1. Master Record Number: FS2258
Title/Pay Plan/Series/Grade: NaturalResources Specialist (Recreation), GS-0401-09
FLSA Code: Exempt
INTRODUCTION
This position is located on a Forest Service unit, and has responsibility for the development
of annual work plans and the execution and administration of short range plans relating to
recreation, lands, trails, special uses, and minerals activities.
MAJOR DUTIES
Conducts surveys and studies of existing dispersed and developed recreation facilities and
their present use and demand. Based on studies of recreation areas and activities,
recommends potential sites or areas for additional recreation use and planned development
with suggested priorities for development. Develops, plans, and monitors new construction
of recreation trails, parking areas, trailhead facilities, campgrounds, picnic areas, parking
areas, and access roads in consultation with other resource personnel.
Implements recreation plan objectives and inspects the full range of recreation uses,
administration of special authorization for recreation events and concessionaire operations.
Develops plans for potential sites or areas for additional recreation use and planned
development.
Gathers relevant information and project cost for recreation facilities, maintenance, and
operation. Develops source documents for managing and carrying out management plans.
Participates in the development, administration, and execution of annual work plans for
recreation resources in compliance with agency guidelines and direction. Processes special
use applications including on-the-ground investigations of site suitability, preparation of
associated environmental assessment reports, and special use permits in final form for the
supervisor's review.
Negotiates with private landowners and/or mining claimants to secure rights-of-ways deeds
or easements. Develops environmental documents including impact of statements
concerning proposed recreational sites, wilderness, trails, or Off Highway Vehicles (OHV)
programs on other resources.
Uses INFRA, NRUM, MM, and other databases to maintain unit information in order to
monitor recreation resources program activities. Communicates program information to
the public regarding the agencies management practices, rules, and regulations relating to
OHV areas. Works with local law enforcement agencies to ensure compliance with OHV
operations with federal laws, reporting all known violations of law or regulations. Ensures
the development and modification of operating plans for OHV areas.
2. Supervision Less than 20%
Provides technical and administrative supervision to subordinate employees. Plans work to
be accomplished, sets and adjusts short-term priorities and prepares schedules for
completion of work. Assigns work based on priorities, selective consideration of the
difficulty and requirements of assignments, and the capabilities of employees. Evaluates
work performance. Gives advice, counsel or instruction to employees on both work and
administrative matters. Hears and resolves minor complaints from employees. Refers
group grievances and more serious unresolved complaints to a higher level supervisor or
manager. Interviews candidates for employment; recommends or selects for temporary
positions. Finds ways to improve production or increase the quality of work directed.
Provides leadership, allocates resources, and implements activities to accomplish Forest
Service multicultural organization direction and Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights
requirements, goals, policies, and objectives. Supports and participates in the Work
Environment Continuous Improvement process. Ensures all communication - written, oral,
visual, signed - is non-discriminatory and sensitive to all employees and publics. Creates a
work environment which respects, appreciates, and accepts contributions and perspectives
of all employees.
Provides specific program input into the overall natural resources management planning
process. Coordinates with other natural resource disciplines ensuring program requirements
are included in the project planning and execution. Develops and monitors a portion of the
annual program plan of work. Specific portions of the annual program plan of work include
recreation, lands, trails, special uses and minerals activities. Participates in the preparation
and monitoring of the annual operating plans budget preparation.
Gathers, compiles, and analyzes data needed to determine proposed resource management
activities. Coordinates and implements approved resource management plans for the
natural resource projects. Responsible for compiling NEPA documents and implementing
approved projects. Responsible for developing contract language for assigned projects.
Responsible for administering mining special use permits and performs inspection activities
of abandoned mine sites.
FACTOR STATEMENTS
Factor 1. Knowledge Required by the Position Factor Level 1-6 950 points
Professional knowledge of natural resource and biological science principles and concepts
and a practical knowledge of conventional methods and techniques sufficient to undertake
routine natural resource management projects involving recreational resource use and
development, minerals, and other special land uses, and to integrate recreation, lands, and
minerals resources into land use plans.
Knowledge sufficient to interpret the effect and impact of any change in the level or type of
use of assigned resources on other resources such as timber, wildlife, soils, hydrology,
3. archeology, botany, fish/wildlife, and water.
Knowledge of mining operations to perform cleanup of abandoned mine sites.
