Saguaro National Park (AZ)
Motorcyclist Killed In Head-On Collision
A 69-year-old Tucson woman was killed when her motorcycle ran head-on into another vehicle on Picture Rocks Road on the afternoon of February 25th. She was heading westbound when her Honda drifted into oncoming traffic and hit the other vehicle. CPR was conducted on scene by fire department paramedics before she was flown to University Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead. Two people in the second vehicle were taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries and later released.
[Submitted by Paul Austin, Acting Chief Ranger]
OPERATIONAL NOTES
Fire and Aviation Management
Structural Fire Training Program Awarded National Accreditation
On January 20th, the Service's structural fire suppression training program was formally awarded accreditation through the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications, more commonly known as Pro Board.
"This is a tremendous accomplishment for the NPS. This award will forever change the way in which our employees are not only certified, but more importantly, recognized by fire departments and emergency service organizations throughout the country and overseas," said Harold Spencer, chief of the structural fire branch.
For the last two years, the agency's training program curriculum has undergone a comprehensive overhaul, including testing and skill assessment, in order to ensure full compliance with the standards established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
In the simplest form, certification means that NPS employees and partners who have successfully completed agency training classes have been found to meet or exceed the standards set forth by the NFPA - standards which have undergone rigorous review by a third party organization.
"Our employees are being given the opportunity to test their skills and knowledge against their peers from all types of fire departments in the United States and around the world," said Mark Gorman, NPS fire operations program manager.
When students now complete an NPS class, they will receive certifications that contains both the NPS logo and the Pro Board seal, which indicates a quality standard in both training and testing. Professional standards are extremely important in high risk occupations such as structural firefighting, emergency medical services and law enforcement.
"This has created a new baseline for performance not only for the employee, but also for the NPS," adds Gorman. "Program accreditation will go a long way in ensuring that this trend continues to benefit NPS employees and the agency as a whole."
Pro Board was established in 1990, but its roots date back to 1972 when an earlier version was established by the Joint Council of National Fire Service Organizations. Today, it operates under a board of directors which represents the International Association of Fire Chiefs, National Association of State Fire Marshals, the National Fire Protection Association and the North American Fire Training Directors. There are approximately 69 member agencies, including 32 states, four Canadian provinces, and the United States Department of Defense.
In an agency and profession which is highly decentralized, certification will provide NPS employees with a sense of accomplishment and recognition around the world.
"Reciprocity among certifying entities will be a huge asset for our employees," said Gorman. "Pro Board certification is recognized by many departments and will support agency efforts for employee development, while ensuring that skills are transferable within the fire service as a whole."
To learn more about the NPS structural fire program, click on the link below.
More Information...
PARKS AND PEOPLE
Mammoth Cave National Park (KY)
Brad McDougal Selected As Chief Ranger
Brad McDougal, who began his career at Mammoth Cave more than 30 years ago, has been selected as the park's chief ranger.
"Brad has been a law enforcement ranger at Mammoth Cave for twenty-nine years," said Patrick Reed, the park's superintendent. "He has served with distinction, even achieving the Valor Award, the Department of the Interior's most distinguished honor. Brad has served as acting chief ranger for extended periods on several occasions. I have great confidence in his skills, experience and abilities as he begins this new chapter in his career as the park's chief ranger."
McDougal started his NPS career in 1980 as a seasonal ticket seller at Mammoth Cave. In 1981, he was hired as a park technician, with his duties split between interpretation and resource management. The next year he moved into visitor protection and law enforcement.
Over the following years at Mammoth Cave, McDougal moved up through the ranks. In 1994, he became the park's protection specialist; in 1996, a special agent; in 2005, he was selected as the park's supervisory ranger for divisional operations.
McDougal is a life-long resident of Edmonson County. He graduated from Edmonson County High School in 1976, and earned an associate degree from Western Kentucky University in 1982.
He and his wife, Pat, a retired Edmonson County school teacher, reside in rural Edmonson County not far from the park boundary. They have one daughter, Elizabeth, and one grandson, Jack Swayne.
When asked about his hobbies, McDougal, a proud grandpa, replied, "Golf and babysitting."
[Submitted by Vickie Carson, Public Affairs Officer]
Geologic Resources Division
GS-1350-12/13 Geomorphologist
Dates: 02/28/2012 - 03/20/2012
The Geologic Resources Division is currently seeking to fill a senior-level geologist (geomorphologist) position in Lakewood, Colorado.
The person selected for this position will be division's lead for terrestrial and fluvial geomorphologic programs and technical issues. She/he will also serve as the division's lead for the disturbed lands restoration and geologic hazards programs and provide major assistance for the abandoned mineral land program, and be in charge of helping parks address a wide variety of technical issues relating to erosion, sedimentation and other surficial geologic processes. The successful candidate also will be a member of the division's senior technical staff and will provide expertise in geology and geomorphology to a number of interdisciplinary teams.
To apply for this position (for more information) please see the following job announcements:
http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/310463600
http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/310463400
[Submitted by Harold Pranger, harold_pranger@nps.gov, (303) 969-2018] More Information...
Ozark National Scenic Riverways (MO)
GS-0025-5/7/9 Interpretive Ranger
Ozark NSR has issued all sources announcements for a district interpreter for the Alley Springs District.
Click on the link below for a copy of the announcements with details on duties and procedures for applying.
They close on March 13th.
Candidates are welcome to contact Faye Walmsley at (573) 323-4844 or faye_walmsley@nps.gov for further information.
More Information...
Shenandoah National Park (VA)
GS-0303-6/7 Supervisory Visitor Use Assistants
Dates: 02/29/2012 - 03/14/2012
Shenandoah National Park is currently seeking candidates for positions to serve as two of three field supervisors in its fee management branch.
Click on the link below for a copy of the announcement with details on duties, area information, and procedures for applying.
It closes on March 14th.
[Submitted by Alta Blietz, alta_blietz@nps.gov, 540-999-3500 x3406] More Information...
NPS serious incident submission standards can be found at the following web site:
http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custompages.cfm?prg=45&id=8728&lv=2&pgid=3504
All reports should now be submitted via this automated system.