Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs Logo
Position Title
Range Technician
Agency
Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs
Announcement Number
ST-25-12641354-CAWX-PR Opens in new window
Open Period
Friday, December 20, 2024 to Monday, January 20, 2025
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
1. This position requires a valid driver's license. Do you possess a current, valid driver's license? (limit characters)
Assessment 1
COMPETENCY: WARNING STATEMENT Do not overstate or understate your level of experience and demonstrated capability. You should be aware that your ratings ARE subject to evaluation and verification based on the resume, narratives and other relevant documents you submit, as well as through verification of references as appropriate. Later steps in the selection process are specifically designed to verify your stated level of experience and demonstrated capability. Deliberate attempts to falsify information may be grounds for not selecting you or for dismissing you from the position following acceptance. (limit characters)
The incumbent must possess a valid state Driver's License. If you answer "Yes", please submit a copy of your current Valid Drivers License with your application. (limit characters)
1. Do you possess a valid Drivers License? (limit characters)
2. Carefully read the following descriptions of experience and education. Select the one that best describes your qualifications for GS-5 RANGE TECHNICIAN. Make sure your resume supports the response that you select. (NOTE: 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)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
3. Perform range unit inspections to determine land use and compliance to permits and assignments. (limit characters)
4. Investigate trespass allegations and recommends corrective action.
(limit characters)
5. Determine grazing lease stipulations, overstocking, overgrazing and trespass.
(limit characters)
6. Verify Tribal, allotted and fee land ownership.
(limit characters)
7. Review grazing lease stipulations to determine overstocking, overgrazing, trespass and failure to comply with stipulations.
(limit characters)
8. Consult with range permittees regarding overall operations of their grazing units. (limit characters)
9. Assist the Range Management staff and permittees in developing sound conservation plans.
(limit characters)
10. Interpret knowledge of Range Management practices and procedures to the public.
(limit characters)
11. Work cooperatively in NRCS and/or FSA personnel to verify land schedules and tract ownership for EQIP and CSP contracts.
(limit characters)
12. Conduct annual livestock counts with all range permittees. (limit characters)
13. Inspect range units for permittee compliance with authorized numbers, season of use and maintenance of range improvements.
(limit characters)
14. Provide onsite inspections and oversight of contractor services on range improvement projects.
(limit characters)
15. Participate in the direction of the work of others in construction and rehabilitation of range improvements.
(limit characters)
16. Verify livestock ownership from interpreting and verifying brands.
(limit characters)
17. Utilize aerial photos, satellite and/or topographical maps to navigate and delineate field work areas. (limit characters)
18. Use hand held GPS equipment to collect points, lines and polygons.
(limit characters)
19. Utilize the ARC GIS map program to create maps and digitize points, lines, and polygons.
(limit characters)
20. Maintain all range unit shapefiles and recommends to the Rangeland Management Specialist any corrections necessary in a range unit land schedule.
(limit characters)
21. Review with view only access to the Range TAAMS module for accessing range permit land schedules, AUM's, acres and verification of permittees.
(limit characters)
22. Inspect range units for over grazing and for noxious weed infestations. (limit characters)
23. Conduct surveys to determine utilization of forage by livestock for future resource planning.
(limit characters)
24. Complete transects, clips plants, measure forage utilization, observes plant and soil conditions and records data.
(limit characters)
COMPETENCY: VERIFICATION STATEMENT As previously explained, your ratings in the Occupational Questionnaire are subject to evaluation and verification based on the documents and references you submit. Later steps in the selection process are specifically designed to verify your ratings. Deliberate attempts to falsify information may be grounds for not selecting you or for dismissing you from the position/agency during the probationary period. Please take this opportunity to review your ratings to ensure their accuracy. By agreeing to the statement below, you are confirming that you; (a) understand this warning, (b) have reviewed your responses to this questionnaire for accuracy and (c) verify that your responses accurately described your current level of experience and capability. (limit characters)
25. Failure to agree to the statement below will disqualify you from further consideration for the position.
(limit characters)
COMPTENCY: APPLICANT RESPONSIBILITY NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered, uploaded, or faxed (i.e., resume, veterans or Indian preference documentation, assessment questions and answers, and SF 50s) is received and is accurate. (limit characters)