Equipment Specialist

This position is located within the USDA Forest Service National Forest System, National Technology and Development Program in Missoula, MT. The Equipment Specialist position provides expertise and accomplishes projects related to wildland firefighting and fire aviation equipment management, with a focus on Smokejumper equipment and aircraft accessories. For additional information about the duties and location of this position, please contact Shawn Steber at shawn.steber@usda.gov.

Duties listed are at full performance grade GW-12 level.

Serves as a Project Manager specializing in specification writing and fire equipment design, development, and evaluation. Develops project charters and project plans.

Develops project timelines and milestones. Documents project status and communicates with portfolio managers and stakeholders.

Assists in the drafting of policy, technical guidelines, and standards that improve fire safety equipment and training. Studies requirements for specialized equipment and prepares project plans to accomplish development.

Prepares specifications for equipment items or equipment systems. Determines specific requirements concerning quality of components, design, and construction details for completed items or systems.

Performs analyses of engineering drawings, military specifications, blueprints, commercial catalogs, and other documents for the purpose of revising, collaborating on, and incorporating information into specifications and technical publications.

Plans and supervises investigations or reviews of equipment related failures or deficiencies. Evaluates equipment failures or deficiencies and makes recommendations for corrective actions.

Conducts quality assurance inspections and/or technical evaluation of items manufactured by contractors to Forest Service or accepted industry specifications.

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National. Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service or exempt. Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check. Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify. Must be 18 years of age. This is a drug testing designated position. You will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. Appointment is based on a negative result. This announcement constitutes 30 days advance notice. Secondary Coverage: Prior wildland firefighting experience is required. Willing to live/work in remote locations (volatile/unpredictable). Some Fire positions may have Conditions of Employment such as: a valid state driver's license; a commercial driver's license (CDL); pre-appointment and random drug testing; or a physical or medical examination. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

See QUALIFICATIONS section for education requirements.