Clarification from the agency

This is an open continuous announcement. Recruitment will continue through the announcement closing date until the position is filled.

As a FIREFIGHTER (HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TECH/BASIC LIFE SUPPORT) (TITLE 5), GS-0081-7, you will serve as a Firefighter (Hazardous Materials Technician/Basic Life Support) assigned to a crew engaged in airfield and structural firefighting and crash-rescue operations..

Major Duties - This is NOT an all-inclusive list:

• Perform hazard and risk assessment and conduct a complete incident analysis.
• Conduct immediate incident surveys to completely identify materials involved, determines specific HAZMAT that have been released, analyze surrounding conditions to identify the materials and containers involved; predict behavior of a material and/or container and recommend mitigation actions.
• Establish on scene control procedures, including control zones and decontamination processing.
• Employ HAZMAT response procedures and equipment, including liquid splash and vapor protective clothing, self contained breathing apparatus, spill containment materials, and extinguishing agents.
• Prepare incident reports and documentation.
• Maintain and decontaminate HAZMAT equipment and supplies.
• Initiate established medical protocols in providing basic life support.
• Conduct initial and on-going patient assessment and physical examination.
• Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automatic external defibrillation (AED).
• Employ a variety of established emergency medical techniques, methods, and equipment to stabilize the patient for transport.
• Drive and operate firefighting vehicles, such as pumpers, aerial ladder trucks, and Airport Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicles.
• Operate pumps, foam generators, boom and groundsweep nozzles, and other similar equipment.
• Drive to the scene of the fire following a predetermined route or selecting an alternate when necessary and positions vehicle considering factors, such as wind direction, sources of water, hazards from falling structures, location of armament on aircraft, etc.
• Maintain constant awareness of levels in self-contained breathing apparatus and warns other firefighters when tanks are close to empty.
• Perform crash-rescue and firefighting duties involving air traffic or support operations where hazardous conditions are such that the expectancy for fire is high and potential for becoming destructive is great.
• Perform work at airfields handling aircraft (e.g., fighters, bombers, cargo, passenger) carrying large volumes of fuel, conventional and sometimes nuclear weapons, or highly flammable or explosive cargo; or handling a large number of air moves, or a moderate number involving pilot training, or other air moves with high crash or fire potential.
• Direct water through turrets and handlines to cool weapons and ammunitions during rescue.
• Perform structural firefighting duties for a variety of facilities, which may include large multistoried buildings, industrial areas, and/or base storage facilities.
• Perform structural firefighting duties at facilities which may be engaged in the production, storage, and testing of fuels, explosives, gases, or other chemicals and materials which are capable of producing extensive and hazardous toxicological, biological, or radiological products.
• Participate in controlling and extinguishing fires by operating hoses, ladders, and hydrants.
• Maintain firefighting equipment and fire station facilities.

Conditions of employment

• To ensure compliance with an applicable nationwide preliminary injunction, which may be supplemented, modified, or vacated, depending on the course of ongoing litigation, our agency will take no action to implement or enforce the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for Federal Employees. Our agency may request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine.
• Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
• This is a Testing Designated Position. The employee is subject to random drug testing (IAW HQ-USAF letter dated 29 Jan 90).
• Required to maintain current National Registry Emergency Medical Technical-Basic (EMT-B) certification.
• This position requires the employee to work under adverse environmental conditions and falls under the respiratory protection program and hearing conservation program.
• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• This position requires employees wear of a uniform and appropriate safety apparel in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• This position has been designated "Essential Personnel" and may be subject to duty in preparation for, in response to, a state emergency or disaster declaration.
• This position is subject to recall after normal duty hours and is subject to an uncommon tour of duty: 72 hours work per week (144 hours per pay period) which includes evenings, weekends, holidays, or special situations.
• Will be required to work other than normal duty hours/rotating shifts
• May be required to work the Fire Alarm and Communications Center (FACC).
• Position requires the ability to discern colors, contrast, and depth.
• Employee must participate in a mandatory physical fitness program.
• Valid State driver's license is required.
• Must have all certifications for Firefighter, HazMat Operations, Airport Firefighter
• May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
• Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
• Recruitment and relocation incentives may be available for this position.
• PCS expenses may be authorized.

Qualifications

GENERAL EXPERIENCE: Must possess work experience or military service that demonstrated the ability to follow directions and to read, understand, and retain a variety of instructions, regulations, and procedures and that otherwise demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position as a firefighter.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Must possess one year specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade(1) controlling or extinguishing fires as a member of an organized military, industrial, volunteer, or governmental fire department or brigade; (2) rescue operations; (3) detection, reduction, or elimination of potential fire hazards; (4) operation of fire communications equipment; (5) controlling hazardous materials incidents and/or (6) developing, implementing, or providing training in fire protection and prevention. Must possess experience as a firefighter engaged in airfield and structural firefighting.

This position may be eligible for:

Firefighter Special Retirement Coverage This position has been identified as a covered primary, rigorous position that is potentially eligible for special retirement coverage as identified in 5 CFR 831 Subpart I for CSRS Retirement coverage and 5 CFR 842 Subpart H for FERS retirement coverage. The individual hired may be subject to Special Retirement provisions to include additional contributions to the retirement fund, mandatory separation/retirement at age 57 with 20 years of approved special retirement provisions service, options for early retirement at any age after 25 years of approved special retirement provisions service, or at age 50 with 20 years of approved special retirement provisions service.

Department of Defense (DoD), in accordance with 5 USC 3307, has determined an individual must be appointed to their first/original appointment into a DoD position that has been identified and approved as a primary firefighter no later than the last day of the month in which they become 37. Preference eligible veterans over the age of 37, may apply regardless of the age restriction. If selected, a waiver of the age restriction will be requested by the hiring official for approval by the Department of Army.

An individual who is past the maximum entry age (37) who previously served in an approved primary position may be reinstated to a covered primary position provided they meet the applicable qualification requirements AND will be able to complete a total of 20 years of covered service as a firefighter by the last day of the month in which they become 57.The Department of Army may approve an exception to the maximum entry age (37) for the original entry of a non-veteran-preference-eligible applicant into a primary covered firefighter position. Exceptions shall be extremely rare and based only on a compelling hardship to the mission. Should an exception be granted, the employee shall be separated on the last day of the month in which he/she completes 20 years of special retirement provisions covered service.

In addition to providing the required eligibility documentation listed elsewhere in this job announcement, you must provide sufficient documentation to determine proof of age. This documentation should be attached under Special Retirement Coverage as identified in the Required Documents section. For reentry into a primary covered position, you must also provide sufficient documentation (SF-50s) to show length of service in a previous covered firefighter position.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Verbiage displayed on your resume or application must contain your own words. You may refer to position descriptions, i.e. the general and specialized experience located within the vacancy announcement, to assist with describing work experiences; however, resumes or applications received in verbatim will not be considered. In your resume you will need to address the general and specialized experience listed above. Please use as much detail as needed, giving dates (months and years) of the experience, position title and how the experience was gained. This information is needed to determine if you are qualified for the position.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once the announcement has closed, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you meet the qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application package, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this position. If you are found to be among the top qualified candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):

• Emergency Medical Care
• Fire Suppression
• Firefighting Equipment
• Hazardous Materials Response
• Vehicle Operation