Firefighter (Hazardous Materials Technician / Basic Life Support).

About the Role

This position involves performing firefighting and rescue operations as part of a crew engaged in structural firefighting, rescue, and Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) incident response. The role includes providing Basic Life Support (BLS) through noninvasive emergency medical procedures, responding to hazardous material incidents, driving and operating firefighting/rescue vehicles, and participating in specialized rescue operations such as confined space and high-angle rescues.

Responsibilities

• Perform firefighting and rescue operations.
• Engage in structural firefighting, rescue, and HAZMAT incident response functions.
• Provide Basic Life Support (BLS) through noninvasive emergency medical procedures.
• Respond to hazardous material incidents.
• Drive and operate firefighting and rescue vehicles.
• Participate in rescue operations, including confined space, high-angle, and other special operations.
• Control or extinguish fires and perform rescue operations (GS-06 and above).
• Detect, reduce, and/or eliminate potential fire hazards (GS-06 and above).
• Perform fire prevention inspections and training (GS-06 and above).
• Operate firefighting vehicles and equipment during firefighting and rescue operations (GS-07).
• Provide basic life support and emergency care to injured or ill individuals (GS-07).

Requirements

• Completion of pre-employment and periodic medical examinations to ensure physical health and fitness for duty.
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs. regularly.
• Compliance with 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.
• Designated as a "Key" position; exempt from recall to active duty and requires training for sustaining base operations during mobilization.
• Shift work required, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and special situations; 48-hour rotating shifts with 144 hours per pay period.
• Mandatory overtime, both planned and unscheduled.
• Possession or ability to obtain a valid state Driver’s License and a government driver’s license.
• Conformance to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1500 standards.
• Participation in the Department Wellness Program, including annual physical examinations and on-the-spot drug screening.
• Work schedule of 72-hour work weeks / 144-hours per pay period; overtime may be mandatory.
• Subject to periodic travel and recall after normal tour in emergencies.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance; background investigation and credit check required.
• Appointment subject to a one-year probationary period.
• Local certification requirements include Telecommunicator 1 and 2, obtained on the job.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: U.S. Citizens

To qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. Experience includes paid and unpaid experience, such as volunteer work. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience.

Specialized Experience

GS-05: One year of specialized experience which includes:

• Assisting with fire suppression and rescue activities.
• Performing firefighting functions.

OR

Education: Four years of education above the high school level 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 which includes:

• Controlling or extinguishing fires and performing rescue operations.
• Detecting, reducing, and/or eliminating potential fire hazards.
• Performing fire prevention inspections and training.
• Controlling hazardous materials incidents.

GS-07: One year of specialized experience which includes:

• Performing fire suppression and emergency response duties involving structural fires and hazardous material incidents.
• Operating firefighting vehicles and equipment during firefighting and rescue operations.
• Providing basic life support and emergency care to injured or ill individuals.
• Controlling hazardous materials incidents.

Certifications

GS-05: Must possess the following certifications through DoD Fire and Emergency Services Certification System, International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC), or the Fire Service Professional Qualifications System (PRO-Board):

• State of Michigan Firefighter I and II.
• State of Michigan Hazmat Awareness and Operations.
• DoD Firefighter I and II (must obtain within 12 months of appointment).
• DoD Hazmat Awareness & Operations (must obtain within 12 months of appointment).

GS-06: Must possess the following certifications:

• Firefighter I and II.
• HAZMAT Awareness and Operations.
• 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 Registry or equivalent state-issued Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) - Basic (must obtain within 12 months of appointment).

GS-07: Must possess the following certifications:

• Firefighter I and II.
• HAZMAT Awareness and Operations.
• HAZMAT Technician.
• Driver Operator - Pumper.
• Driver Operator - Aerial.
• National Registry or equivalent state-issued Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) - Basic.
• Telecommunicator 1 and 2 (local certification obtained on the job).

Additional Information

• Maximum Entry Age (MEA): 37 years. Must be hired by the last day of the month in which the candidate reaches 37.
• Maximum Reentry Age: Employees previously serving in a covered position may be rehired if they can complete 20 years of covered service by their mandatory retirement age (57 for firefighters).
• Education: For GS-05, foreign education must be evaluated by a private organization specializing in interpretation of foreign education programs.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship required.
• Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
• Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
• Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances, recruitment and relocation incentives, and student loan repayment may be authorized.
• Credit for prior non-Federal work experience and certain military service for determining annual leave accrual rate may be authorized.

Benefits

As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your career and well-being. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position held.