Firefighter (Basic Life Support / Hazardous Materials Technician).

This position is open to US citizens and includes a comprehensive federal benefits package.

Responsibilities

• Perform firefighting and rescue operations.
• Serve on a crew engaged in all-hazards response functions.
• Perform emergency medical procedures to provide Basic Life Support (BLS).
• Drive and operate firefighting/rescue vehicles and equipment.
• Detect, reduce, and/or eliminate potential fire hazards (GS-06 and above).
• Operate as a member of a hazardous material response team at the technician level (GS-07).

Requirements

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, including a completed background investigation.
• Must complete pre-employment and periodic medical examinations to ensure physical health and ability to perform duties.
• Required to lift up to 45 lbs. regularly.
• Subject to Federal and Department of the Army Drug Free Workplace Programs, including pre-employment and random drug testing.
• Designated as Mission Essential; required to report to work during severe weather or emergencies.
• Requires shift work, including evenings, weekends, holidays, or special situations on a rotating 48-hour schedule (144 hours per pay period).
• Must possess or obtain and maintain a valid state Driver’s License to operate vehicles.
• Must successfully complete an annual Job Performance Test and participate in a cardiovascular physical fitness program.
• Must pass an annual Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Fit Test.
• Work schedule is 72 hours per week; may require overtime, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Must receive a Hepatitis B vaccination or sign a waiver.
• Must wear a uniform and appropriate safety apparel as per established policies.
• Must obtain and maintain an Emergency Vehicle Operator’s certification and complete an annual emergency vehicle operator’s course.
• Occasional TDY travel is required.
• Must obtain and maintain eligibility for a Secret security clearance.
• Subject to a one-year probationary period with limited appeal rights.
• Must obtain and maintain the following certifications within the first year:
  • National Wildlife Coordinating Group S-190
  • National Wildlife Coordinating Group S-130
• Must maintain a functioning telephone at residence for recall/emergency contact.

Qualifications

To qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. Experience includes paid and unpaid work, such as volunteer experience through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience. If qualifying based on education, transcripts will be required.

Specialized Experience

• GS-05: One year of specialized experience including:
  • Controlling or extinguishing fires as a member of an organized fire department or brigade.
  • Operating firefighting apparatus and equipment.

  OR

  Education: Four years of education above high school in Fire Science, Fire Training, Paramedicine, or related fields.

  OR

  Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used if the total meets 100% of the requirements.

• GS-06: One year of specialized experience including:
  • Performing all-hazards response operations as a member of an organized fire department or brigade.
  • Operating firefighting apparatus and equipment.
  • Detecting, reducing, and/or eliminating potential fire hazards.
  • Performing emergency medical care at the EMT level.
• GS-07: One year of specialized experience including:
  • Performing all-hazards response operations as a member of an organized fire department or brigade.
  • Driving and operating firefighting apparatus and equipment.
  • Operating as a member of a hazardous material response team at the technician level.
  • Performing emergency medical care at the EMT level.

Certifications

Required certifications must be obtained through DoD Fire and Emergency Services Certification System, International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC), or the Fire Service Professional Qualifications System (PRO-Board).

• GS-05:
  • Firefighter I
  • Firefighter II
  • HAZMAT Operations (must obtain within 12 months of appointment)
  • National Registry or equivalent state-issued Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) - Basic (must obtain within 12 months of appointment)
• GS-06:
  • Firefighter I
  • Firefighter II
  • HAZMAT Operations
  • National Registry or equivalent state-issued Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) - Basic
  • HAZMAT Technician (must obtain within 12 months of appointment)
  • Driver Operator - Pumper (must obtain within 12 months of appointment)
  • Driver Operator - Aerial (must obtain within 12 months of appointment)
  • National Wildlife Coordinating Group S-190 (must obtain and maintain within 12 months of appointment)
  • National Wildlife Coordinating Group S-130 (must obtain and maintain within 12 months of appointment)
• GS-07:
  • Firefighter I
  • Firefighter II
  • HAZMAT Technician
  • Driver Operator - Pumper
  • Driver Operator - Aerial
  • National Registry or equivalent state-issued Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) - Basic
  • Driver Operator - Mobile Water Supply (must obtain within 12 months of appointment)
  • National Wildlife Coordinating Group S-190 (must obtain and maintain within 12 months of appointment)
  • National Wildlife Coordinating Group S-130 (must obtain and maintain within 12 months of appointment)

Age Requirements

• Maximum Entry Age (MEA): 37 years. Must be hired by the last day of the month you reach 37.
• Maximum Reentry Age: If previously served in a covered position, may be rehired if able to complete 20 years of covered service by mandatory retirement age (57 for firefighters).

Education

• GS-05: Foreign education must be evaluated by a private organization specializing in interpretation of foreign education programs and deemed equivalent to a U.S. education program.
• GS-06/GS-07: No substitution of education for experience is permitted; must qualify based on experience alone.

Benefits

• Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
• Comprehensive federal benefits package, including:
  • Student Loan Repayment (may be authorized).
  • Recruitment and relocation incentives (may be authorized).
  • Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances (may be authorized).
  • Credit for Prior Non-Federal Work Experience and Certain Military Service for determining annual leave accrual rate.
  • Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
  • Salary negotiations for new federal employees may be authorized.