Duties
- GS-11 Major Duties:
- Plans, directs, and advises Forest personnel on compliance efforts regarding NEPA, CEQ, NFMA, the Forest Plan, and Forest Service policy.
- Instructs project staff on the plan standards and guidelines related to unit natural resource management proposals.
- Responsible for the collection and analysis of professional and environmental data to measure and evaluate effects of impacts of management proposals of resources.
- Documents regulatory compliance, conducts project analysis, seeks and implements process efficiencies and maintains effective communications with internal and external partners.
- Responsible for the development, organization and completion of the project record.
- GS-12 Major Duties:
- As the Forest technical expert responsible for executing and coordinating final evaluation and review of environmental analysis documents for Forest projects and programs to ensure compliance with multiple environmental policy requirements.
- Serves as the Forest Planner for Forest Plan implementation monitoring activities on the Forest and Forest Objections Coordinator in the implementation of the administrative objection procedures.
- Serves as the Forest budget coordinator for the Forest Plan monitoring/implementation, and Forest National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) planning.
- Serves as the Forest Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) coordinator, and as the principal advisor, provides interpretation and technical guidance to Forest personnel who process FOIA requests.
- Provides Forest Plan implementation direction and coordination for a complex array of resource management activities.
- GS-13 Major Duties:
- As a technical expert expert on environmental analysis and disclosure and provides advice, information, and training for compliance with the legal and Forest Service policy requirements of of the NEPA, National Forest Management Act, and others.
- Uses current agency systems, procedures, regulations, standards, and other guidance for assessing environmental impacts, assuring quality of all environmental assessment activities, and assuring effective and efficient compliance with the NEPA.
- Facilitates administrative reviews and legal documentation between forests and Regional Office. Assures project records are complete and concise, and coordinates activities with others.
- Communicates impacts and applicability of changes, decisions, and directions to Line Officers and staff involved, regarding assigned projects subject to objections, appeals, and litigation.
- Serves as a technical reviewer for development of statements of work for NEPA contracts, Memorandums of Agreement, and NEPA documents prepared via contract, cooperating agency, or 3rd Party for activities on National Forest System lands.
- Serves as a Region-wide training resource.
- For all grade levels: Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- 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.
- Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
- 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.
Qualifications
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.
This is an interdisciplinary position and may be filled in any of the job series listed below.
Basic Requirement:
GS-0101:
Degree: behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
OR
Combination of education and experience: that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
OR
Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
GS-0401:
Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
OR
Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
GS-1301:
Degree: physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics.
OR
Combination of education and experience: education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement, you must also possess experience and/or directly related education in the amounts listed below.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GS-11: You must have one year specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as one year of professional social, biological or physical science work performing at least three of the following: 1) Assisting with organizing and leading coordination efforts regarding National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), regulations of the President's Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and organizational policy; 2) Collecting and analyzing data needed for preparation of environmental documents; 3)Participating on interdisciplinary teams carrying out routine environmental studies and evaluations to determine the consequences of various actions or events; 4) participated on IDT to complete NEPA for forest land management plan; and 5) Reviewing permits, contracts, or work plans to ensure the design criteria or mitigation specified in NEPA decisions were incorporated into the implementation plan.
OR
Three (3) years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in a directly related program of study.
OR
A combination of education and specialized experience that together meets this requirement. Only education in excess of 36 semester hours in a directly related program of study is creditable towards this combination.
For the GS-12: You must have one year specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as one year of professional social, biological or physical science work performing at least two of the following: 1) Planning, directing, and advising personnel on compliance efforts regarding National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), regulations of the President's Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and organizational policy; 2) Mediating conflicting viewpoints of Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) members on preparation and processing of categorical exclusions, environmental assessments, and environmental impact statements; 3) Executing and coordinating final evaluation and review of environmental analysis documents for natural resource related projects and/or programs to ensure compliance with multiple environmental policy requirements; and 4) Communicating with Federal, State, and local government officials, special interest groups, general public, and stakeholders to provide interpretation of requirements and applicability of NEPA, CEQ, FOIA, objections, appeals, and litigation.
