- Position Title
- Forester (Urban Trees)
- Agency
- National Park Service
- Announcement Number
- NC-1616-NAMA-20-10662695-DE Opens in new window
- Open Period
- Thursday, December 26, 2019 to Thursday, January 16, 2020
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1.
Do you claim Veterans’ Preference?
2.
Are you a veteran who separated from active duty under honorable conditions AND you:
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. You must also submit the disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service and the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15.
- have a rating by the Department of Veterans Affairs showing a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more; OR,
- are retired from active military service with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more?
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. You must also submit the disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service and the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15.
3.
Are you a United States Citizen?
For more information, review Employment of U.S Citizens.
For more information, review Employment of U.S Citizens.
4.
1. Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who has been issued orders for a permanent change of station (PCS)? If yes, confirm you are indicated on the PCS orders; and that you:
2. Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired with a disability rating of 100 percent at the time of retirement or the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired or separated from the Armed Forces and has a disability rating of 100 percent from the Department of Veterans Affairs?
-OR-
3. Are you the un-remarried widow or widower of a member of the Armed Forces killed while in active duty status?
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
To verify your eligibility for option 1 identified above, you must submit a copy of the PCS orders indicating you are authorized to relocate on those orders.
To verify your eligibility for options 2 and 3 identified above, you must submit the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15 and all supporting documentation identified on that document (e.g., Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of service which includes character of service; death certificate and documentation identifying marital status at the time of death; disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service, etc..
- have been married to the military member on or prior to the date of your spouse's PCS orders;
- are relocating with your spouse to the new duty location; AND,
- have not previously been appointed using this authority under these orders.
2. Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired with a disability rating of 100 percent at the time of retirement or the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired or separated from the Armed Forces and has a disability rating of 100 percent from the Department of Veterans Affairs?
-OR-
3. Are you the un-remarried widow or widower of a member of the Armed Forces killed while in active duty status?
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
To verify your eligibility for option 1 identified above, you must submit a copy of the PCS orders indicating you are authorized to relocate on those orders.
To verify your eligibility for options 2 and 3 identified above, you must submit the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15 and all supporting documentation identified on that document (e.g., Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of service which includes character of service; death certificate and documentation identifying marital status at the time of death; disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service, etc..
5.
Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from the agency hiring for this position? If yes, confirm:
For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
- you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; AND,
- you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
- you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
- your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
6.
Are you a former member of the Public Lands Corps (PLC) who has served the time required for completing a PLC project carried out on Federal land within the preceding 2 years (an individuals eligibility for NCE under this authority shall not exceed 2 years after completion of his/her last PLC project), and:
• Served as a qualified youth on an appropriate conservation project completing a minimum of 640 hours of satisfactory service that included at least 120 hours through the PLC (individuals must provide a copy of the "Certificate of Eligibility for NCE Hiring Based on PLC Service" and the complete PLC Participant Work Hours Verification Form with your application package in order to be considered under this hiring authority), and
• Meet OPM qualification standards and any other qualification requirement(s) stated in this vacancy announcement for the position in which you are applying.
• Served as a qualified youth on an appropriate conservation project completing a minimum of 640 hours of satisfactory service that included at least 120 hours through the PLC (individuals must provide a copy of the "Certificate of Eligibility for NCE Hiring Based on PLC Service" and the complete PLC Participant Work Hours Verification Form with your application package in order to be considered under this hiring authority), and
• Meet OPM qualification standards and any other qualification requirement(s) stated in this vacancy announcement for the position in which you are applying.
7.
Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a Federal agency other than the agency hiring for this position? If yes, confirm:
For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
- you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; AND,
- you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
- you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
- your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
8.
Do you meet one of the following Non-Competitive Merit Promotion Eligibilities:
To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting. For example, a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service; a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50); etc. All required documentation will be outlined in the Job Opportunity Announcement.
- Disabled veteran receiving 30% or more disability compensation from the VA;
- Transfer or reinstatement eligible: current Federal or former employee with career or career-conditional appointment in the competitive service that hold, or have previously held a career or career-conditional position at the same or higher grade level with the same or higher promotion potential as the position being announced; or,
- Individual eligible under other non-competitive appointment authorities such as: Veterans Recruitment Authority; Military spouses under E.O. 13473; Certain former overseas employees; Present and former Peace Corps, Vista or Action volunteers; Former White House staff; Present and former Foreign Service officers and employees; Certain National Guard technicians; Schedule A; OPM Interchange Agreement and Other Miscellaneous Authorities.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting. For example, a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service; a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50); etc. All required documentation will be outlined in the Job Opportunity Announcement.
9.
Do you have a severe physical, psychiatric or mental disability that qualifies you for a Schedule A Disability appointment?
For more information, review USAJOBS Individuals with Disabilities resources.
To verify your eligibility, you must provide appropriate medical documentation, i.e., a letter signed by a licensed medical professional or licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist stating your condition and restriction
For more information, review USAJOBS Individuals with Disabilities resources.
To verify your eligibility, you must provide appropriate medical documentation, i.e., a letter signed by a licensed medical professional or licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist stating your condition and restriction
Assessment 1
Basic Qualifications - Education
1.
From the statements below, select the response that best describes how your background meets the basic requirements for a Forester GS-0460. Please select only one response. MARK ONLY ONE RESPONSE. If you select more than one response, or leave this question blank you will be rated ineligible. If you do not meet these minimum qualifications, you will be considered not qualified and will not receive consideration for this position.
Specialized Experience
2.
