Job Information
National Park Service Arborist (Motor Vehicle Operator) in United States
Summary A selectee receiving a first appointment to the Federal Government (Civil Service) is entitled only to the lowest step of the grade for which selected. The display of a salary range on this vacancy shall not be construed as granting an entitlement to a higher rate of pay. Responsibilities MAJOR DUTIES: Performs annual and comprehensive condition assessment of trees to determine the health & vigor, and structural stability of trees through the knowledge of tree identification, structure and their functions. Performs risk (hazard) assessment of trees to determine the presence of tree defects that have the potential to fail, resulting in personal injury and/or property damage. Ascends/descends trees using a rope and work positioning saddle and various climbing methods to perform arboricultural operations aloft, in trees that will be retained in the landscape. Plants/transplants trees and shrubs using proper plant selection and planting techniques while considering the latest known research and technological developments. Prunes trees and shrubs in accordance with industry standards. The incumbents serve as Arborists for the Blue Ridge Parkway. This announcement is recruiting for four positions to be filled at two duty stations: the Vinton Maintenance Yard located in Roanoke County, Virginia and the Gillespie Gap Maintenance Yard, located near Spruce Pine, North Carolina. The primary purpose of the position is to provide proper care and maintenance of specimen trees and shrubs located within maintained landscapes; and mitigate hazard tree conditions along roadways and trails, and within developed areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas, etc., where the visiting public are invited to come; by performing standard arboricultural practices. Area/Duty Station Information The Blue Ridge Parkway extends 469 miles along the crest of the southern Appalachian Mountains through North Carolina and Virginia between two eastern national parks - Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains. For more park information, log on to: http://www.nps.gov/blri. Vinton, Virginia - The duty station is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway at the Vinton Maintenance Area, which is located near Roanoke, Virginia. Mitchell County, North Carolina (Gillespie Gap) is approximately 3 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway, 50 miles northeast of Asheville, NC, and 40 miles southwest of Boone, NC. All goods and services are available the area and the surrounding communities. TERM APPOINTMENT: This is a term position (more than 1 year) with an initial appointment expecting to last at least 13 months but may be extended up to a total of three years, or more based on any changes to regulations governing the number of years term appointments may last, without further competition. Term positions do not convey permanent status in the Federal service. The National Park Service retains the right to extend the duration of this appointment after selection and/or appointment, based on changes to the regulation governing the number of years term appointments may last. This change, which may be made at the agency's sole discretion and without further competition, shall not be construed or interpreted as the granting of a right to a selectee or employee to such an extension. No extension to a term appointment shall be granted to a selectee/employee to an amount of time that exceeds the maximum number of years authorized under any present or current regulation, unless such regulation expressly allows such action. Requirements Conditions of Employment U.S. Citizenship required. Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication. Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program. You will be required to submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test result prior to appointment. In addition, this position is subject to random testing for illegal drug use. You will be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties; a valid driver's license is required. You will be required to submit a Motor Vehicle Operator's License and Driving Record. Must obtain CDL Class B drivers license within 12 months of appointment. You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided. You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work. You will be required to complete a one-year trial period. You may be required to travel overnight away from home. You must obtain a government charge card for travel purposes. Government Charge Card: You may be required to complete training and obtain/maintain a government charge card with travel and/or purchase authority. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Government housing may be available. Qualifications To qualify for this position, you must have sufficient knowledge and ability in the following job-related factors: Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision (SCREEN OUT) Technical Practices: theoretical precise, artistic Use of Measuring Instruments Ability to Interpret Instructions, specifications; other than blueprints Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Knowledge of Materials Dexterity and Safety If your knowledge and ability in the SCREEN OUT factor above is not sufficient, you will receive no further consideration. In preparing your application, describe in detail the experience and training which you have had that specifically prepared you for this job and to perform the duties described for this job. Experience should be clearly described and documented in your resume. The qualifications reviewer will not assume performance of such duties by Job Titles alone. Address your knowledge, skills and/or abilities in the areas shown in the job-related factors. Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education There is no substitution of education for experience for Wage Grade (WG) positions. Additional Information This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate. Physical Demands: Ability to work at heights up to 100 feet. Ability to lift weights up to 75 pounds. Long periods of physical exertion. Prolonged exposure to repetitive motion. When motor vehicle or tractor operator duties are performed, moderate effort is exerted to manipulate equipment controls. Working Conditions: This type of work is inherently dangerous and may result in serious injury from slips, trips, or falls and could, in the unlikely event; result in death when performed incorrectly. This work is performed outside and is subject to weather conditions ranging from high heat and humidity to sub-zero temperatures. The incumbent may be exposed to a variety of site hazards including extreme environmental conditions; poisonous plants, insects, and/or reptiles; electrical conductors; uneven terrain; pedestrian/vehicular traffic, etc. The incumbent may be exposed to prolonged exposure to noise in excess of 85 decibels (db) when working with or in close proximity to chainsaws, wood chippers, etc. When vehicles are operated there is additional exposure to risk due to traffic accidents, overturning or boom accidents aloft.