For the GS-13: You must have one year specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as one year of professional social, biological or physical science work performing at least two of the following: 1)Serving as the senior planner for an interdisciplinary team in the development, protection, conservation, and utilization of natural resources impacted by land management planning activities; 2)Developing alternative strategies within existing land management and economic guidelines, models and regulations; 3)Providing technical assistance in environmental analyses and reviewed environmental documents to ensure adequacy; 4)Coordinating public review and input into analyses and land management plans; OR 5)Reviewing long and short-range plans to ensure they were consistent with strategies and program emphasis in an approved land and resource management plan and recommended changes to such plans as appropriate.
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.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
Positions may be filled at a national forest or regional office.
Positions may be filled may be filled at one of the following locations:
- Remote.at any location within the U.S.
- Remote worksite at a location in the Alaska Region.
- Duty location negotiable within commuting distance of a Forest Service office in the Alaska Region.
- Duty location negotiable within commuting distance of any Forest Service office.
Points of Contact:
Chugach National Forest: Deyna Kuntzsch at deyna.kuntzsch@usda.gov.
Tongass National Forest: Delilah Brigham at delilah.brigham@usda.gov
Regional Office: Monique Nelson at monique.nelson@usda.gov
Positions selected for duty location negotiable locations may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position.
If selected for a remote position you will be required to sign a remote work agreement and be responsible for ensuring the approved remote worksite has adequate internet service, connectivity, and other general utility costs at your own expense. Remote work employees are expected to work at an approved remote worksite, typically the employee's residence, on a regular and continuing basis.
Positions may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements.
The USDA Forest Service has legislative authority to recruit and fill Permanent (Career/Career-Conditional), Temporary, and Term Appointments under the USDA Demonstration Project. Under this authority, any U.S. citizen may apply.
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP eligibles must meet the agency's definition for a quality candidate as provided in the How You Will Be Evaluated section of this announcement to be considered.
If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is not guaranteed.
The Forest Service may use certain incentives and hiring flexibilities, currently offered by the Federal government, to attract highly qualified candidates. Additional information is available at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/pay-and-leave-flexibilities-for-recruitment-and-retention/
This is a bargaining unit position and is represented by either NFFE, AFGE, or NAGE.
Forest Service daycare facilities may be available at the Regional Office in Juneau, Alaska at cost to the employee.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
You will be evaluated in accordance with the category rating procedure as defined in the USDA Demonstration Project Plan. Applicants who meet the basic minimum qualification requirements established for the position will be placed in the Eligible category. You will be further evaluated against criteria for placement in the Quality category. This evaluation is based on the level of your experience, education, and/or training as determined by your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire. Individuals with veterans' preference are listed ahead of applicants who do not have veterans' preference within each category.
Note: If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your score may be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities, or you may be found ineligible. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating. Providing inaccurate information on Federal documents could be grounds for non-selection or disciplinary action up to including removal from the Federal service.
To view the application form, visit: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11950192
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Required Documents
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
The following documents are required for your applicant package to be complete. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, illegible fax transmissions, delays in the mail service, your system failure, etc. Encrypted documents will not be accepted. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.
Resume that includes: 1) personal information such as name, address, contact information; 2) education; 3) detailed work experience related to this position as described in the responsibilities section including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); 4) supervisor's phone number and whether or not the supervisor may be contacted for a reference check; 5) other qualifications.
If education is required or you are using education to qualify, you must submit a copy of your college transcripts. An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application; however, if you are selected, you will be required to submit official transcripts prior to entering on duty. Education must have been successfully obtained from an accredited school, college or university. If any education was completed at a foreign institute, you must submit with your application evidence that the institute was appropriately accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as equivalent to U.S. education standards. There are private organizations that specialize in this evaluation and a fee is normally associated with this service. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.
If claiming veteran's preference, you must submit a DD214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty, which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions. If currently on active duty you must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty service under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted. Veteran's preference must be verified prior to appointment. Without this documentation, you will not receive veteran's preference and your application will be evaluated based on the material(s) submitted.
