Pay Period 25

Please submit your time for PP25 (this pay period) if you will be on leave for the rest of the pay period... In addition to having Christmas Day off you will also have Dec. 26th paid off if you are in work status.  Thank you have a great Christmas and Holiday season!

Rigging supervisor training and refresher

Rigging supervisor training has been set for march 2-6  for current rigging supervisor and trainees.  Keith Wolferman has taken on the lead for the week if you have any question give the loft a call.

Sherpa Progression

Interested in the progression of the new Sherpas?  You can read up at the following website using a Forest Service computer.

http://fsweb.wo.fs.fed.us/fire/fam/aviation/sherpa/index.htm

FIREHIRE- Update Your Applications in USAJOBS by DEC. 15

If you are interested in an upgrade or promotion in 2015...  Please update all of your applications in USAJOBS by DEC. 15,  so when positions are vacated we can back fill as quickly as possible with the new Firehire process in R-1. Please contact Mitch in training or SMKJ OPs if you have any questions. Listed below are the announcement #s.

15-FIREOCR-462SMKJMPR-89G                 Forestry Tech GS-8/9 (Smokejumper Assistant Supervisor, PFT)

15-FIREOCR-462SMKJMPR-78G                 Forestry Tech GS-7/8 (Smokejumper Spotter, PFT & 13/13)

15-FIREOCR-462SMKJMPR-7G                    Forestry Tech GS-7 (Smokejumper Squad Leader, 13/13)

15-FIREOCR-462SMKJMPR-56G & DP      Forestry Tech GS-5/6 (Smokejumper, 13/13)

Boots

Heard about the Reimbursement for Fire Boots?

The specifics of the program are still being hammered out so hold off on  the boot purchases until you are in pay-status and the specifics have been worked out!

 

 

Fall Newsletter

The newsletter and questionnaire for Fall 2014 is out. Look for it in your email or download it here

Shane Ewing Scholarship Applications Due on Dec 1st

The Missoula Smokejumper Welfare Fund is awarding a $1,000 scholarship to a deserving individual.  The deadline for applications is on December 1st 2014, the scholarship will be awarded on January 15th 2015.

Requirements to Apply for the Scholarship

-Must be a current or former smokejumper or have a direct family relation to a current or former smokejumper (spouse or children).

-Must be used for educational purposes.  Proof of education is required.  (College or University)

How to Apply

-Write a one page essay covering the two topics below.
     
        1.  How has the smokejumping program impacted your life.

        2.  What type of education are you pursuing and how are you going to put that education to use.



Please Email your essays to apferruzzi1@yahoo.com or give to MSO Welfare Fund.

New Lockers in the Ready Room

As of today we are beginning to install 75 new lockers in the ready room. Due to the size of the project and the amount of logistics involved, we would appreciate if everyone would bag up their jump gear and ensure that your lockers are cleaned out by Friday, November 14th. Your assistance with this project will safeguard your personal items and will guarantee that they will not get lost in the shuffle. Thank you.

Training opportunity this November in California

The National Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Academy in Sacramento is looking for a cadre to teach S-290 the week of November 2-8, 2014. I am looking for 3-5 people who would like to go, preferably people who have completed M-410 or have prior instructor experience. Contact Dan Cottrell or Tory Kendrick ASAP if you are interested!

TSP PILOT UPDATE

TSP PILOT UPDATED THEIR ALLOCATIONS.

Check the TSP website to update your allocations on your TSP.  Any questions call ops as usual

2015 Refresher and Training Dates

To help you plan your spring:

Overhead Refresher:     March 16-21
Fire Refresher:              March 23-28
RamAir Refresher:        March 20-April 3
Jump Refresher:           April 6-10
RamAir Transition:        April13-May16
Rookie (Maybe):           tentatively May18-June 20
Late Refresher:             May 19th-30

GOVTRIP/ETS2 Tips For next few months

Travel with an End Date Prior to October 23, 2014

• Enter the authorization in GovTrip.

• Ensure authorization is approved prior to October 23, 2014.

• Ensure voucher is created and approved prior to October 31, 2014.

 

Travel Ending Between October 23, 2014 and November 3, 2014

GOVTRIP

• Enter an authorization in GovTrip for airfare, TMC Fee, and TAV Fee only.

• Change ticketing date on Digital Signature Page to the current date for immediate ticketing.

