OUTREACH NOTICE

Biological Technician (fish) GS 0404-6/7

Permanent Season Employee 18/8

Tongass National ForestPetersburg Ranger District

Living and working on the Tongass National Forest in Southeast Alaska is a unique and dynamic experience. Travel between communities and to the Contiguous US (Lower 48) generally means getting on an airplane (either jet or small float plane) or on a ferry. Travel to worksites is by boat, float plane, and sometimes helicopter. Work assignments can be based from remote field camps located on isolated road systems. Between one’s sense of humor about the rain and the diverse array of activities offered in communities, most people who move here love it!

The Tongass National Forest is outreaching a position for a GS 0404-6/7 to be located in Petersburg, Alaska at the Petersburg Ranger District Office. This is a great opportunity for the person seeking to obtain a natural resource background. If you are interested in being considered for this opportunity please complete the outreach response form located below and send it to Tom Parker at tparker02@fs.fed.us by close of business 12/30/2016. For additional information on this position or duty station location information, please contact Tom Parker at 907-772-5974.

Position Title: Biological Technician (fish) GS 0404-6/7

Tour of Duty: Permanent Seasonal Employee 18/8

Duty Station: Petersburg, Alaska

Description of Duties:

Serves as a technical assistant responsible for the collection, organization and analysis of fish habitat data on a National Forest.

Individually, or as a crew leader, participates in the development of fisheries project plans. Measures the amount and quantity of spawning areas on designated streams; samples and makes qualitative analyses of aquatic insects; determines pool/riffle ration through observation; and measures and records discharge volumes through interpolation. Gathers and analyze survey data and makes recommendations for habitat improvement projects such as plunge pools and diversion dams to improve streambed configuration. Using a variety of tools takes bottom gravel samples and analyzes for silt, size fractions, etc. Keeps records of all data and develops these into statistical reports. Drafts maps or survey areas.

Schedules, organizes, and executes projects for identifying fishery problems. Using prescribed procedures resolves common administrative concerns related to the projects. Collect samples, including the establishment of test and control plots, as necessary. Compiles and summarizes the data that obtained from surveys, biological evaluations, and pilot tests conducted as part of the project. Runs computer programs to organize the data for analysis. Provides the data to professional personnel after checking it and developing explanations for unusually high or low figures or figures that seem inconsistent. Assists with development of reports after higher graded employees have refined and justified the data and analyzed the results.

Independently coordinates work efforts with other technicians and scientists who are involved in carrying out a study. Meets with others in order to plan and coordinate work efforts, discuss technical requirements, and present study findings or to discuss technical problems encountered during the study.

Field work associated with the position is performed on steep slopes in remote settings, during inclement weather. The supervisor of the position is Tom Parker, who may be reached at (907)772-5974 or tparker02@fs.fed.us.

Qualification Requirements: Those who are interested must meet the qualification requirements for the GS-0404, which is covered under the technical positions standards. The OPM Qualification Standards Handbook is available for review at any federal personnel office OR on the internet at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0404/biological-technician-series-0404/ with regards to the Natural Resource Specialist series.

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower level in the federal service is required. Specialized experience is experience which is directly related to the position to be filled and which has equipped the candidate with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

For information on the position:Contact Person(s): Tom Parker

Phone Number: 907-772-5974Email address: tparker02@fs.red.us

If you are interested in this opportunity, please fill out the attached form and send it to Tom Parker (907) 772-5974 tparker02@fs.fed.us by close of business 12/30/2016.

Thank you for your interest in this position!

OUTREACH NOTICE FORM

Tongass National ForestPetersburg Ranger District

Respond by: 12/30/2016

Position Title/Series/Grade: Biological Technician (fish) GS 0401-6/7 Duty Station: Petersburg Ranger District Petersburg, Alaska

I am interested in this position and will check www.usajobs.gov for the announcement. Please submit your application at www.usajobs.gov to be considered.