If claiming 10-point veteran's preference you must provide the DD214 or certification requirements (see above bullet), plus the proof of entitlement of this preference as listed on the SF-15 Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference. The SF-15 should be included but is not required. Failure to submit these documents could result in the determination that there is insufficient documentation to support your claim for 10-point preference. For more information on veterans' preference visit FEDSHIREVETS.
Surplus or displaced employees eligible for CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP priority must provide: proof of eligibility (RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a transfer of function or directed reassignment to another commuting area, notice of disability annuity termination), SF-50 documenting separation (as applicable), and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with your application per 5 CFR 330.
How to Apply
Please view Tips for Applicants - a guide to the Forest Service application process.
Read the entire announcement and all instructions before you begin. You must complete this application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
Applying online is highly encouraged. We are available to assist you during business hours (8:00a.m. - 4:00p.m. (MST), Monday - Friday. If applying online poses a hardship, contact the Agency Contact listed below well before the closing date for an alternate method. All hardship application packages must be returned to Human Resources no later than noon ET on the closing date of the announcement in order for it to be entered into the system prior to the closing date.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. Contact the Agency Contact to request this.
To begin, in USAJOBS click "Apply" and follow the instructions to attach your resume and required documents, complete the assessment questionnaire, and submit your application.
NOTE: Please verify that documents you are uploading from USAJOBS transfer into the Agency's staffing system as there is a limitation to the number of documents that can be transferred. However, once in the Agency's staffing system, you will have the opportunity to upload additional documents. Uploaded documents must be less than 5MB and in one of the following document formats: GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, PDF, TXT or Word (DOC or DOCX). Do not upload Adobe Portfolio documents because they are not viewable.
Agency contact information
HRM Contact Center
Phone
1-877-372-7248 X2
Email
HRM_Contact_Center@usda.gov
Address
USDA Forest Service HRM Contact Center
DO NOT MAIL IN APPLICATIONS, SEE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE ANNOUNCEMENT.
Albuquerque, NM 87109
USNext steps
Your application will be reviewed to verify that you meet the eligibility and qualification requirements for the position prior to issuing referral lists to the selecting official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. Log in to your USAJOBS account to check your application status.
You must choose to turn on email notifications in your USAJOBS profile if you want to receive important email notifications that may impact your applicant experience (e.g. If you start an application and do not submit it prior to the closing date, USAJOBS will send an email reminder that the closing date is approaching and your application is in an incomplete status).
Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Financial suitability
- Selective Service
- New employee probationary period
- Signature and false statements
- Privacy Act
- Social security number request
Required Documents
The following documents are required for your applicant package to be complete. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, illegible fax transmissions, delays in the mail service, your system failure, etc. Encrypted documents will not be accepted. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.
Resume that includes: 1) personal information such as name, address, contact information; 2) education; 3) detailed work experience related to this position as described in the responsibilities section including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); 4) supervisor's phone number and whether or not the supervisor may be contacted for a reference check; 5) other qualifications.
If education is required or you are using education to qualify, you must submit a copy of your college transcripts. An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application; however, if you are selected, you will be required to submit official transcripts prior to entering on duty. Education must have been successfully obtained from an accredited school, college or university. If any education was completed at a foreign institute, you must submit with your application evidence that the institute was appropriately accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as equivalent to U.S. education standards. There are private organizations that specialize in this evaluation and a fee is normally associated with this service. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.
If claiming veteran's preference, you must submit a DD214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty, which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions. If currently on active duty you must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty service under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted. Veteran's preference must be verified prior to appointment. Without this documentation, you will not receive veteran's preference and your application will be evaluated based on the material(s) submitted.
If claiming 10-point veteran's preference you must provide the DD214 or certification requirements (see above bullet), plus the proof of entitlement of this preference as listed on the SF-15 Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference. The SF-15 should be included but is not required. Failure to submit these documents could result in the determination that there is insufficient documentation to support your claim for 10-point preference. For more information on veterans' preference visit FEDSHIREVETS.
Surplus or displaced employees eligible for CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP priority must provide: proof of eligibility (RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a transfer of function or directed reassignment to another commuting area, notice of disability annuity termination), SF-50 documenting separation (as applicable), and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with your application per 5 CFR 330.
This job is open to
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
