The Modoc National Forest, Big Valley Ranger District has a vacancy open for Assistant Fire Engine Operator (GS-462-6). The tour of duty for this position is GS-6; 18/8. The position will be located on the Modoc National Forest, Adin, CA.

Description of duties:

As assistant to the Fire Engine Operator, serves as working leader of an engine crew of up to 7 firefighters on small and large fires. Trains by demonstrating skills in use of hand and power tools, hoses, chemical, and hydraulic systems. Observes, corrects, and evaluates crew skills. Explains fire behavior characteristics, safety regulations, and work procedures. Assigns work to individuals to best utilize skill and balance workload, checks on progress, corrects unsafe or incorrect procedures, checks for work adequacy, answers procedural questions of crew, maintains work records, insures that tools and equipment are available, resolves minor complaints, and insures that crew needs are met.

As lead technician, serves as the alternate to the Fire Engine Operator, up to 80% of the time. Serves as the alternate driver which requires a commercial class B driver's license. This license must be obtained prior to being assigned driving duties. Personally performs or directs others in starting pump engine, priming pump, adjusting engine speed and pump valves, laying hose, and using appropriate nozzles and nozzle adjustment. Accomplishes emergency repairs as necessary to permit continued use of equipment. Inspects, checks, serves and adjusts the pump, hose lays, tank and hose reels in order to have equipment always ready for immediate use.

Drug testing notice:

In accordance with Executive Order 12564, applicants selected for this position may be required to submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test result prior to appointment. In addition, this position is a drug-testing designated position subject to random testing for illegal drug use. This is primarily for those persons who will be fire engine operators or crew carrier drivers.

Pack test notice:

The incumbents to these positions are required to take and pass a Work Capacity Test. This consists of a three mile hike, within 45 minutes, carrying 45 pounds. Further information about this test can be found at www.fs.fed.us/fsjobs.

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About the Modoc National Forest, Adin, and Big Valley Ranger District

The Modoc National Forest is located in northeastern California. The forest and district programs includes an active fuels management program, the largest range program in California, wildlife habitat improvement for waterfowl and threatened and endangered species, vegetation management, recreation and fire.

The Adin office is located near the intersection of State Highways 299 and 139 in Big Valley, population 500. Most district employees live in Adin or the nearby communities of Bieber, 12 miles away or Lookout, 15 miles away; some employees commute from the Fall River Mills area. Adin is situated on the north side of Big Valley, amongst numerous large ranches and public lands, including the Ash Creek Wildlife Refuge.

The Big Valley area has K-12 public schools. Amenities in town include a grocery store, a gas station, churches, and a large community center with park, baseball diamond and basketball court. A medical clinic located in Bieber provides outpatient medical services to the area, including dental services. Bieber also has a local bank and restaurant. There are two stores in Big Valley, though for larger purchases people may travel to Fall River Mills 35 miles away, Redding and Klamath Fall 100 miles away and Reno 150 miles away. The last three named cities have commercial air service, and Amtrak stops in Klamath Falls.

Winter temperatures usually range from 10 to 40 degrees. Summer temperatures rarely exceed 100 degrees, commonly being in the eighties and low nineties during the day. Night-time temperatures in the summer usually are in the forties and fifties. The frost-free season is usually around three months. Average yearly percipitation is 16 inches of water, commonly coming as snow from November through March.

There is a wide variety of recreational opportunities available in the area including backpacking, fishing, hunting, hang gliding, cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, cycling, mountain biking, photography, rock climbing, and horseback riding. There are public golf courses in Alturas and Fall River Mills.

The average cost of a two-bedroom home is $40,000 - $90,000. Average rent ranges from $300 - $600 a month. There is a mobile home park in the Adin.

How to apply:
The vacancy announcements will appear on the Office of Personnel Management's USAJOBS website: www.usajobs.opm.gov

The process of applying will take place on the AVUE Digital Services website:
www.avuedigitalservices.com/usfs/applicant.html

If you are interested in applying for any of these positions, you can access the AVUE website and register there; however you will have to wait until the positions are actually announced on USAJOBS prior to completing your application process.

If you have further questions about these positions or the application process, please call one of the following Modoc National Forest fire management personnel: