Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.

Specialized Experience Requirement:

GS-05 Level: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-4 grade level. Specialized experience at this level is defined as a minimum of 52 weeks performing all of the following:
-Collecting natural resource data in a field based setting
-Assisting with interpretation of standardized procedures and/or protocol
-Assisting with identification of vegetation using field guides
-OR
Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor’s degree (a) with major study in forestry, range management, agriculture, or a subject-matter field directly related to the position, or (b) that included at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as forestry, agriculture, crop or plant science, range management or conservation, wildlife management, watershed management, soil science, natural resources (except marine fisheries and oceanography), outdoor recreation management, civil or forest engineering, or wildland fire science. No more than 6 semester hours in mathematics is creditable.
-OR-
A combination of education and experience listed above.

GS-06 Level: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-5 grade level. Specialized experience at this level is defined as a minimum of 52 weeks performing at least 3 of the following:
– Collecting forest inventory or forest ecology data in a field based setting
– Interpreting standard procedures, consulting field guides, and ensuring that data is in compliance with established protocol.
– Identifying plants using botanical keys and/or field guides
– Summarizing natural resource data in written reports
-OR-
Successful completion of one full year (18 semester/27 quarter hours) of graduate level coursework that is directly related to the work of the position in fields such as Forestry, Botany, Environmental Science, Ecology, Hydrology, or Fisheries.
-OR-
A combination of graduate level education that is directly related to the position and specialized experience described above. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university.

SCREEN OUT: Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license.

NOTICE OF WORKING CONDITIONS: Duties involve rigorous field work requiring above average physical performance, endurance, and conditioning. Work requires prolonged standing, walking over uneven ground, recurring bending, climbing, lifting and carrying of items weighing over 50 pounds, and similar strenuous activities. Work is physically demanding, requiring the ability to perform effectively in steep, debris and brush-covered terrain under adverse ground and weather conditions for long periods of time. Work days commonly exceed 8 hours contributing to the arduous nature of the job. On- and off-trail hiking and navigating are required nearly every field work day.

Field sites are generally in remote locations and may be located significant distances from roads or trails. Work in the forest environment is in steep terrain where surfaces may be extremely uneven, rocky, and covered with vegetation. Temperatures vary from above 100 degrees F to below freezing. Risks include snake or insect bites and stings, contact with animals or poisonous plants, etc. Rain, snow, wind, or dust may be encountered. Work requires use of boots, gloves, goggles, and hardhat; other safety equipment may be required. Work in remote field camps or hotels with overnight travel required may be as high as 40-80% of the time. Vehicle camping and backpacking may be required. Moderate risks or discomforts such as flying in helicopters, travel by boat, ATV, motorcycle, stock animal or horses, and living in a camp in close quarters may be required.

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.

TIME IN GRADE REQUIREMENT: If you are a current federal employee in the General Schedule (GS) pay plan and applying for a promotion opportunity, you must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirements of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. This requirement must be met by the closing date of this announcement.