From the descriptions below, select the letter corresponding to the statement that most clearly and accurately describes how you qualify for the Forester (Urban Trees) position at the GS-12 level. Read all responses before making your selection. MARK ONLY ONE RESPONSE. If you select more than one response, or leave this question blank you will be rated ineligible. If you do not meet these minimum qualifications, you will be considered not qualified and will not receive consideration for this position.
THE RESUME OR APPLICATION MATERIALS YOU SUBMIT FOR THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MUST SUPPORT THE ANSWER YOU CLAIM UNDER THIS AND OTHER QUESTIONS. IF NOT, YOU WILL BE FOUND NOT QUALIFIED OR YOUR SCORE WILL BE LOWERED.
THE RESUME OR APPLICATION MATERIALS YOU SUBMIT FOR THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MUST SUPPORT THE ANSWER YOU CLAIM UNDER THIS AND OTHER QUESTIONS. IF NOT, YOU WILL BE FOUND NOT QUALIFIED OR YOUR SCORE WILL BE LOWERED.
For the questions below, please select from A through E to indicate the skill level that you possess for each task listed. The questions were developed based on the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies needed to perform the work of this position. Be sure to describe your experience that supports your answers to the questions below, in your resume or application materials. It is important that your application package submitted, including a resume or application form, clearly shows how you possess the experience and skill levels you claim in this questionnaire. Each of your responses must be clearly supported by your education, training, and/or specific work experience you describe in your application packet submitted for this position (application form or resume, transcripts, list and description of training completed and/or other items you submit). If not, your score will be lowered or you will be found not qualified. The information you provide will be verified. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempts to conceal information may be grounds for rating you ineligible, not hiring you, or for firing you after you begin work. A- I have not had education, training or experience in performing this task. B- I have had education or training in performing this task, but I have not yet performed it on the job. C- I have performed this task on the job, with close supervision from supervisor or senior employee. D- I have performed this task as a regular part of a job, independently and usually without supervision from senior employee. E- I am regarded as expert in performing this task, and/or have trained others (or am consulted by others) on how to do it.
Forest Management - Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of silviculture and forest ecology, forest use, management, harvesting, conducting inventories, regeneration, sustainability, and conservation; and the role of disturbances in timberland resources.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
3.
Incumbent has comprehensive experience in managing trees in high profile managed landscapes such as universities, parks, golf courses, hospitals, government facilities, and municipal urban forests.
4.
Experiential knowledge of tree management work concepts, principles, and practices necessary to assess methods and means of execution for complex and routine operations, estimate crew workflow and throughput, plan equipment requirements, determine safe practices.
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s).
5.
Holds an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborists, ISA Board Certified Master Arborist, ISA Certififed Municipal Arborist or Society of American Foresters (SAF) Certified Forester certification.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
6.
Possess expert knowledge in the prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment of Dutch Elm Disease and Elm Yellows in Elm (Ulmus) trees .
7.
Posseses expert knowledge in the aboricultural and horticultural best practices related to growing and caring for cherrv ( Prunus) trees .
Horticulture - Knowledge of cultivating flowers, plants, and trees.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
8.
Recognize early symptoms and signs of turf diseases, insect infestations, and phvsiological disorders that can adversely impace normal productive growth.
9.
Incorporate techniques of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) which is using cultural, mechanical, biological or chemical means to manage pest problems.
10.
Identify tree and ornamental plant species and recognize symptoms of diseases, insect infestations as well as physiological disorders that can adversely impact normal productive growth.
Managing Human Resources - Plans, distributes, coordinates, and monitors work assignments of others; evaluates work performance and provides feedback to others on their performance; ensures that staff are appropriately selected, utilized, and developed, and that they are treated in a fair and equitable manner.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
11.
Works with subordinates to translate strategic plans into near term operational goals. Sets deadlines and identifies milestones for work accomplishment.
12.
Identifies decisive decision points, limitations, and constraints that impact workflow and overall mission accomplishment. Works with subordinates to develop, draft, and publish Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for common operational, logistical, and administrative practices/processes that maximize efficiency.
13.
Recruits and recommends selection of employees, approves leave, sets performance standards, evaluates performance and identifies skill and capability gaps in order to determine training needs.
Quality Management - Knowledge of the principles, methods and tools of quality assurance, quality control, and reliability used to ensure that a project, system, or product fulfills requirements and standards.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
14.
Ensures quality control and oversight for contract operations in order to enforce compliance with all applicable safety laws, ANSI standards, guidelines, and policies.
15.
Develops scopes of work that clearly identify task(s), standards, and technical requirements while utilizinag trade standard terminology.
16.
Ability to initiates actions that ensure tree care practices, both in house and contract, conform to applicable laws and regulations
17.
Ability to assures specifications are adhered to, work requirements and deadlines are met, and all appropriate tree care and fiscal records are properly provided.
Soil Science - Knowledge of the concepts, principles, or theories of soil composition, formation, classification, mapping, testing and management, including erosion, pollution, conservation and watershed management.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
18.
Ability to read and understand soil tests and specifications.
19.
Ability to diagnose and develop and implement plans to mitigate soil compaction around trees.
Technical Competence - Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on
technical issues.
technical issues.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
20.
Develops work-plans within constraints and limitations that maximize Duty of Care hazard mitigation while servicing other arboreal qoals such as health and aesthetics.
21.
Provides tracking and monitoring of chemical pesticide and fertilizer use and submits annual reports.
22.
Ability to develop a tree management master plan utilizing a 3-5 year cyclic strategy.
23.
Develops, publishes, and utilizes a methodological process(es) to inventory, catalog, and update individual tree specimen records into a layered urban forest management template that facilitates a holistic view of collective tree management while capturing all significant historical practices related to individual specimens.