See Below

The Tonto National Forest will begin the process of revising its Land Management Plan to incorporate changed conditions, best available science, and new public issues beginning in October 2013. The revised plan will be a collaboratively developed, science-based framework for integrated resource management and for guiding project and activity decision-making.

As part of this effort, we are recruiting an interdisciplinary team to be dedicated to the Plan Revision. These positions are located in Phoenix, AZ, and will be TERM, time-limited appointments with an initial duration of no less than 12 months, with the potential to be extended up to a total of 4 years. This notification is being circulated to inform prospective applicants of this upcoming opportunity, and to help make future decisions about recruitment for these positions.

We envision adding two (2) ecologists to our Interdisciplinary Planning Team. Candidates should possess the following education and expertise in one or more of the following disciplines:

§ Terrestrial ecosystems: Silviculture, botany, rangeland ecology, riparian vegetation/soils, and/or wildlife

§ Fire ecology: Fire ecology, fuels

§ Physical sciences: Hydrology, soils, and/or geomorphology

In addition to expertise in terrestrial, fire, or physical sciences, candidates must be familiar with planning and management issues that pertain to ecosystems in varying ecological and geographical settings. Experience with land management decision-making processes specific to habitat maintenance and restoration, and the protection of ecological integrity, is preferable. Geospatial analysis and environmental document writing skills are desired. Because the innovative and collaborative nature of this project, team members should be well experienced in their respective fields.

If interested, please respond fill out and return the Outreach Response Form (pg 4) and resume by July 19, 2013. If potential applicants need further information, please contact Ken Born, Forest Planner, at (602) 225-5280 or kcborn@fs.fed.us. 2

Major Duties

The interdisciplinary team works together to assess, plan, evaluate, document, and predict effects of planned forest management. Team members are responsible for identifying the relevant terrestrial, aquatic, and riparian ecosystems to be evaluated, and the appropriate scale for conducting an assessment; evaluating information about the structure, function, composition, and connectivity of the evaluated ecosystems; identifying possible system drivers, stressors, and trends, and evaluating their influences on key ecosystem integrity and sustainability; and drafting desired conditions and other plan components which are designed to move toward ecological sustainability and to guide future project or activity decision making.

The individual(s) selected would be a member of the Forest Plan Revision Core Team, working closely with various interdisciplinary specialists, including the forest planner, hydrologist, wildlife biologist, NEPA coordinator, recreation specialists, GIS specialists, and public affairs officer. This work will also involve substantial innovative work with collaborative groups, the Forest Leadership Team, Federal, state, and local officials, community leaders and organizations, and the general public. Team members will have access to the forest science community to determine appropriate scales and models, science findings, and monitoring protocols to apply to this effort.

About the Tonto National Forest

The Tonto National Forest is directly adjacent to the Phoenix Metropolitan Area and is one of the most heavily visited in the nation. From the desert to the tall timber, the Tonto National Forest contains a spectacular 2.9 million acres of cactus, chaparral, ponderosa pine, and mixed conifer country north and east of Phoenix right up to the edge of the Mogollon Rim. The Forest is the fifth largest in the United States and has six Ranger Districts operating in a complex, politically-sensitive atmosphere. The Forest receives national attention concerning such issues as recreation, range management, prescribed fire, road management, and a host of issues related to the wildland urban interface next to the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. This is an outstanding opportunity for professional development, community involvement and program leadership.

Additional information on the Tonto National Forest is available here: http://www.fs.usda.gov/tonto

About the Phoenix Metropolitan Area

The Phoenix Metropolitan Area is a full service community of 4.2 million people. Many visitors come during the winter months to enjoy the warm weather, creating a larger population during those months.

Housing: Government provided housing and day care facilities are not available. Rentals are available in much of the Phoenix metro area. Phoenix is a quickly growing area with a vast number of new developments. Homes are reasonably priced with 3

modest housing starting around $180,000-$200,000. Rental rates for 2 bedroom apartments start at around $850 per month. Overall cost of living is slightly above the National Average.

Schools: The community has 30 school districts. The valley is home to Arizona State University and several community colleges which maintain high educational ratings.

Medical Facilities: Phoenix has many hospitals and medical centers that are among the best in the country including the Mayo Clinic.

Recreation, Sports, and Things to Do: Phoenix is located in one of the lushest and most colorful deserts in the world, and rugged mountains define the city’s horizon. In winter, sunshine warms hiking and biking trails. In spring, blooming cactuses and wildflowers carpet hillsides and valleys.

The Phoenix area has numerous museums and attractions, including the Desert Botanical Garden, Heard Museum, Phoenix Art Museum, SMOCA, Children’s Museum of Phoenix, Arizona Science Center, and the Phoenix Zoo.

Phoenix is also home to several professional sports franchies, including the Phoenix Suns, Arizona Cardinals, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Phoenix Coyotes. Many baseball teams reside here during spring training allowing many opportunities to watch professional ball games at reasonable rates. There are numerous museums, concert and theatre venues available as well as NASCAR, Grand Prix and Professional Motocross racing events. Other National Forests and National Parks are within a half-day drive from Phoenix, including the Grand Canyon.

Climate: Like most of Arizona, both Phoenix enjoys abundant sunshine and low relative humidity much of the year. Winter temperatures are very mild and pleasant in the desert areas, with periodic rainfall occurring throughout the season. While desert elevations rarely receive snow, the higher mountain regions can receive heavy snowfall along with cooler temperatures. Summers in the desert areas can be quite hot, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees from May thru September. July has the highest average daily temperature of 104.3 degrees and January the lowest at 64.9 degrees. Average rainfall for the city is about 8 inches. The higher mountain regions generally enjoy daytime temperatures 25-30 degrees cooler than the deserts. Each year the summer “monsoon” arrives on the Tonto in early July and typically remains through mid-September. 4

OUTREACH RESPONSE FORM

If you are interested in this position, please complete this form and send it along with your resume to kcborn@fs.fed.us. If you do not have access to electronic mail, please complete the form and mail or fax to: Tonto National Forest, 2324 E. McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85006, or fax 602-225-5280 by July 19, 2013 or call Ken Born at 602-225-5280.

I would like to learn more about the Interdisciplinary Planning Team positions for the Tonto National Forest Land Management Plan Revision (GS-0401/1301/-11/12 (Ecologist) (TERM)).

Please indicate the probable Series you would qualify for: ___________________

PERSONAL INFORMATION:

Name: _____

E-Mail Address:

Phone:

Are you currently a Federal employee? YES NO__

Current Title/Series/Grade:

Current Agency and Duty Location: