Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs Logo
Position Title
Forester (Inventory & Planning)
Agency
Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs
Announcement Number
STIMP-23-12135657-CAWY-MK Opens in new window
Open Period
Tuesday, September 19, 2023 to Tuesday, October 3, 2023
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1. Do you claim Veterans’ Preference? (limit characters)
2. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from the agency hiring for this position? If yes, confirm:

• 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.
(limit characters)
3. Were you formerly employed as a Federal civilian employee on a permanent competitive appointment or did you obtain career-conditional status (and are within 3 years of the date of separation or are a preference eligible) and have you never held the full performance level of this position?

-OR-

Are you currently employed as a Federal civilian employee in the Competitive Service and have you never held the full performance level of this position?

To verify your eligibility as a current or former Federal civilian employee, you must submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status. Your SF-50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect:

• career or career-conditional (Tenure field is 1 or 2); AND,
• status in the competitive service (Position Occupied field is 1).
 
(limit characters)
4. Are you a veteran who separated from active duty under honorable conditions AND you:

• 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, member 4) 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.
 
(limit characters)
5. This position is subject to the Indian Preference Act of 1934 (25 U.S.C. 472), which affords employment preference to qualified Native American candidates.  Proof of eligibility, in the form of a completed Verification of Indian Preference, BIA - 4432 Form, must be provided with your application by the closing date to be granted such preference.  

Are you claiming Indian Preference, and submitting your BIA-4432 Form?
 
(limit characters)
6. 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:

• 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.
 
(limit characters)
7. Are you a current or former employee of a land management agency (Forest Service; Bureau of Land Management; National Park Service; Fish and Wildlife Service; Bureau of Indian Affairs; or Bureau of Reclamation) who:
• was originally hired to a time-limited position under a competitive appointment; and,
• served one or more time-limited appointments at a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of two or more years; and,
• performed at an acceptable level of service during each period of service; and,
• if no longer employed by the land management agency, have been separated for no more than two years, and departed that position in good standing.

To verify your eligibility, you must provide a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) and performance appraisal that demonstrates you meet the requirements outlined in the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act.
(limit characters)
8. Do you wish to be considered as a Military Spouse?

To be eligible for appointment under this authority, you must be the spouse of one of the following:

Active Duty Spouse

  • Includes all spouses of members of the armed forces on active duty
  • Spouses do not have to relocate with active duty spouse

Based on 100% Disability - As a military spouse, you may be eligible to be considered under this authority if:

  • The military member was retired under Chapter 61 of title 10, United States Code with a 100% disability rating from the military; or
  • Was released from active duty and has a disability rating of 100% from the Department of Veterans' Affairs or the military department.

Note: There is no geographic limitation under this category. You will be required to provide documentation of your spouse's disability.

Based on Service Member's Death - As the military spouse, you may be eligible if the military member was killed while on active duty (it does not have to be combat related), and you have not remarried.

Note: There is no geographic limitation in this category. You will be required to provide documentation on the death of the spouse and your marital status at the time of death.


In order to receive consideration, you must submit documentation showing proof of eligibility. For more information regarding Military Spouse, see here.

(limit characters)
9. Are you currently employed as a Federal civilian employee in the Competitive Service at the same grade level as this position or higher with the same or higher promotion potential?

-OR-

Were you formerly employed as a Federal civilian employee on a permanent competitive appointment or have you obtained career-conditional status (and are within 3 years of the date of separation or are a preference eligible) and have you held the same grade as this position or higher with the same or higher promotion potential?

To verify your eligibility as a current or former Federal civilian employee, you must submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status. Your SF-50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect: 
• career or career-conditional (Tenure field is 1 or 2); AND,
• status in the competitive service (Position Occupied field is 1).
 
(limit characters)
10. 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 restrictions.
(limit characters)
11. Are you a veteran whose latest discharge was under honorable conditions AND you:

• served three or more years of continuous active duty service in the military (Note: if released shortly before completing a 3-year tour, you are considered to meet the eligibility); OR,

• are entitled to veterans' preference?

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 service which includes character of service.
 
