Outreach Response:
If you are interested in this position, please respond using the OUTREACH DATABASE, additionally you will need to email a copy of your resume and the completed OUTREACH RESPONSE FORM to Chet Madden at chet.madden@usda.gov before the “Reply By” date above.
Individuals with non-competitive hiring authority should also provide supporting documentation.
INDIVIDUALS WITH NON-COMPETITIVE HIRING AUTHORITY ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE TO RESPOND TO THIS OUTREACH. POSITIONS MAY BE FILLED OUTSIDE OF A USAJOBS VACANCIES ANNOUNCEMENT FOR QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS.
For additional information or questions related to Non-Competitive Hiring Authorities contact Donald Rakes at donald.rakes@usda.gov
About the Position:
This position is located in a Forest Service District Office where the incumbent has primary responsibility for the preparation, implementation, and administration of the timber management program as the Timber Management Assistant and Silviculturist.
Major Duties
Establishes timber sale program and production goals, setting priorities and laying out work schedules. Develops annual program of work, prepares project work plans, and develops long- and short-term budget needs. Documents work progress and accountability of the timber program activity. Inspects all phases of reforestation and stand improvement projects; appraises the degree of conformance with policies, procedures, and silvicultural plans; and recommends corrective action as required.
Reviews and appraises the forest area timber resource to determine the area's capacity to meet allowable cut/public demand and future needs, as well as the protection and regeneration of the resource. Makes on-the-ground examinations and analyses of forest areas to determine which areas require short- or long-range cultural treatment in terms of the total ecosystem.
Oversees the timber sale preparation program including determination of best access routes and cutting units, and ensures that logging methods are consistent with transportation and silvicultural plans.
Determines staffing and equipment needs needed for the sales layout program; oversees cruising and marking of timber; determines sales volume; oversees preparation of timber sale reports and appraisals, and prepares timber sale contracts.
Provides for protection of water retention capacity of the soil and reestablishment of the forest growth to prevent or minimize soil erosion damage; adjusts cutting plans to include control measures necessary to prevent the spread of insects or disease and to salvage infested or infected timber. Plans, coordinates, and evaluates the timber stand improvement program; prescribes cutting practices based on an examination of stand conditions and esthetic or other resource requirements.
Reviews and/or writes Environmental Assessment (EA)/Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) reports for considering all alternatives in the timber sale design. Writes silvicultural prescriptions for EA / EIS Landscape Restoration projects, as well as silvicultural prescriptions on all burn plans.
Oversees or prepares and assembles appraisal packet with assistance from various specialists. Is accountable for the final accuracy of the appraisal packet.
Coordinates and directs preparation of the timber sale contract and related documents, ensuring all coordinating requirements identified in the Environmental Assessment Reports (EAR) are included in the contracts.
Reviews logging plans with operator to ensure understanding of contract requirements. Inspects logging operations to ensure fulfillment of silvicultural objectives, protection of watershed, esthetic, and wildlife values, and that contract stipulations are observed.
Investigates reports of improper logging activities such as improper cutting practices, cutting of unauthorized timber, damage to residual stands or reserve trees, and disputed interpretations of contract intent. Negotiates or directs changes in operations as required.
Coordinates with other principal assistants and with specialists in other disciplines to ensure coordination and integration of the timber management plan with other resources and with approved land management plans. Prepares or assists in preparation of, as appropriate, draft environmental impact statements or environmental analysis reports. Provides advice, technical support, and evaluation of proposed and ongoing timber sale programs to prevent loss of timber productivity and damage to the environment.
Analyzes timber management operating plans; determines financial needs of the resource program and prepares recommendations for budgetary requirements of equipment, material, and personnel; documents work progress and accountability of the timber resource program activity.
Assists in overall administration of the unit including safety, information and education, and overall work planning and management. Serves as a full member of the unit management team and shares in setting unit goals and objectives and developing overall unit plans.
Plans, coordinates, and administers the technical phases of forest area control of animals, insects, or diseases affecting reforestation and regeneration programs.
Coordinates silvicultural needs with other resource specialists.
This position serves as a silviculturist.
Supervision Less than 25% - Provides technical and administrative supervision to subordinate employees. Plans work to be accomplished, sets and adjusts short-term priorities and prepares schedules for completion of work. Assigns work based on priorities, selective consideration of the difficulty and requirements of assignments, and the capabilities of employees. Evaluates work performance. Gives advice, counsel or instruction to employees on both work and administrative matters. Hears and resolves minor complaints from employees. Refers group grievances and more serious unresolved complaints to a higher level supervisor or manager. Interviews candidates for employment; recommends or selects for temporary positions. Finds ways to improve production or increase the quality of work directed.
Provides leadership, allocates resources, and implements activities to accomplish Forest Service multicultural organization direction and Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights requirements, goals, policies, and objectives. Supports and participates in the Work Environment Continuous Improvement process. Ensures all communication - written, oral, visual, signed - is non-discriminatory and sensitive to all employees and publics. Creates a work environment which respects, appreciates, and accepts contributions and perspectives of all employees.