U.S. Department of Agriculture
Forest Service
Region 5, Regional Office
1323 Club Drive, Vallejo, California 94592

Recruitment Notice No.:  04-R5-RORF-00050DP
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*The Forest Service has Legislative authority to recruit and fill    *
*Permanent (Career-Conditional) and Term Appointments under the USDA *
*Demonstration Project.  Under this project, interested individuals  *
*need not have present or previous status as a Federal employee in   *
*order to apply.                                                     *
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This position is being advertised concurrently under the Agency’s 
Merit Promotion Plan, Vacancy Announcement 04-R5-RORF-00050G, as 
Resource Information Specialist (Geographic Information System 
Coordinator), GS-401/801/1301-12.

If applying to more than one announcement, applicants must submit a 
separate application for each announcement.  Failure to do so may 
result in your application not being considered.  Duplication of 
application and/or materials is the responsibility of the applicant.

TITLE:  Resource Information Specialist (Geographic Information
		System Coordinator) 
						
SERIES/GRADE:  GS-401/801/1301-12

OPENING DATE: 08/03/2004 			CLOSING DATE: 09/02/2004

LOCATION: Region 5, Regional Forester’s Office Staff, 
		Located in Vallejo, CA
 
Starting Salary: 	$65,706 per year

Bargaining Unit Status:  This position is included in the bargaining 
unit.

Availability of Forest Service-Affiliated Day Care Facilities:  None

Availability of Government Housing:  None

Description of Duties: The incumbent serves as the Regional Geographic 
Information System (GIS) Coordinator in management of land and 
resource data information using automated GIS technolog.  
Responsibilities includes providing leadership in identification of 
the information needs associated with land and natural resource 
management and other management functions at all level of the 
organization, the flows of information, the identification and 
definition of data needed to meet these needs, the management and 
maintenance of spatial data, and support to the field in their 
management of GIS.  The incumbent also serves as a specialist and 
advisor to the Washington Office and other Regional Offices on 
development of policies and implementation of GIS Systems.

Appointment Information: This is a permanent, full time, career-
conditional appointment. Selectee will be eligible for health and life 
insurance, annual (vacation) and sick leave and will be covered under 
the Federal Employees Retirement System.

Who can apply:  Any U.S. citizen 18 years or older.  

Current or former Federal employees certified as surplus or displaced, 
or identified in affected positions in the commuting area of the 
vacancy and who are covered under the U.S. Department of Agriculture 
(USDA) Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency 
Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) may be entitled to 
receive special priority selection if determined to be eligible and 
well-qualified.

Qualification Requirements: Applicants must meet qualification 
requirements specified in the Office of Personnel Management's 
Qualification Standards Handbook for the 401, 801, or 1301 series at 
the GS-12 level. This handbook can be found in any Federal government 
personnel office or website http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/index.htm

The basic qualification requirements for the 401 series is:
A.	Degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
OR
B.	Combination of education and experience – courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A for the 401 series, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

The basic qualification requirements for the 801 series is:
A.	Degree: professional engineering.  To be acceptable, the curriculum must: (1) be in a school of engineering with at least one curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) as a professional engineering curriculum; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.
OR
B.	Combination of education and experience--college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying professional engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering.  

The basic qualification requirements for the 1301 series is:
A.	Degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics.
OR
B.	Combination of education and experience – education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A for the 1301 series that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

If qualification is based on education, a copy of college
transcript(s) must be submitted with application to verify college 
degree and/or required semester hours.  Failure to provide required 
college transcript(s) may eliminate the applicant from consideration.

In addition to meeting the basic qualification requirement, the 
applicant must meet the specialized experience.  Specialized 
experience is: 

1) Knowledge of one of the physical, engineering, or biological sciences which are pertinent to natural resource management.  

2) Specialized knowledge of GIS and information management practices, 
methods and techniques and the ability to perform complex analysis of 
spatial data.

3) Knowledge of planning concepts and processes and systems/data  
analysis techniques used in land and resource management at the 
National Forest level to design and implement geographic information 
system technology to meet the needs of Forest and Regional natural 
resource program.   

5) Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.  This includes 
speaking at national, Regional and local agency and professional 
meeting and writing and publishing professional papers in journals. 

6) Ability to work effectively in a diverse team environment either as 
a team leader or team member.  