• Ensure authorization is approved prior to October 23, 2014.

• Ensure voucher for airfare and fees only is created and approved prior to October 31, 2014.

ETS2

• On or after November 3, 2014, create a new authorization in CGE for the balance of expenses (per diem, baggage, taxis, etc.), and voucher against the CGE authorization.

• DO NOT VOUCHER FOR AIRFARE AND/OR TMC FEE

 

Emergency Travel During The Cut-Over Weekend

For Any Emergency Travel During the Weekend of November 1-2, 2014

• Travelers must contact Manassas, 1-800-585-2232 or BCD Travel at 1-800-877-6120 directly to obtain tickets.

• Tickets will be issued upon confirmation by a Forest Service representative on call that weekend.

• Authorizations for emergency travel during the cut-over weekend of November 1 & 2 cannot be entered into GovTrip.

• On November 3, 2014, the authorization must be created in Concur and vouchered accordingly.

• The emergency call numbers for the weekend of November 1 & 2, 2014 are Manassas 1-888-818-1975 and BCD Travel at 1-800-877-6120. Listen to the prompts and select the appropriate option for the Forest Service. Travelers will be asked questions to verify the need for emergency travel.

End of year meeting postponed

The end of year meeting that was scheduled for September 17th has been postponed until more people are back from boosts, fires, RX, hunts, etc.

T Party

6:30 PM on September 20th at the Crystal Theater, 515 S Higgins St



Goodbye GovTrip, hello more Travel Training

We will be making the switch from GovTrip to a new travel system this fall. It is called ETS2 or  Concur Travel, depending on who you ask.

Those of you on a FS network can participate in a livemeeting to learn more on September 9th at 13:00 and 14:30.

Conference phone number:  888-844-9904

Access code:  9639100 or 5873158

 

Livemeeting Link

More details are here:
http://fsweb.asc.fs.fed.us/bfm/programs/financial-operations/travel/ETS2/e-meetings.php

All kinds of online  ETS2 training is also available:
http://fsweb.asc.fs.fed.us/bfm/programs/financial-operations/travel/ETS2/TrainingGuides.php

Once fire season slows down, you may want to check it out.

Lolo Rendezvous

GAC Cream

Grangeville asks that the booster who left an IOU in their ice cream fund please send them a check or money order.

Mid Season Harness Inspection

Away from the base currently?  When you get back to MSO swing into the loft with your harness, either system, and have a loftie help you with a mid-season harness inspection.  Cheers!

Are you talented and motivated?

The Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Program (WFAP) is seeking talented and motivated individuals to be part of their team for upcoming academy sessions:

Advanced 60 & 61: Oct 26 - Nov 21, 2014
Basic 62: Jan 26 - Feb 20, 2015
Basic 63: Feb 1 - Feb 27, 2015
Basic 64: Feb 22 - Mar 20, 2015

The application deadline is Sep 6th. More details available here:
http://www.wfap.net/forms/Staff_Instructor_Outreach_FY15.pdf

More Survey Monkey.....

Continue giving your feedback on survey monkey! 

Spotter Eval link
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/hxf39t8 


Jumper Eval link 
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/386pg8r

Missoula to fill GS 6 and 7 Positions

Region 1 Forest Service will soon be filling GS-0462-6 permanent seasonal Smokejumper positions and GS-0462-7 permanent seasonal Smokejumper positions at the Aerial Fire Depot in Missoula, Montana. This position is intended for smokejumpers with smokejumper experience. This position serves as a smokejumper, performing a variety of duties in the areas of parachute jumping and fire suppression. Upon completion of annual refresher training, is subject to work assignments in the Region, in any other Forest Service Region, or for other agencies concerned with managing forest or range lands. The vacancy announcements are posted on the USAJOBS website and the Job Announcement Numbers are: Demo: 14(1)-462-SMKJMPR-5/6DP & Merit: 14(1)-462-SMKJMPR-5/6G and Merit: 14(1)-462-SMKJMPR-7G Get the full notice by clicking HERE

FY 2015 National Aviation Scholarship Program

All interested are encouraged to apply for the National Aviation Scholarship Program. The program promotes advanced education for employees in Aviation Safety Management Systems. Anyone interested in regional aviation leadership should consider applying. The courses are online and require 10-14 hours per week for reading and assignments. All interested should contact their supervisor for more details.

