Summary These positions are located within the Six Rivers National Forest. The primary purpose of the position is the dissemination of information and interpretative assistance to the public through various means. Responsibilities MAJOR DUTIES Ensures that the information desk at a reception area or visitor center is covered at all times, and answers the phone and radio. Greets visitors, and responds to a variety of inquiries regarding Forest Service activities, programs, exhibits, facilities, policies, and functions. Evaluates inquiries in order to provide the most useful and appropriate information or to suggest other options, such as alternate routes or activities. Provides guidance to the public on rules and regulations regarding on-unit activities, and attempts to gain public cooperation in protecting resources from damage and pollution. Assists visitors and callers with informational searches, and with use of the reference library. Monitors and reports statistics such as visitor numbers and activities, for project planning. Keeps abreast of unit issues and acts as lead to other information desk co-workers as needed. Serves as Collection Officer to sell forest timber permits and other items, such as maps and passes, in accordance with manual and handbook requirements. Is held responsible for submitting and accounting for collected monies using approved computer programs and records. Performs regular daily activities for the reception area or visitor center, including but not limited to, daily opening and closing of the facility, raising and lowering the flag, and maintaining the front desk. Monitors public areas, and updates the status of exhibits. Provides visitors with effective instructions on security and safety procedures and informs the supervisor of visitor needs. Operates a variety of audio/visual equipment. Maintains a lost and found for visitors and staff. Coordinates Interpretive Association book sales, including ordering, stocking, sales, quarterly inventory and reporting. Coordinates with staff specialists and public affairs office to provide the latest, most accurate and appropriate information to the public. Researches and maintains an inventory of timely publications, brochures, posters, and informational handouts for the public. Creates and posts informational handouts and flyers concerning safety, events and other items of importance. Works with the public affairs unit to ensure that current and accurate information is available on the external Forest Service website. Updates information such as road and recreation closures. Responds to and directs web and email inquiries to the appropriate personnel. Acts as liaison to other information centers such as other Forest Service offices or the local Chamber of Commerce. Arranges informational interpretive displays in the reception area or visitor center. Varies or changes the displays to coincide with seasonal changes and unit program emphases. Provides interpretive answers to a wide variety of visitor interests, such as the identification of local flora and fauna or the location of camping areas. Visits and is very familiar with trails, campgrounds, roads, and other areas on the unit, in order to provide accurate, descriptive information. Plans and presents interpretive talks and programs for visitors, local schools, and other groups. Uses a variety of tools, such as drawings, activity specific tools, and audio/visual equipment, as interpretive aids for presentations. Coordinates Smokey Bear appearances and Forest Service presence at local events such as parades and fairs. Handles clerical duties, such as mail and package delivery, personnel updates to phone lists and sign-out board. Supports the office by performing such duties as monitoring of field going personnel for safety purposes, assistance with scheduling the conference room, fleet use reporting, travel assistance, assistance with purchasing during busy times, and other projects and duties as assigned by the supervisor. Monitors the status of office and security equipment and uses a variety of office and computer equipment to accomplish project and unit goals. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards. Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary. Specialized Experience Requirement: For the GS-06: You must have one year specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as one or more of the following: Serving as a collection officer for the sale of books, maps, t-shirts, permits, passes or tickets; accounting for inventory, supplies and monies collected; Preparing recurring reports on items tracked on a regular basis, such as trends in public information needs; Performing routine, repetitive daily activities for visitor center operations, greeting visitors, and replying to inquiries requesting general information about organizational activities, programs and policies. 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. TIME IN GRADE REQUIREMENT: If you are a current federal employee in the General Schedule (GS) pay plan and applying for a promotion opportunity, you must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirements of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. This requirement must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Education Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Reemployment Priority List (RPL): To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) provides current or former temporary and term employees the opportunity to compete for permanent competitive service positions. Individuals must have more than 24 months of service without a break between appointments of two or more years and the last temporary or term appointment must have been with Region 5 of the Forest Service. Service must be in the competitive service and have been at a successful level of performance or better. Part-time and intermittent service will be credited only for time actually worked. Non-pay status such as leave without pay is credited for up to six months in a calendar year; anything beyond six months is not credited. Applicants are responsible for providing sufficient information/documentation to determine if the 24 month criteria is met. This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements. The Forest Service may use certain incentives and hiring flexibilities, currently offered by the Federal government, to attract highly qualified candidates. Additional Information is available on the OPM Website. This is a non-bargaining unit position.