Applicants will be evaluated based on the quality and extent to which 
their experience and education show possession of the qualifications 
required.  Credit will be given for the percentage of time that 
applicants have spent on those specialized duties listed. Please
provide those percentages if your position involves mixed duties, 
i.e., where only a portion of your work experience would be creditable 
for this position. Evaluation will be based upon information submitted 
in the application package received or postmarked on or before the 
closing date of this announcement.

For USDA CTAP and ICTAP eligibles: well-qualified is defined as (1) 
meeting the qualification standards, selective factors, quality 
ranking factors, and physical qualifications or (2) is rated by the 
Agency to be above minimally qualified under the Agency's specific 
selection process.

Veterans Preference: Generally, preference is granted to veterans who 
entered the military service prior to October 14, 1976; or served on 
active duty during the period from August 2, 1990 through January 2, 
1992, and who is otherwise eligible; or who have served in a military 
action for which they received a Campaign Badge or Expeditionary 
Medal. This includes the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM) 
awarded to those who participated in Operation Joint Endeavor or 
Operation Joint Guard. Also, you may be entitled to veterans 
preference if you are a disabled veteran; you have received a Purple 
Heart; you are the spouse or mother of a disabled veteran; or you are 
the widow, widower, or mother of a deceased veteran.  You will need to 
submit a Standard Form (SF) 15 and proof of your claim.

How To Obtain Application Forms: Forms may be obtained from U.S. 
Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station, Regional Office 
Human Resources, 800 Buchanan Street, West Annex Building, Albany, 
California 94710-0011
or 
For specific information regarding application forms, please call 
Terry Roberson at 510-559-6345.

How to apply: The following information MUST be submitted to evaluate 
applicant qualifications and to determine if applicants meet legal 
requirements for Federal employment.

1.	OF-612, Optional Application for Federal Employment Form; resume, curriculum vitae, or any other written format you choose, showing the recruitment notice number at the top of your application package.

When preparing your application, be sure to describe any experience 
you might have which is directly related to the duties of this 
position. Provide percentages of time if your position is a mixed 
duties position where not all your work experience would be creditable 
for this position. Credit will be given for the percentage of time 
that you have spent on those specialized duties listed. If you submit 
a resume or any other form of written correspondence, it must contain 
the following information:

	A. Job Information - Announcement number, title, and grade(s) of the job for which you are applying.	
		
	B. Personal Information - Full name, mailing address, day and evening phone numbers with area code, social security number, country of citizenship, and the following if applicable: veterans' preference, proof of federal employment, reinstatement eligibility and highest federal civilian grade and series held.

	C. Education - High school (name, city, state, and zip code), date of diploma or GED, colleges and universities (name, city, state, and zip code), majors, type and year of degrees received (if no degree, total semester or quarter hours earned).  A copy of your college transcript must be submitted if requested in the vacancy    announcement.

	D. Work Experience - Give the following information for paid and volunteer work experience related to the job for which you are applying: job title (include series and grade if federal job), duties and responsibilities, employer's name and address, supervisor’s name and phone number, starting and ending dates (month and year, hours per week, and salary. Do not send job descriptions. Please indicate if we may contact your current supervisor.

	E. Other Qualifications - List job-related training courses (title and year) and job related skills such as other languages, computer/software/hardware, tools, machinery, and typing speed; current job-related certificates and licenses; and job-related awards, honors, and special accomplishments such as publications, memberships in professional or honor societies, leadership activities, public speaking, and performances awards.

2.  	Transcripts from any high school and post-high school educational institutions attended. Provide semester/quarter hours information and grade point average (GPA).

3.  	Copy of DD-214, Report of Separation from Active Duty, must be received with your application package if you are claiming veterans' preference and must show an honorable discharge. Additional documentation may be required.  

4.  	SF-15, Claim for 10-Point Veteran, as well as proof required on reverse of form, if you are claiming compensable disability preference.

5.  	CTAP/ICTAP Eligibles: You must submit a copy of the RIF separation notice or Certificate of Expected Separation (CES) and current (or last performance) rating of record of at least fully successful or equivalent along with your application and SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action).

6.	AD-1086, U.S. Department of Agriculture Applicant Supplemental Sheet (optional).

Incomplete, illegible, inaccurate, or unsigned forms may result in you 
not being considered for this position. Please fill out the 
application carefully and be sure to sign and return the forms within 
the assigned timeframe.

Submit Application To: To receive consideration for this position, 
applications must be postmarked on or before the closing date. 
Applications postmarked after the closing date will not be considered. 
Faxed applications to our number below must be received by the closing 
date.

