Forestry Technician (IPM) (Seasonal)

National Park Service • Gatlinburg, TN

6h • Onsite

About The Position

The Forestry Technician assists with vegetation management throughout an 810-square-mile park, including forest health, exotic plant management, and ecological restoration projects. The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period is November through April, though timing can vary due to weather, project needs, or funding. The anticipated entry-on-duty date is November–December 2026. This is a temporary seasonal appointment not to exceed 1,039 hours, expected to end when the season’s work is complete. Employment may end earlier due to funding, project needs, performance, or other considerations.

At the GS-05 performance level, the technician assists with forest insect and disease programs, invasive plant management, field monitoring, and related data collection. The role may include serving as a field work leader, guiding one to five employees or volunteers. Work involves strenuous outdoor activity, pesticide use with required protective equipment, and backcountry camping trips lasting several days.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Must meet the applicable minimum age requirement for employment and government vehicle operation.
• Must meet the Selective Service registration requirement if applicable.
• Must complete a background investigation and receive favorable adjudication.
• Must participate in the Direct Deposit Electronic Funds Transfer Program.
• Must have at least one year of qualifying specialized experience comparable to the GS-4 level; qualifying experience may include forestry, land or resource management, farming or ranching conservation practices, research or control programs, or forest and range fire control, prevention, or suppression. Applicants must state hours worked per week.
• Alternatively, must have completed a qualifying four-year bachelor's degree in forestry, range management, agriculture, or a directly related field, or a degree with at least 24 semester hours in specified natural or physical science and related subjects. Transcripts must be submitted when qualifying through education.
• A qualifying combination of education and experience may be used, with the combined total meeting at least 100 percent of the stated qualification formula. Transcripts must be submitted when applicable.
• Must have a valid driver's license if required to operate a government or private motor vehicle for official duties.
• May be required to complete training and operate a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
• May be required to complete training and obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.
• May be required to wear a uniform and comply with National Park Service uniform standards.
• May be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and/or shift work.
• Must use mandatory protective equipment when working with pesticides.
• Physical ability to hike off trail over rugged mountainous terrain, carry loads exceeding 50 pounds over long distances, and perform prolonged physical labor.
• Competencies assessed include botany, forest management, pest control, physical strength and agility, teamwork, and technology application.

Responsibilities

• Assist with planning and implementing forest insect and disease programs, including standardized survey data collection, specimen collection and identification, control actions, and pre- and post-treatment monitoring.
• Assist with vegetation management, particularly documenting, controlling, and monitoring more than 75 exotic invasive plant species.
• Demonstrate safe and efficient work methods.
• Assist the supervisor and/or crew leader with tool and equipment maintenance and repair, property inventories, safety inspections, logistical support, and data management.
• May serve as a field work leader and lead one to five employees and volunteers in assigned project work.
• Operate equipment such as truck-mounted sprayers or brush cutters when required.
• Participate in backcountry camping trips lasting several days as required.

Benefits

• Uniform allowance provided.
• Government housing may be available but is not guaranteed.
• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefit eligibility depends on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level