR) Salary Table for Federal wildland firefighters General Wildland Firefighter (GW) pay plan effective March 23 2025 was used to indicate the salary in this announcement. Salaries may vary dependent upon location selected. You can access the new pay schedule here.
DOI uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify including your rights and responsibilities please visit period: As a condition of employment for accepting this position you may be required to serve a 1 year probationary period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated. Under completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification in writing that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): CTAP provides eligible surplus and displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. Information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility is available from OPMs Career Transition Resources website at CTAP or ICTAP. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration or that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration you may receive selection priority if: 1) This vacancy is within your CTAP/ICTAP eligibility; 2) You apply under the instructions in this announcement; and 3) You are found well-qualified for this vacancy. You must provide proof of eligibility with your application to receive selection priority. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of CTAP/ICTAP eligibility or a copy of your separation personnel action form.
CTAP and ICTAP eligibles will be considered well qualified if they meet minimum qualifications for this position.
Reemployment Priority List (RPL): The RPL is the mechanism agencies use to give reemployment consideration to their former competitive service employees separated by a RIF or who have fully recovered from a compensable injury after more than one year. If you are currently on a RPL you may be given priority consideration.
Certain incentives such as Recruitment Relocation or Student Loan Repayment may be authorized to eligible selectees. If eligible and qualified you may be offered a recruitment or relocation incentive. The decision to offer an incentive will be made on a case-by-case basis and is neither promised nor guaranteed. For information visit: Recruitment Incentives () or Relocation Incentives () or Student Loan Repayment ()
The BLM has determined that the duties of this position are not suitable for telework.
Government facilities are required to provide a smoke free environment for their employees. Smoking will be permitted only in designated areas.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government passionate about the ideals of our American republic and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Required Experience:
Manager
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