Fire Season Schedule Change

We will be starting 7 day coverage at the beginning of Pay Period 13, June 29. Hours will change to 0930-1800.

In Memoriam

Bob Sallee, the last survivor of the 1949 Mann Gulch fire, passed away on Monday.

Arrangements are pending at Hazen and Jaeger Valley Funeral Home in Spokane, Wa

Have your say on fire shelters

MTDC is requesting that field going firefighters reply to a survey about fire shelters. There is a link to the survey on this website:

http://www.nifc.gov/fireShelt/fshelt_main.html

  

White or Yellow

Be sure to let ops know if you're available for assignments, and check to make sure that your name tag is showing the appropriate color 

Paycheck: High Alert

*** HIGH ALERT *** Paycheck8: Will be unavailable Saturday, May 17 through Sunday, May 18 for implementation of the new job code formats. Employees are strongly encouraged to submit their Time and Attendance (T&A) Sheets no later than Friday, May 16th in case there are unexpected delays implementing the new job code structure


Starting May 18^th   in pay period 10, Paycheck will start requiring an 8 character job code be entered when doing time. The first 6 characters are the regular job code, and the last 2 characters  identify the fiscal year of the job code.

Preferred days off

Later on this summer we'll be going to 7 day coverage, now's your chance to pick your days off: Friday & Saturday or Sunday & Monday. 


 There is a sign up sheet at the ops counter.

Temp Upgrades!

Congratulations to Colby Jackson, Travis Parker, Kurt Rohrbach, Ashton Ferruzzi, and Clem Pope on being selected for Temporary Upgrades.

WYS detail available for GS 7/8/9/10/11

If you are a GS- 6/7/8/9/10/11 who is eligible for and interested in a NTE 120 day detail to scenic West  Yellowstone: Send a one page resume to  llannan@firenet.gov  before May 19th.

IV Training

Starts at 08:00

GAC is hiring

The Grangeville Smokejumpers will soon be filling a GS-  8/9  Assistant Foreman, 18/8 (area of operation to be determined) and a GS-5/6 Smokejumper 13/13. Duty location, Grangeville, Idaho. Interested applicants should fill out the appropriate attached outreach response form.

Position:  Supervisory Forestry Technician, Smokejumper. GS -8/9 Assistant Foreman :

Merit Vacancy announcement : 14-(1)-462 SMKJPR 8/9G   . USAJOBS link :  https://my.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/358598100?share=email

 

Position:  Forestry Technician, Smokejumper.  GS 5/6 Smokejumper 13/13 position:

Merit Vacancy announcement : 14-(1)-462 SMKJPR 5/6 G  . USAJOBS link https://my.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/358588900?share=email

Demo Position announcement: 14-(1)-462 SMKJPR 5/6 DP   USAJOBS link: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/358592600?share=email

 

Announcements opened 5/5/2014 and close 5/24/ 2014. 

 

 

Note to applicants - Carefully read the entire announcement and follow all instructions.  If all required documents are not submitted, applicants will not be referred.

 

Please call with questions.

 

 

Sarah R. Doehring

Base Manager

Grangeville Smokejumpers

111 Airport Road

Grangeville, ID 83530

 

Office : (208) 983-9586

On-line Required Training!

There are on-line Mandatory trainings that needs to be completed by all.  

The 2 courses are:  1) No Fear and Workplace Harassment Training  

                               2) Mandatory Appropriations Law Training

These classes can be accessed on your Ag-learn page.

Please get this cleaned up as-soon-as-you-can!

TSP PILOT UPDATED BALANCE

TSP Pilot updated its balance for both funds standard and aggressive.  they seem fairly minor adjustments for the aggressive and more for the standard.

Smokejumper PT Test Input Sought

Smokejumpers,

First off, I want to say thank you for taking the time to give feedback.  I recognize we are all busy getting ready for the upcoming season and time is limited.  With that said  take a couple minutes to give your opinion and stay engaged on this topic so I can give you all the best representation as possible on this topic. You can email, call or text me at the number listed below.

If you want to go through each change and say support/don’t support and that’s it that works.  If you want to give me more feedback I’m all ears. Please read the UPDATED possible changes in the attachment. The deadline for comment will remain April 18^th 2014.