PERSONAL INFORMATION:

Name: Date: Address: Phone:

E-Mail:

Current title/series/grade/location:Duty Station Preference: Type of appointment you are currently under: (e.g., Career, Career-Conditional, Excepted-ANILCA, Excepted VRA, etc)

Are you currently a Federal employee: YESNO

Briefly describe why you will be a quality candidate for this position:

Tongass National Forest Information:

The Tongass National Forest was established in 1902 and covers nearly 17 million acres in Southeast Alaska, a part of the Alexander Archipelago, and encompasses about 7 percent of Alaska’s total land area. It is the nation’s largest National Forest. The Tongass extends from Dixon Entrance in the south to Yakutat in the North, and is bordered on the east by Canada and on the west by the Gulf of Alaska. It extends approximately 500 miles north to south, and approximately 120 miles east to west at its widest point.

The Tongass includes a narrow mainland strip of steep, rugged mountains and ice fields, and over 1,000 offshore islands. Together, the islands and mainland equal nearly 11,000 miles of meandering shoreline, with numerous bays and coves. A system of seaways separate the many islands and provides a protected waterway called the “Inside Passage”. Federal lands comprise about 95 percent of Southeast Alaska, with about 80 percent in the Tongass National Forest (and most of the rest in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve). The remaining land is held in state, Native, and local community private ownerships.

Most of the area of the Tongass is wild and undeveloped. Approximately 73,000 people live in the towns, communities, and villages of Southeast Alaska, most of which are located on islands or along the mainland coasts. Only four of Southeast Alaska’s 32 communities met the U.S. Census Bureau’s definition of urban (population greater than 2,500) in 2005 and only eight had populations greater than 1,000 persons. Most of these communities are surrounded by, or adjacent to, National Forest System land. Just three towns are connected to other parts of themainland by road: Haines and Skagway to the north and Hyder to the south.

The communities of Southeast Alaska depend on the Tongass National Forest ecosystem services, including employment in wood products, commercial fishing and fish processing, recreation, tourism, and mining and mineral development. Many residents also depend on subsistence hunting and fishing to meet their basic needs. In addition, natural amenities, subsistence resources, and recreation activities associated with the Tongass National Forest form an important part of the quality of life for many residents of Southeast Alaska. There is very little private land in the region to provide these resources.

Appropriate management of the Tongass’ ecosystem services is, therefore, extremely important for local communities and the overall regional economy. The Tongass National Forest is managed as one Administrative Area. There are nine

Ranger Districts, with offices in Yakutat, Juneau, Hoonah, Sitka, Petersburg, Wrangell, Thorne Bay, Craig and Ketchikan. There are two National Monuments on the Tongass National Forest. The Admiralty National Monument is managed through a Monument Ranger co-located at the Juneau Ranger District. The Misty Fjords National Monument is managed by the District Ranger who also oversees the Ranger District in Ketchikan. More information on the Tongass can be found from the following Tongass National Forest website:

http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/tongass/

Specific District and Community Information: PetersburgLocation and Climate

Petersburg is a town of 2,948 (2010 estimate) located on the northwest end of Mitkof Island, in Southeast Alaska. The town recently reorganized to Borough status (January 2013). It lies in the heart of the Tongass National Forest about 700 miles north of Seattle, where the picturesque Wrangell Narrows of “Inside Passage” fame meets the waters of Frederick Sound.

Petersburg's climate is characterized by mild winters and cool summers and year round rainfall. Annual rainfall is about 106 inches, with as much as 97 inches of snow.

Like most of Southeast Alaska, Mitkof Island is mountainous and heavily forested. The temperate rainforest vegetation consists largely of Sitka spruce, western hemlock and Alaska yellow-cedar, interspersed by muskeg--a spongy, mossy bog that is sparsely covered by small lodgepole pines. The northernmost range of the Western Red Cedar is also located on the district.

Across Frederick Sound, the high, rugged mountains of the Alaska Coast Range provide a backdrop to the community. Devil's Thumb is a prominent landmark that rises above the icefield spanning the border between Alaska and Canada.

History Culture and Demographics

Though the Tlingit Indians used the north end of Mitkof Island as a summer fish camp, Petersburg was not historically a permanent native settlement. The town was named after Peter Buschmann, a Norwegian immigrant who pioneered the local cannery business by exploiting the availability of glacier ice in the area. The cannery has operated continuously since that time. Over the years, Petersburg has developed into one of Alaska's major fishing communities. 

