Clarification from the agency

This public notice is to gather applications that may or may not result in selection.

• As the Station Chief, provides immediate oversight and direction of day-to-day operations at a fire station for
  an assigned shift.
• Directs the operation of firefighting vehicles such as pumpers, aerial ladder trucks, and crash-rescue trucks.
• Supervises the performance of crash-rescue and firefighting duties at airfields handling complex aircraft (e.g.
  fighters, bombers, cargo, passenger).
• Supervises the performance of structural firefighting duties for a variety of facilities which may include
  research and/or large industrial complexes; hazardous materials (HAZMAT) containment and control
  duties; and/or Basic Life Support duties.
• Supervises the rescue of personnel and immediate first aid measures to alleviate further injury and prepare
  the victim(s) for transport to a medical facility.
• Supervises the maintenance of firefighting equipment and fire station facilities.
• Complies with health, safety, security, and environmental rules and procedures and performs work in a
  manner that enhances the safety of the work environment.

Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship Required
• Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
• Selectee is expected to be granted with and/or maintain the appropriate security clearance required for the position.
• Relocation costs or other incentives may be available and considered by the organization.
• The position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program.
• This position may require drug testing and the candidate may be subject to passing a drug test upon selection. Employee must participate in a mandatory physical fitness program.
• Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends and/or holidays
• Shift work and emergency overtime may be required. This position may require travel.
• Employee must maintain current certifications. Must maintain current state or national BLS certification.
• Disclosure of Political Appointments
• Selectee may be required to serve a probationary or trial period.
• Special Retirement Provisions Authority: One of the following apply: FERS or CSRS
• Employee is required to use all safety equipment and clothing provided by management.
• The employee is required to work a 144 hour pay period on a 48 hour on, 48 hour off basis which includes weekends and holidays. May be subject to recall.
• This position requires the employee to work under adverse environmental conditions and falls under the respiratory protection program and hearing conservation program.
• The work requires the employee to drive a motor vehicle. An appropriate, valid driver’s license is required.
• Position requires the ability to discern colors, contrast, and depth.
• May be required to work the Fire Alarm and Communications Center (FACC).
• Employee is required to be certified by the DoD Firefighter Certification System as
• Fire Officer II (includes Fire Officer I), Fire Instructor I, Fire Inspector I, Airport Firefighter (includes Firefighter I and II), and HAZMAT Incident Commander (includes Hazmat Awareness and Hazmat Operations).

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, to include the Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) for the GS-0081, Fire Protection and Prevention Series.

Applicants must have at least one (1) year, or will have one year within 120 days of closing of this announcement, specialized experience at a level close to the work of this position that has given them the particular knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform. Typically, we would find this experience in work within this field that is closely related. To be creditable, one year of the specialized experience must have been equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-08), pay band or equivalent. Specialized experience is described as (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.

Ideal Candidate (statement is placed within the announcement): Looking for a Full-Time Supervisory Firefighter (GS-0081-09) to serve as a Station Chief responsible for oversight and direction of the day-to-day operations of a fire station with two or more firefighting crews (including a Crew Chief and assigned crew) who drive and operate firefighting vehicles of significant complexity, fight airfield and structural fires, perform crash and rescue operations, and assist in reducing and/or eliminating potential fire hazards.


FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-­grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-07 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-09 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
1. Knowledge to drive and operate firefighting vehicles of significant complexity; of the principles of hydraulics as
they pertain to water flow, water pressure, water levels, line (friction) losses, etc.; and of basic and specialized
firefighting equipment (fire alarm system operation, fire extinguishing equipment operation, etc.), techniques, and
procedures.
2. Knowledge of emergency first aid techniques; safety requirements as outlined in applicable safety standards,
regulations, and/or technical orders; and HAZMAT emergency response procedures, equipment, and identification.
3. Knowledge of basic building design, construction, and occupancy; and of the latest changes in aircraft cockpit
design, ordnance placement, and cabin layouts to include the operation of hatch or canopy release mechanisms,
ejection seat mechanisms, and/or oxygen supply systems.
4. Skill in detecting and recognizing fire hazards (potential and immediate); and skill to operate communications
equipment.
5. Ability to maintain good working relations; communicate orally and in writing; and lift and carry heavy loads.
6. Ability to provide supervision and leadership and integrate the actions of a crew(s) under emergency conditions.

MAXIMUM ENTRY AGE: Title 5 U.S.C. 3307 authorizes the head of any agency to establish a maximum entry age for the original appointment of individuals to the position of primary and rigorous firefighter. The date immediately preceding an individual's 37th birthday is the maximum entry age for original appointment to a position as a Firefighter. This age restriction does not apply to those who have previously served in a Federal civilian firefighting position covered by title 5 U.S.C. section 3307 provisions OR qualified veteran preference eligible covered by title 5 U.S.C. 3307.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

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

ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
*PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Perform strenuous physical activities such as lifting heavy firefight equipment, climbing standard and aerial ladders, and lifting and carrying people and equipment for rescue and salvage. NOTE: THIS POSITION REQUIRES A PRE-EMPLOYMENT PHYSICAL.

*WORK ENVIRONMENT: Firefighters are regularly exposed to a variety of dangerous situations such as fires that are out of control, toxic spills, or possible explosions. Hazards include: Burns, dehydration, and other effects of heat, smoke inhalation, falling materials, or explosions; Exposure to toxic materials and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive agents; Physical injury and sensory damage from firefighting activities and noise levels; Dealing with victims in varying stages of fright, panic and injury; Operating or riding on fire truck under adverse conditions or flying in aircraft to reach crash sites of fires in outlying areas.

*Special Retirement Provisions Authority:
- FERS
Position covered as rigorous under the FERS special retirement provisions for Federal firefighters [5 U.S.C. 8401(14), 5 U.S.C. 8412(d), and 5 CFR 842.802]. Authority, Under Secretary of Defense Memo, dated 30 December 2004.
- CSRS
Position covered as rigorous under the CSRS special retirement provisions for Federal firefighters [5 U.S.C. 8331(21), 5 U.S.C. 8336(c), and 5 CFR 831.902]. Authority, Under Secretary of Defense Memo, dated 30 December 2004.

How you will be evaluated

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

Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

The resume/documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job.

For additional information on what to include in your resume, click here.

APPRAISALS/AWARDS: Hiring Managers use objective methods and consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process. Current Federal Civilian employees should list any relevant performance related rating and/or awards in your resume.

Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.