Helicopter VRLL Fire Inspector Pilots – USAThis is an open continuous announcement. This type of announcement provides the Forest Service with a readily available source of applicants when vacancies occur. Eligibility and qualifications will be verified when there is a vacancy for the location and grade for which you applied. Information on specific locations where jobs are being filled and the dates applications are due for these locations can be found on the Forest Service website. See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION section for details. Responsibilities include evaluating and determining the suitability and capability of contractor employed pilots for approval to perform special use skills to perform fire suppression. Performing special use skills such as retardant delivery, external load/longline vertical reference, rappel operations. Periodically reevaluating pilot qualifications for performance of various mission applications through the administration of flight checks. Maintaining a program of recurring visits involving personal contacts with USDA Forest Service and Interagency personnel supervising operations and aviation operators providing contractual services. Evaluating safety of operations, training practices, suitability of aircraft, efficiency with which equipment is used, mechanical condition of equipment used, aircrew proficiency, adequacy of communications, development of equipment and standards. Participating in or conducting surveillance and inspection of USDA Forest Service and contractor facilities to ensure compliance with department regulations, contract specifications, and quality control plans. Serving as a team member for the aircraft contract compliance and renewal process for all contractor and cooperating federal, state and local agency aviation operations for the assigned geographical area. Providing expert technical advice to the regional and national helicopter programs as a principle advisor in the development and implementation of policies, programs and standard practices for helicopter operations and specialized projects. Providing oversight in the planning, development and performance of specialized missions for the Forest Service and cooperator units in the use of helicopters to perform high risk activities such as longline vertical reference operations. Serving on the regional and national helicopter contract evaluation panel as a technical expert regarding aircraft performance and capability. Participating in the development and implementation of regional helicopter programs. Continuously evaluating their effectiveness. Establishing and revising standards and procedures as needed. Serving as pilot-in-command (PIC) of rotorcraft for the purpose of conducting missions to include point-to-point transportation of personnel and cargo, utilization of special use skills such as fire suppression, retardant delivery, external load. Serving as pilot-in-command (PIC) of rotorcraft for the purpose of conducting missions to include rappel operations, aerial ignition, search and rescue, air tactical missions and precision high and low level reconnaissance activities. Performing wildfire suppression support as directed within training and physical and other duties as assigned. Duties listed are at the full performance level. Occasional travel – You may be expected to travel overnights on fire suppression or fire related assignments for this position. 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. 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. Initial appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of training. This is a Test Designated Position. You will be tested for illegal drugs prior to appointment and randomly thereafter. Appointment and continued employment is conditional on negative results. Minimum of 90 days of 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. There may be additional Conditions of Employment not listed here, however applicants will be notified of any specific requirements at the time a tentative job offer is made. You must possess the Basic Requirements identified below to be considered eligible for this position. Your application or resume must clearly show that you possess the appropriate experience requirements. Minimum eligibility requirements for this position are based on possession of the appropriate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot certificates and/or appropriate military ratings, meeting the applicable flight hour requirements, and possession of the knowledge and skills required for the position, see How You Will Be Evaluated section. Qualifying experience for the GS-13 grade levels include: Must meet all the following flight requirements and all minimum hours must be in Category (Helicopter): Possess minimum flight time of 1500 hours as Pilot-In-Command (PIC), helicopter; Possess a minimum flight time of 75 hours of Night Flight; possess minimum flight time of 24 hours in Helicopter in the preceding 12 months Pilot-In-Command (PIC); possess minimum of 100 hours in Wight class (helicopter); possess minimum flight time of 50 hours* Make and model (Helicopter) and 10 hours* in Make, Model, and Series in the last 12 months; possess minimum of 10 hours** in the last 60 days (Helicopter); possess minimum flight time of of 200 hours of low level Mountain terrain flying (FSM 5710.5); possess minimum flight time of 100 hours (PIC) in Turbine helicopter operations OR minimum flight time of 200 hours (PIC) in Piston helicopter operations. *Flight hour requirements may be reduced by 50% if the pilot submits evidence of satisfactory completion of the manufacture's approved pilot ground and flight procedures training in the applicable make and model. **Refresher currency flight may be accomplished with agency Helicopter Inspector Pilot in lieu of this requirement. Certificates and Ratings: – Must possess a FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Rotocraft-Helicopter Ratings, OR a FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, with Rotocraft-Helicopter rating. – Must possess a FAA Certified Flight Instructor Certificate, as appropriate to the position held (Rotocraft-Helicopter)
Medical Requirements:
– Must possess a current FAA first or second-class medical certificate. SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTORS: A minimum 90 days experience performing on-the-line (Primary/Rigorous) wildland fire suppression duties as a member of an organized fire suppression crew or comparable unit that utilized knowledge of wildland fire suppression, containment or control techniques and practices under various conditions. OR A minimum 90 days of aerial wildland fire suppression experience. Pilot with aerial wildland fire experience, such as: delivery of fire retardants or suppressants via fixed or rotor wing aircraft; aerial ignition, helitack or aerial supervision operations (Air Tactical, Aerial Supervision Module – ASM, Helicopter Coordinator – HLCO). This experience, to include, specific duties and specific dates must be documented a separate document including reference names and current phone numbers for verification. In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.