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Summary This is a Wildland Firefighter (Aviation Manager) position located with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Western Region, Fort Apache Agency, Branch of Fire Management in Whiteriver, Arizona and will be filled from Standard PD Number: DX05300. This announcement will be used to fill vacancies utilizing the Direct-Hire Authority (5CFR 337.201). Category rating, veteran's preference, and traditional rating and ranking of applicants do NOT apply for this vacancy. Responsibilities Responsible for the unit's aviation program management to include oversight, budget planning, development, execution, and monitoring of all aviation operations. Serves as liaison for the interagency coordination and use of tactical and logistical aircraft on multiagency incidents, mutual aid responses, or other emergency use of tactical aircraft. Serves as the unit's Contracting Officers Representative (COR). Monitors aircraft contractor performance and provides findings to appropriate personnel utilizing a contractor performance assessment. Periodically inspects all Unit aviation facilities and airstrips for Department and Bureau aviation policy compliance. Incumbent is responsible for maintaining and implementing the unit's aviation safety and training program. Investigates violations of policies, procedures, and safety standards. Exercises delegated supervisory authorities and responsibilities 15% of the time. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: (OPM Operating Manual, Qualification Standards for the GS-0456: Wildland Firefighter Series; and NWCG/Interagency Fire Program Management Qualifications Standards and Guide) GS-11: 1 year of specialized wildland fire management work experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level or equivalent pay band in the Federal service that includes: provides program and technical assistance, as required, to inter/intragency groups and partners as well as disseminates Air Attack related program and technical information; reviews aviation regulations, policies, and manuals and collaborates with local, state/regional, and General Area aviation managers; performs flight crewmember duties including mission/flight checklists, navigation, hazard identification, risk mitigation, and other duties as required; coordinates strategy and tactics with unit fire managers or Incident Commanders and assists in the development of training plans, courses, course aids. SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTORS: This position has been categorized as a Wildland Fire Operations Specialist (WFOS) - High and Moderate Complexity position and requires meeting the following selective factor qualifications: You must provide a current copy of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record or other agency equivalent documentation which verifies you meet the required NWCG qualifications for this position when submitting your application. Please indicate which of the following qualifications you possess: High Pathway #2: Air Support Group Supervisor (ASGS) or higher and Incident Commander Type 3 (ICT3). Moderate Pathway #1: Task Force Leader (TFLD) and Incident Commander Type 3 (ICT3) or Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2) or higher. NOTE: Selective factors are knowledges, skills, abilities, or special qualifications that are in addition to the minimum requirements in a qualification standard, but are determined to be essential to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. Applicants who do not meet the selective factors are ineligible for further consideration. You MUST provide a current copy of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record or other agency equivalent documentation which verifies you meet the required qualifications for this position when submitting your application. Prior Wildland Firefighting Experience: This is a secondary-administrative position in an organization having a firefighting mission, and is clearly in an established career path. Prior firefighting experience, as gained by substantial service in a primary firefighter position or equivalent experience outside the Federal government is a MANDATORY PREREQUISITE. FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This position is covered under the secondary/administrative firefighter special retirement provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8336(c)(CSRS) and 5 U.S.C. 8412(d)(FERS) when it is filled by an incumbent who transfers directly from a primary or another secondary law enforcement or firefighting position with no break in service to this position. Firefighter retirement coverage of the incumbent will depend upon his or her individual work history. You may meet the qualification requirements, but not be eligible for special retirement coverage. If you are not eligible for special retirement coverage, you will be placed in the regular retirement system. All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Additional selections may be made from this announcement if identical vacancies occur within 90 days from the closing date. Physical Demands: Work in the off ice is primarily sedentary. Field work does require frequent physical exertion, involving walking over rough terrain, sometimes for extended periods, and working under occasionally inclement (hot, cold, snow, wind, etc.) weather conditions. The incumbent must be in good physical condition in order to safety perform field activities. The incumbent must be able to perform duties in areas of uncontrolled wildfire where hazardous conditions exist. The incumbent must be able to fly as a passenger in helicopters and single engine fixed wing aircraft. Work Environment: Work is performed in both an office and field setting with field work. Field work involves exposure to temperature extremes, both from weather and fire conditions where falling trees and the presence of smoke and/or dust conditions create hazardous conditions. The nature of fire management work requires that protective clothing (boots, hard hats, etc.) be worn. The incumbent must exercise a variety of safety practices and precautions for the well-being of self and of others. Education Additional Information Indian Preference Policy: Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian Preference Act of 1934 (Title 25, USC Section 472). Verification form BIA-4432 must be submitted with the application if claiming Indian Preference. No other documents will be accepted as proof of Indian Preference. All new hires earn the beginning salary of their pay grade (Step 1). See 2025 Salary Tables here and select the duty station from Whiteriver, Arizona to choose the appropriate pay chart. If no specific chart is listed for this geographic location, see the "rest of U.S." chart. Note: "Salary changed with the release of the new (GW) pay schedule specific for firefighter positions, effective 03/23/25. The new pay schedule are available through this link- https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/ TRAVEL AND RELOCATION EXPENSES WILL NOT BE AUTHORIZED. ANY RELOCATION EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH REPORTING FOR DUTY WILL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE SELECTED EMPLOYEE. TELEWORK: Indian Affairs has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework only during an emergency or natural disaster. This position has been designated as an Incidental Operator under the Indian Affairs Motor Vehicle Safety Program and requires the incumbent to operate a motor vehicle in order to properly carry out his/her assigned duties but whose principal duties are not operating a motor vehicle and his/her position is not classified as a motor vehicle operator. The incumbent will be required initially and annually to acknowledge and certify possession of a valid state driver's license. Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) OR Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) Programs provides placement assistance to permanent Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated. Applicants claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF50 noting position, grade level, duty location with their application. To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, applicants must be qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements), and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee\_guides/career\_transition.asp