(limit characters)
Preferences
Current of Former Federal Employees: Due weight will be given to performance appraisals and awards during the interview/selection process conducted by the hiring manager. If referred, all relevant documents including performance appraisals and awards submitted with your application package will be forwarded to the hiring official for review. If you do not have your most recent performance appraisal, please submit an explanation as to why it is unavailable and attach as a document. (limit characters)
1. My performance is at an acceptable level, and I am not serving under a Notice of Opportunity to Demonstrate Acceptable Performance (NODAP) or equivalent plan to improve my performance. (limit characters)
Assessment 1
Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian Preference Act of 1934 (Title 25, USC, Section 472). Verification of Form BIA-4432 must be submitted with the application if claiming Indian Preference. Indian Preference eligibles that are not currently employed with the Federal service will be appointed under the Excepted Service Appointment Authority Schedule A, 213.3112(A)(7). (limit characters)
1. Are you submitting Form BIA-4432, Verification of Indian Preference for Employment in the Bureau of Indian Affairs, to claim Indian Preference? Note: You must include your Form BIA-4432. As outlined in the vacancy announcement, this is the ONLY Indian Preference Verification Form that will be accepted.
(limit characters)
Incumbent may be required to operate a government-owned or leased motor vehicle in the performance of duties therefore, a valid driver's license will be required. Incumbent must have a safe driving record within the three-year period immediately preceding submittal of GSA Form 3607 and be able to meet the safe driving requirements of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. (limit characters)
2. Do you possess a valid State Driver's License?
(limit characters)
You must meet the minimum basic educational/experience requirements for Forestry positions. In addition, you must have at least one year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the next lower level in the federal service. NOTE: Applicants who select any of the responses below must provide transcripts as verification of their education and your resume must support this experience. (limit characters)
3. From the descriptions below, select the letter that most accurately and specifically describes the education and/or experience you have that demonstrates how you meet the Basic Qualification Requirements. Mark only 1 response. NOTE: Applicants who select this response must provide transcripts as verification of their education.
(limit characters)
You must meet the specialized experience requirements for GS-0460 comparable in scope and responsibility to the next lower level in the federal service. Please note that your answers may be verified against the information you provide in your resume/application and information your references provide. The quality, type, and scope of your experience and/or training must demonstrate that you are fully qualified to perform the duties of the position to be filled. Be sure you describe your background as it relates to the duties of this position since your application or resume must support the response you select. In addition, if qualifying based on education, you must submit a complete, legible copy of your official college or university transcript(s) with your application to document academic achievements and receive credit. (limit characters)
4. From the descriptions below, select the letter that most accurately and specifically describes the education and/or experience you have that demonstrates how you meet the Qualification Requirements for a FORESTER, GS-0460-12. Mark only one response.
(limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
5. Coordinate with Forestry staff on Forest Inventory methods, sample designs, and data analysis tools to ensure statistically sound and efficient inventory procedures and analyses.
(limit characters)
6. Development of inventory methods, statistical analysis, and maintenance of Forest Inventory system.
(limit characters)
7. Provide leadership and technical direction for the conduct of a range of forest management inventory and planning activities and analysis (limit characters)
8. Manages periodic updates of forest inventory systems, evaluates, and maintains the calibration of forest growth and yield models.
(limit characters)
9. Provide leadership and direction for formulating technical forest management procedures, quality assurance and control standards, project documentation and archival.
(limit characters)
10. Prepare forest inventory data for processing and analysis; determine appropriate data analysis applications and software to meet landowner objectives.
(limit characters)
11. Develop annual allowable cut calculations and forest harvest schedules.
(limit characters)
12. Research techniques and practices for results of ongoing long-term forest research and potential research projects related to Indian Forestry including statistical statements of accuracy and interpretation of those results.
(limit characters)
13. Review draft planning documents, environmental analyses, contracts and agreements, or other technical materials.
(limit characters)
14. Monitor the status of government and tribal forest management inventory and planning activities on a regional basis.
(limit characters)
15. Design forests inventories to meet specific statistical standards and objectives.
(limit characters)
16. Provide guidance and assistance in formulating forest inventory procedures and standards for the conduct of field inventories at the agency, and tribal level.
(limit characters)
17. Coordinate, monitor, evaluate, and/or perform associated activities with other forest agencies and organizations
(limit characters)
18. Provide technical assistance and training to staff and field installations in methodology and techniques of performing detailed analyses of forest management inventory data.
(limit characters)
19. Guide special projects involving proprietary or sensitive issues and information.
(limit characters)
20. Work with modern and legacy programming languages to evaluate, verify, and update forest inventory and statistical calculations in legacy BIA Forestry applications.
(limit characters)
21. Use advanced/custom programming to prepare inventory data for statistical analysis.
(limit characters)
22. Implement quality control and assurance standards, procedures, and software to ensure data integrity.
(limit characters)
23. Manage Geospatial data.
(limit characters)
24. Ability to work with project managers, inventory specialists and other natural resource professionals on multiple inventory projects.
(limit characters)
25. Collaborate or serve as primary contact with other Forest Management Agencies.
(limit characters)
26. Compose complex reports or correspondence.
(limit characters)
27. Set priorities and prepare schedules for completion of work.
(limit characters)
28. Facilitate or conduct discussions and panel presentations of forest management policies and procedures; and make public presentations or act as spokesperson before culturally diverse groups on topics of expertise.
(limit characters)
29. Knowledge of the laws and regulations that apply, and a working knowledge of public land resources programs administered by the Department of the Interior, Department of Agriculture, and state agencies.
(limit characters)
30. Evaluate policy and program effectiveness of operations for adjusting programs to available funds and conformance with Bureau policies, standards, and procedures.
(limit characters)
31. Draft policies to address and resolve issues specific to the Region forest management inventory and planning.
(limit characters)
32. Develop solutions for conflicts between Tribal procedures for programs operated under self-governance compacts and Federal regulations.
(limit characters)
33. Review and develop responses to legislative proposals and controlled correspondence.
(limit characters)
34. I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, all of the information included in this questionnaire is true, correct, and provided in good faith. I understand that if I make an intentional false statement, or commit deception or fraud in this application and its supporting materials, or in any document or interview associated with the examination process, I may be fined or imprisoned (18 U.S.C. 1001); my eligibilities may be cancelled, I may be denied an appointment, or I may be removed and debarred from Federal service (5 C.F.R. part 731). I understand that any information I give may be investigated. I understand that responding "No" to this item will result in my not being considered for this position.
(limit characters)