Where to Send Applications:	USDA - Forest Service
					Pacific Southwest Research Station
					800 Buchanan Street, West Annex Bldg.
					Albany, CA  94710-0011

		Attn: Regional Office Human Resources 
			Vacancy Announcement (04-R5-RORF-00050DP)

It is strongly recommended that hard copy applications not be hand-
delivered to the receiving office.  The receiving office is located in 
a restricted area.   

Fax transmittal is permitted in response to vacancy announcement. The 
FAX phone number is 510-559-6352.

The Forest Service will not pay for certified mail, or postage on any applications.  The agency will not accept applications received in 
franked Government envelopes.

It remains the responsibility of the applicant to ensure the timely 
receipt of the application regardless of submission method used.

The Forest Service assumes no responsibility for late delivery of 
applications.		

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:  

--All male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must have 
registered for the selective service. If selected for this position, 
the applicant must sign a statement certifying his registration.

--Relocation expenses/transfer of stations are not authorized. 
Exceptions are applicants who are current permanent Forest Service 
employees.

--Recruitment bonus is not authorized. 

--Government housing is not available.

-- If you are a current or former permanent employee of the federal 
government applying under this announcement, you will be required, if selected, to serve a new one year probationary period.

--Forest Service affiliated day care facilities are/are not available.

--For specific information regarding application forms, please call 
Terry Roberson at 510-559-6345.

--For specific information regarding this position, please Jayne 
Handley  at 707-562-6683.

--For information regarding the application process, please call Becka 
Ishikata at 510-559-6465.

The USDA Forest Service provides reasonable accommodations to 
applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation 
for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify 
Becka Ishikata, Human Resources Staffing Specialist, at 510-559-6465 
for assistance. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will 
be made on a case-by-case basis.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in 
all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national 
origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual 
orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases 
apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, 
large print, audiotape, etc) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at 
202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To file an informal complaint of discrimination (EEO), based on your 
race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability 
(physical and/or mental) and/or reprisal for participation in an EEO 
related activity, write USDA, Forest Service, Civil Rights Staff, 201-
14th Street, SW, RM. 4SW-Wing, Washington, DC 20250, OR Call 
(202) 205-1585. 

To file a formal complaint of discrimination, write, USDA, Director, 
Office of Civil Rights, RM 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and 
Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 OR CALL (202) 720-
7467 (VOICE OR TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and 
employer.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE APPLICANT SUPPLEMENTAL SHEET AD-1086

Applicants for positions with the U.S. Department of Agriculture 
(USDA) are requested to provide the following information for 
statistical purposes only. The information will be used to evaluate 
USDA's recruitment and hiring activities. Public Law 93-579 (Privacy 
Act of 1974) permits solicitation of personal information. SUBMISSION 
OF THIS INFORMATION IS VOLUNTARY. Your failure to do so will not 
affect the processing of your application. Your cooperation is 
appreciated.

1.Which of the following best describes your current employement status? 
(Check no more than two)

___   01  College/University teaching or research.
___   02  Private industry
___   03  State/Local government
___   04  Federal government
___   05  Member of the military
___   06  Unemployed
___   07  Current USDA employee
___   08  Other: __________________________

2.Which of the following describes your veteran preference status? 
(Check one)

 ___ 01  None			___  04  10 point compensable
 ___ 02  5 point		___  05  10 point other
 ___ 03 10 point disability	___  06  10 point/30% compensable

3.Which of the following describes your race/national origin? 
(Check one)

___  A  American Indian/Alaskan Native
___  B  Asian or Pacific Islander
___  C  Black, not of Hispanic origin 
___  D  Hispanic
___  E  White, not of Hispanic origin
___  Y  Not Hispanic, Puerto Rico
___  Q  All Other Asian or Pacific Islander in Hawaii

4.Which of the following best describes your disability status? 
(Check all that apply)

___ 01 No disability		
___ 02 Hearing Impairment	___ 07 Convulsive disorder
___ 03 Vision Impairment	___ 08 Mental Retardation
___ 04 Missing Extremities	___ 09 Mental or emotional illness
___ 05 Partial paralysis	___10 Severe distortion of limbs/spin
___ 06 Complete paralysis	___ 11 I have a disability not listed.

5.Are  you: (Check one)  ____  Male  ____ Female

			FORM APPROVED
			OMB NO. 0505-0009

		THANK YOU FOR FILLING OUT THIS FORM.
THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER