Deadline: Sat, 10/15/2022 - 12:00pm Employer: USDA Forest Service Region 8 Cherokee National Forest Job Field: Forestry Job Type: Full Time Location: Tennessee Location Detail: Unaka Ranger District Greenville, TN and Watauga Ranger District Hampton, TN Job Description: The USDA Forest Service, Cherokee National Forest is seeking candidates for two full-time Biological Science Technician, GS-0404-05 positions (non-supervisory) with the North Zone Ecoteam. These zone positions cover two districts with one duty station in Hampton and one in Greeneville, TN. The purpose of this Outreach Notice is to inform prospective applicants of this upcoming opportunity. Description of duties associated with this position: Organizes and executes habitat improvement work based on the zone program of work. This involves planning, inventory, maintenance and documentation of the open area habitat, rare communities, prescribed burning, pond management, and stream improvements. Serves on prescribed fire and fuels projects in positions for which qualified. This position requires experience with operation of heavy equipment, tractor, chainsaw, and UTV and determines need and recommends equipment requirements for project at hand and assures equipment is operational and available when needed. Experience and knowledge of herbicide use is required. With assistance from Zone Biologists plans and conducts a variety of field studies to determine numbers and condition of the species and factors affecting the health and welfare of species and their habitats. Conducts watershed inventories to identify soil and water issues. Inputs data collected and reports accomplishments into the appropriate databases. Participates with biologists in planning work and contributing productive ideas on uses of materials and methods. Improves, adapts, and develops techniques, procedures, and equipment based on detailed practical knowledge and experience. Participates in conservation education programs and events such as Kids Fishing Days, Naturalists Rallies, Snorkeling Program, and Trout in the Classroom events. Coordinates with fire, timber/forest management, transportation program, special uses, range, and recreation to determine opportunities for integrated projects. Qualifications: Those who are interested must meet the qualification requirements for the 0404 series that is covered by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions – Biological Science Technician, GS-0404-05. The OPM Qualification Standards Handbook Manual is available for review on the Internet at Qualifications for the 0404 series can be found here: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classificationqualifications/classifying-general-schedule-positions/occupationalhandbook.pdf Miscellaneous: About the Cherokee National Forest: Tennessee’s only National Forest, the Cherokee resides in 10 East Tennessee counties from Chattanooga to Bristol. The Forest covers approximately 660,000 acres and lies along the state’s border with North Carolina. The Cherokee is comprised of four ranger districts, two of which lie south of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and two are located north of the National Park (North Zone & South Zone). There is also a Job Corp Center located on the north end of the Forest. The Forest lies entirely within the Southern Appalachian Mountains with elevations ranging from approximately 1200’ to over 5000’. The Cherokee National Forest employs approximately 155 employees. The Cherokee National Forest is internationally known for its scenic beauty and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. The Forest is home to 30 developed campgrounds and as many picnic areas, over 700 miles of trails, seven whitewater rivers, two Forest Service scenic byways, and the Ocoee Whitewater Center. The North Zone (Unaka and Watauga Ranger Districts) are located north of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, in the northeast corner of Tennessee. The North Zone administers approximately 350,000 acres in seven counties – Cocke, Greene, Washington, Unicoi, Carter, Sullivan, and Johnson. The Zone covers approximately 350,000 acres along the Appalachian Mountain range, with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 6,000 feet. The climate consists of four distinct and mild seasons, which allow residents and visitors to take advantage of limitless outdoor recreational opportunities. There are 27 developed recreation sites, over 300 miles of hiking trails (not including the Appalachian Trail), four wilderness areas, and boundless opportunities for dispersed recreation. Tennessee is a great state to live in with no state income tax, low cost of living and plenty of things to see and do. For additional information on living in the southeast Tennessee area visit: www.southeasttennessee.com greenecountytngov.com cockecountytn.gov washingtoncountytn.org unicoicountytn.com https://www.cartercountytn.gov/ https://sullivancountytn.gov/ https://www.johnsoncountytn.gov/ https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/cherokee/home How to Apply: For additional information about the position or the Forest, contact David Stone, Wildlife Biologist, at david.stone@usda.gov or at 843-860-9499. Please respond to this outreach by October 15, 2022.
