Equipment Specialist

Forest Service•Missoula, MT

8d•Onsite

About The Position

This permanent, full-time position is with the USDA Forest Service National Forest System, National Technology and Development Program in Missoula, Montana. The Equipment Specialist provides expertise and manages projects related to wildland firefighting and fire aviation equipment, with a focus on smokejumper equipment and aircraft accessories. The role operates at the full-performance GW-12 level and includes project management, equipment specification and design, technical evaluation, and quality assurance. The position may include weekend work. Government housing is not available; Forest Service daycare facilities may be available.

Requirements

Prior wildland firefighting experience is required.
For the GW-12 level, one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GW-11 level is required, such as experience advising on wildland firefighting protective-equipment design and requirements, assessing smokejumper operations and recommending program or policy improvements, addressing quality-control issues for equipment systems, or preparing test plans and arranging field testing for smokejumping or helicopter-rappelling equipment.
Must be a U.S. citizen or national.
Must be at least 18 years old.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service or exempt.
Must successfully pass the required background investigation and/or fingerprint check and E-Verify employment verification.
Must use direct deposit for federal payments.
This is a drug-testing-designated position; pre-employment and random testing are required, and appointment depends on a negative result.
Must serve a one-year probationary period and receive written certification that continued employment advances the public interest to remain employed after the period.
Application and resume must clearly demonstrate qualifying experience; transcripts are required when qualifying based on education.
Some fire positions may require a valid state driver's license, a commercial driver's license, drug testing, or a physical or medical examination.

Responsibilities

Serve as a project manager specializing in specification writing and fire equipment design, development, and evaluation.
Develop project charters, plans, timelines, and milestones; document project status and communicate with portfolio managers and stakeholders.
Assist in drafting policy, technical guidelines, and standards to improve fire safety equipment and training.
Study requirements for specialized equipment and prepare project plans for its development.
Prepare equipment or equipment-system specifications and determine requirements for component quality, design, and construction.
Analyze engineering drawings, military specifications, blueprints, commercial catalogs, and other documents to revise, collaborate on, and incorporate information into specifications and technical publications.
Plan and supervise investigations or reviews of equipment failures or deficiencies; evaluate findings and recommend corrective actions.
Conduct quality-assurance inspections and technical evaluations of contractor-manufactured items against Forest Service or accepted industry specifications.