Knowledge of Forest Service policies, procedures, and statutory requirements for multiple-
use and sustained yield resource management.
Knowledge of land use and appraisal techniques as they relate to exchange, purchase, or
donation of private lands.
Professional and technical knowledge of dispersed and developed recreation management
to evaluate facility condition and maintenance needs, prepare maintenance plans and
schedules, coordinate maintenance and construction activities, and participates in
recreation development planning.
Knowledge of supervision and personnel practices and procedures in order to carry out
responsibilities and to plan/integrate work schedules to meet unit needs.
Knowledge of management principles and practices related to program and workforce
planning, supervision and training of employees to promote a well-trained and qualified
workforce.
Factor 2. Supervisory Controls Factor Level 2-3 275 points
The supervisor identifies boundaries of the project assignments, critical deadlines, and the
overall results expected.
The incumbent independently plans the steps and techniques necessary to complete the
assignments in accordance with established forestry practices and techniques. Where
unusual or unconventional environmental conditions are encountered or where the
problems require modification of established local practices, such as a significant increase in
undeveloped area recreation use affecting the timber and water resources, the incumbent
discusses the planned action in advance with the supervisor.
The supervisor reviews the work for technical adequacy and soundness, and
accomplishment of overall objectives.
Factor 3. Guidelines Factor Level 3-3 275 points
Guidelines include agency handbooks, manuals, land use plans, and annual program of
work. The guides are not specified to on-the-ground conditions that exist at any point in
time or to the handling of particular problems.
Incumbent must select from alternative methods or approaches which appear appropriate
to the existing situation and make or recommend compromises required by technical
considerations.
4. Factor 4. Complexity Factor Level 4-3 150 points
The assignments involve resource inventory, analysis of resource conditions, and
development and administration of management plans for the recreation, minerals, and
land use programs. Incumbent must collect, evaluate, and apply resource data using
current policy and guidelines to make accurate decisions.
Projects vary greatly and incumbent must retain flexibility, always looking for ways to
improve management opportunities, and be willing to depart from the traditional methods
to improve quality.
The problems associated with the assigned resource programs have substantial precedents
and are generally amenable to the application of standard techniques and practices.
Factor 5. Scope and Effect Factor Level 5-3 150 points
The purpose of the work is to provide permitted land use through issuance of permits and
to provide recreation use through management and development of sites and facilities.
The work directly impacts other resource programs in the Forest area for which incumbent
has no direct responsibility (e.g., timber and watershed) as well as the economic or social
well-being of the public which is dependent on the use of the Forest resources.
Factor 6. Personal Contacts Factor Level 6-2 25 points
Contacts occur in relatively unstructured settings and include coworkers, permittees,
applicants, company representatives, and less frequently, State and local officials. Contacts
frequently include recreation users and the general public.
Factor 7. Purpose of Contacts Factor Level 7-2 50 points
Contacts are to inspect work, conduct training, coordinate minerals and recreation use with
other resource uses, explain conservation or use requirements, monitor user activities,
obtain compliance with permits and contracts, ensure protection of the Forest areas, and to
receive input on assigned projects.
Factor 8. Physical Demands Factor Level 8-2 20 points
The work regularly requires some physical exertion such as long periods of standing; walking
over rough, uneven, swampy, or rocky terrain; recurring bending, crouching, stooping,
stretching, or reaching; or recurring moving, lifting and carrying of moderately heavy items.
Factor 9. Work Environment Factor Level 9-2 20 points
The work is performed outdoors and involves regular and recurring exposure to moderate
risks such as travel in safety approved small air and water craft and off-highway vehicles;
moderate discomforts such as exposure to wind and low or high temperatures; moderate
5. exposure to environmental factors such as insects, poisonous plants, or irritating chemicals;
or working in areas known to be frequented by hostile wildlife, e.g., poisonous snakes,
wolves, bears. Special safety precautions are necessary, and protective clothing and
equipment are required.
Total Points: 1915
Point Range: 1855-2100 = GS-09
References Used:
Job Family Standard for Professional Work in the Natural Resources Management and
Biological Sciences Group, 0400 Sept. 2005.
Source Documents:
Forester, GS-0460-09 FS-SPDs N2035; N2036 classified 7/24/1986.
Name of Classification Delegate: Sheila Turbinton
Date Classified: 5/11/2012