THE POSITION
Series, Grade, Title: GS-0462-7 Forestry Technician (Trails)
Compensation & Benefits: Annual wage for a GS-7 is $39,179to $50,932, depending on the grade and step of the selected individual. The incumbent is eligible for full benefits including health insurance and a retirement plan.
Tour of Duty: The position will be filled as a 13/13. Typically the 13 payperiods in non-pay status will occur during the winter months, October through March. However, there may be less time in non-pay status as work and funding are available.
Duty Station: Medora Ranger District, Dickinson, ND
Housing: Government housing is not available.
Cost of moving: The cost of moving may be covered.
Position Duties:
This position serves as the Trails Specialist for the entire Dakota Prairie Grasslands, which includes four ranger districts and four National Grasslands in North and South Dakota. The Maah Daah Hey National Recreation Trail and portions of the North Country National Scenic Trail provide the majority of the trails workload.
Duties Include:
* Developing project plans for a wide variety of trails (including Environmental Analyses)
* Coordinating and implementing trail maintenance, construction, and reconstruction
* Locating trail re-routes and new trails
* Constructing and installing trail confidence markers, signs, kiosks, interpretive signs, counters
* Serving as liaison with organizations and groups to stimulate volunteer trail maintenance support
* Hiring, training, and supervising a seasonal workforce
* Trail inventory and condition surveys
* Database data entry for trails (INFRA)
* Estimating materials, supplies, and personnel needed for work accomplishment
* Procuring necessary supplies and equipment following agency regulations and policies
* Maintaining equipment and insuring the safe and proper operation of equipment
* Maintain Forest Protection Officer, motor vehicle operator, ATV operator, chainsaw certifications
* Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and bridge inspector
* The use of Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment and technology
Overnight travel can be expected 20% of the time or less. During field season the trail crew typically works four 10-hour days, and is based out of Dickinson, ND.
The Successful Applicant Will:
* Have substantial technical knowledge of and experience in trail construction and management
* Have strong problem-solving skills
* Be an effective communicator, relationship builder, and supervisor
* Have strong data collection, documentation, and organizational skills
HOW TO APPLY
Interested applicants must apply for this position at the USAJOBS website at https://www.usajobs.gov. The advertisement date is yet undetermined. Those responding to the interest notice at the bottom of this outreach will be notified when the vacancy is advertised.
THE DUTY STATION
The Duty Station for this position is the Medora District, located in the town of Dickinson, North Dakota. Dickinson has a population of about 22,000 and is located about 100 miles west of Bismarck and about 65 miles east of the Montana state line. Dickinson is a service and shopping “hub” for areas of western North Dakota, northwestern South Dakota and eastern Montana. The office is a “Service First” facility, co-located with the North Dakota Field Office of the BLM.
This community is undergoing significant changes in the wake of the current oil development “boom”. The state’s economy is strong, education receives a high degree of funding and consideration, and recreation opportunities abound. Family members looking for employment should have no trouble securing it, as job openings are plentiful.
Please consult the local Chamber of Commerce for the latest relocation information including housing costs, education opportunities, churches, medical facilities, population, weather, crime rates, etc. The area has a lot to offer, but please take the time to become informed before applying for this position – the cost of living here is second only to Alaska, and North Dakota offers no “Cost of Living Allowance” to compensate for that.
Here are a few links to get you started:
Dickinson
http://www.dickinsonchamber.org/
http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-search/Dickinson_ND
http://www.city-data.com/city/Dickinson-North-Dakota.html
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Paula Jablonski, Recreation Program Manager 701-260-5185
THE DAKOTA PRAIRIE GRASSLANDS
This position offers a tremendous opportunity for career growth and a variety of work experiences. The Dakota Prairie Grasslands were created in 1998 as a separate unit in response to the increased visibility and issues surrounding National Grasslands. The Dakota Prairie Grasslands has four district offices.
The Medora District (Dickinson, ND) and the McKenzie District (Watford City, ND) administer the Little Missouri National Grassland. The Sheyenne District, Lisbon, ND, administers the Sheyenne National Grassland, and the Denbigh and Souris Experimental Forests. The Grand River District (Lemmon, SD) administers the Grand River and Cedar River National Grasslands.