Lead Firefighter (Basic Life Support / Hazmat Technician).

About the role

This position directs a crew engaged in all-hazards response functions and is designated as Mission Essential. The incumbent is required to report to work or remain at work during severe weather conditions, natural disasters, and other emergency situations as directed by the Fire Chief.

Responsibilities

• Directs a crew engaged in all-hazards response functions.
• Drives and operates firefighting and rescue vehicles and equipment.
• Instructs and trains employees on policies, procedures, and specific tasks and job techniques.
• Performs firefighting and rescue operations, including aircraft rescue and firefighting.
• Provides medical care at the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) level.
• Operates as a member of a hazardous material response team at the technician level.
• Conducts inspections of firefighting equipment to maintain proper serviceability.
• Prepares reports for supervisory review regarding emergency responses, training, maintenance, and daily activities.
• Participates in the department's wellness program, including a structured physical exercise program and cardiovascular physical fitness program.
• Wears a uniform and safety apparel in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Participates in annual Job Performance Tests and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Fit Tests.
• Complies with drug testing requirements, including pre-employment, random, and post-accident testing.

Requirements

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• Must complete pre-employment and periodic subsequent medical examinations to ensure physical health and ability to perform duties.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. regularly.
• Must possess or obtain and maintain a valid state Driver’s License in one of the 50 U.S. states or possessions to operate vehicles.
• Must pass the record Physical Ability Test (PAT) upon hire and annually thereafter.
• Must pass a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Fit Test.
• Must maintain a functioning telephone for recall situations.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
• Must report for duty during natural disasters and other emergency situations as directed.
• Must work shift work, including evenings, weekends, holidays, or special situations, on a 48-hour rotating schedule (144 hours per pay period).
• Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 10% of the time.
• Appointment is subject to a one-year trial period unless previously met as described in 5 CFR Part 315.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• Must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
• Direct deposit of pay is required.

Qualifications

Only applicants who meet one of the following employment authority categories are eligible to apply:

• Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
• Military Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473
• Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible
• Reinstatement

To qualify, you must meet the following experience requirements:

• One year of specialized experience, including:
  • 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 Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) level.
  • Performing aircraft rescue and firefighting operations.
  • Conducting inspections of firefighting equipment to maintain proper serviceability.

This experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-07).

Selective Placement Factors

In addition to meeting the specialized experience requirement, applicants must possess the following certifications (certified through DoD Fire and Emergency Services Certification System, International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC), or the Fire Service Professional Qualifications System (PRO-Board) in accordance with DoD 6055.06-M):

• Firefighter I
• Firefighter II
• Airport Firefighter
• Hazardous Materials Technician
• Fire Officer I
• Fire Instructor I
• Fire Inspector I (or an accredited First Responder Inspector certification IAW Chapter 7 of NFPA Standard 1030, 2024 Edition)
• National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) certification or state EMT certification from a state with National Registry reciprocity.

Age Requirements

• Maximum Entry Age (MEA): The MEA for Firefighters is 37. An employee must be hired by the last day of the month they reach 37.
• Maximum Reentry Age: Employees previously serving in a covered position may be rehired past the MEA if they can complete 20 years of covered service by their mandatory retirement age (57 for firefighters).

Time in Grade Requirement

Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent (GS-07).

Benefits

As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plans
• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays)
• Life insurance
• Long-term care insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Student loan repayment (may be offered if appropriate)
• Recruitment and relocation incentives (may be offered if appropriate)
• Credit for prior non-federal work experience and certain military service for determining annual leave accrual rate.

Pay

Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement. Salary negotiations may be authorized for candidates new to Federal service.

Schedule

• 48-hour rotating shifts with a work schedule of 144 hours per pay period.
• Shift work includes evenings, weekends, holidays, or special situations.