Click HERE to download updated attachment

Cheers,

Jamie D. Strelnik

Assistant Handcrew Forman

NFFE Local 60 Representative

NFFE FSC Fire Committee Representative

USFS – Bitterroot National Forest – Sula District

jstrlenik@fs.fed.us – jamie4142@msn.com

406-370-1408

download link

Interested in Temp Promotion at the base?

Anyone interested in temporary promotions for this coming season get your one page resume to Tory Kendrick in 329-7362 ASAP! tkendrick@fs.fed.us

Mixed Load Early Refresher: April 7-11, 2014

All Missoula refreshers will be expected to show up Monday morning at 0730 in the ready room. West Yellowstone and Grangeville refreshers will be expected to show up Monday morning at 0830 in the Pintler room.

GS-7 Detail to California

NTE 120 day GS-7 available on an engine in Hayfork, CA. Check ops counter for outreach notice.

GS- 8/9 Detail to Michigan

If you are a ICT3, DIVS, or RXB2 and you are interested in a detail to Michigan, check your fs email for the outreach notice.

Memorial 5K on March 29th

The most exciting post ever written on this blog

If you have not taken the mandatory FY2014 USDA Information Security Awareness Training in AgLearn, please do so by March 31, 2014. Those who miss the deadline will lose Forest Service network access until the training is completed and recorded. 

If you cannot access AgLearn, a PDF version is available at the FY2014 Cyber Security Awareness and Rules of Behavior Training webpage. 

Have your PIN or a guitar next time you drive

A reminder to all drivers: If you want to fuel a vehicle with the government fuel card -  have your six digit PIN. The WEX cards are simple to use for fuel; just enter the odometer, enter your PIN, pump fuel and retain the receipt in the logbook.  There is a customer service number on the back of the card that you can call 24/7 for your forgotten PIN as well as a roadside assistance number for emergency break downs on the road.

Or you can try this

DOD Modules temporarily Suspended

Due to budget constraints the DoD modules are temporarily suspended.  They hope to be up and running in a couple pay periods.

Spring 2014 Newsletter

All the latest about Justin Bieber, Rihanna, and Early refresher!

Get it HERE

TSP PILOT UPDATE

TSP PILOT JUST PUT OUT NEW RECOMMENDATIONS FOR YOUR TSP FOR BOTH STANDARD AND AGGRESSIVE. YOU CAN SEE THEM AT TSPPILOT.COM IF YOU NEED HELP CALL OPS

Aviation Training Refresher for Spotters and Assistant Spotters

Spotters and assistant spotters need to complete or refresh aviation training courses every three years. Check your email for a complete list of A-courses you need to complete before overhead refresher this year. Once you have completed each course, print out the certificate and put it in the completed training box in the training office. Do not put it in your individual training file. Remember these courses must be completed prior to being able to spot this year. Courses can be found at www.iat.gov.

R8 Modules

We are coming up on R8 burning season again and may be looking at sending a module out as early as the last week in January. We do not have any firm dates yet but we will post them when we do. As before, these assignments are a three week commitment. Once we know when the first module is leaving we should better be able to predict the dates for subsequent modules. For now, if you are interested in the first module and think you may be available, please contact Sam Pfahler or Dan Cottrell and let them know your dates of availability.

Get your completed task books to training

A Red Card Committee will meet on Tuesday the 21st. If you have any task books that need to be reviewed, make sure that they are in to Training before then.

Physicals for 2014

Those of you who need to get your physicals done for the 2014 season, contact Billy Phillips at (406) 329-4941 for the paperwork and instructions on setting up an appointment.

Remember, you need to have this done before refresher or you won't be able to jump.

GS-6 Outreach

Region 1 Forest Service will soon be filling a GS-0462-6 permanent Smokejumper position at the Aerial Fire Depot in Missoula, Montana. 

This position serves as a smokejumper, performing a variety of duties in the areas of parachute jumping and fire suppression.   Upon completion of annual refresher training, is subject to work assignments throught the Region, in any other other Forest Service Region, or for other agencies concerned with managing forest or range lands. Please have your apps ready no later than early February

The vacancy announcement is posted on the USAJOBS website under Job Announcement Numbers: DEMO 14(1)-462-SMKJMPR-5/6DP, MERIT 14(1)-462-SMKJMPR-5/6G.

Mitch requests that anyone interested reply to the full outreach notice, which can be downloaded here