A rainy day in Petersburg. (US Forest Service and US Coast Guard docks in the foreground)

Devils Thumb at sunrise

The community of Petersburg is proud of its Tlingit and Scandinavian history. The town known as "Little Norway" celebrates its heritage with the annual Little Norway Festival held May 17th each year. A federally-recognized tribe-- the Petersburg Indian Association—is also located in Petersburg. The population of the community consists of 14% Alaska Native or part Native.

Across the Narrows is the community of Kupreanof, once busy with fur farms, a boat repair yard, and sawmill. Residents of Kupreanof travel by boat back and forth to Mitkof Island for city services, work and recreation.

The last census reported that 68% of all houses were owner-occupied, and 32% were renter-occupied. The homeowner vacancy rate for housing was 1.5%, while the rental vacancy rate is about 6.9%. The statewide average price of a home was just below $194,500 (2010). Rents average between $750 and $1000 per month. The median family income was $64,323 (2010) with less than 9% of the population falling below poverty level.

Facilities, Utilities, Schools and Health Care Water is supplied by Cabin Creek dam, and is distributed to municipal households. Outlying homes use individual wells or rooftop water catchment systems. Electricity is provided by Petersburg Municipal Power & Light, which operates primarily on hydropower. Most homes are connected to the municipal waste water treatment system or have approved on-site treatment. Residential garbage collection is provided by the Borough.

Three schools in the community provide education K-12 to about 435 students. Daycare options for younger children are also available. The school district enjoys strong local support of programs and activities, including academics, sports, music performances and a foreign exchange program. As part of the high school and middle school complex, a community gym, recently built aquatics center and Community School provide recreation and education opportunities for area residents.

Local hospitals or health clinics include Petersburg Medical Center and Petersburg Public Health Center.  The hospital is a qualified Acute Care and Long Term Care facility. Emergency services are provided by the City and volunteer Fire Department and EMS.

Economy and TransportationPetersburg's economy is based on commercial fishing, tourism and government. The City of Petersburg is one of the top ranking ports in the United States for quantity and value of fish landed. Several fish processors operate cold storage,

canneries, and custom packing services. The Crystal Lake Hatchery produces chinook and coho smolts, which contribute to the local salmon resource.

Timber sales on the district contribute towards diversifying the economy through support services. There is a small but steadily growing demand for local wood products from the surrounding forest, and the community is home to a skilled labor source of timber fallers and road builders.

The community serves as a base for the independent traveler and charter sportsperson seeking sightseeing, fishing, and hunting opportunities. Several guide and lodge services cater to tourists predominately during the summer months. There is no deep water dock suitable for large cruise ships therefore there is not the high volume of tourism experienced elsewhere in Southeast, AK.

Petersburg is accessed by air and water, and is served by the Alaska Marine Highway ferry route. The James A. Johnson Airport and local seaplane base allow for scheduled jet and float plane services, as well. Harbor facilities include three boat harbors with moorage for 700 boats, a boat launch, and a boat haul-out. Freight arrives by barge, ferry, or cargo plane.

Recreation and Amenities

Outdoor sports activities like fishing, hunting, kayaking, boating, berry picking and wildlife viewing are an integral part of life in Petersburg. Canada geese, wolves, black bear, moose, deer, goat, and trumpeter swans are among the many animals common to the island.

Over 240 species of birds have been recorded on the island. Bald Eagles abound. Sea lions and seals are often seen in the harbor and the waters surrounding Petersburg. During the summer, humpback whales can be seen feeding in the waters nearby, and orcas occasionally navigate the waters of Wrangell Narrows.

Resident Sea lions on navigation marker at the mouth of the Wrangell Narrows near Petersburg

All species of wild Alaska salmon can be caught in the waters around Petersburg. Crab, halibut and rockfish are also plentiful just a short boat ride from town.

Petersburg is considered a “full service” town. For more community information, photographs and contacts can be found on the Petersburg Chamber of Commerce website at www.petersburg.org

Many clubs and organizations have evolved over the years, including a large number of non-profit groups. Petersburg is also home to 13 churches and religious groups. Petersburg has recently completed the construction of a new library and volunteer fire department.

Petersburg is also known for its wide range of public art. Many local businesses and residences highlight Norwegian-style toll painting, or rosemaling. Sculptures, murals, totems and even designs in the sidewalk concrete show the influence of local artists and crafts throughout the town.