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LEAD FIREFIGHTER (Title 5)

Department of the Air Force
Air National Guard Units
This job announcement has closed

Summary

This position is part of the 147 ATKW at Ellington AFB, Houston, TX. The primary purpose of this position is: To serve as a Lead Firefighter responsible for a major piece of firefighting equipment and its regularly assigned crew of three or more firefighters engaged in airfield and structural firefighting and rescue operations and the reduction and/or elimination of potential fire hazards.


Texas is one of 9 states with NO state income tax.

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
08/27/2025 to 09/11/2025
Salary
$63,808 to - $82,956 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 8
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Ellington AFB, TX
1 vacancy
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
None
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Secret
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
Yes
Announcement number
TX-12790263-T5
Control number
844312400

Duties

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As a Lead Firefighter with the Texas Air National Guard, your duties will include, but will not be limited to:

  • Leads a crew of three or more firefighters, including at least one firefighter (GS-07 or military equivalent) assigned to man a major piece of motorized firefighting equipment such as a pumper, aerial ladder truck, or Airport Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicle in firefighting and rescue operations. Studies field maps to become familiar with ground areas, specific locations, etc. Ensures that workload is balanced at the fire/rescue scene or in the station. Keeps in touch with the status and progress of work, makes day-to-day adjustments, and obtains assistance from supervisor on problems that arise. Approves leave for a few hours or for emergencies. Resolves simple informal complaints, referring the more serious problems to the supervisor. Informs supervisor on performance, progress, and training needs of crew members, and on disciplinary problems. Makes suggestions to supervisor as requested concerning promotions, reassignment, recognition of exemplary performance, and personnel needs. Instructs employees on specific tasks and firefighting techniques and provides written instructions and/or reference materials and supplies. Directs and participates in practice drills and training classes for assigned crew in all phases of firefighting techniques and equipment maintenance and use. Answers questions of employees on procedures, policies, directives, available services, employee activities, etc., and obtains directions from supervisor on problems. Prepares reports for the supervisor concerning fire runs, training, maintenance, inspections, or other topics. Performs special assignments/projects as required by the supervisor. Directs and participates in the DoD Fire and Emergency Services Firefighter Certification System for the assigned crew
  • Directs firefighting crew in the operation of firefighting vehicles and equipment. Directs driver-operator or drives 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, and hazards from falling structures. Ensures vehicle is maneuvered to keep the fire in optimum range while ensuring that backflash or flashover will not occur. When arriving first at the scene, takes charge of all firefighting activities until relieved by a more senior firefighter.
  • Directs assigned crew in the performance of crash/rescue and firefighting duties at airfields handling complex (e.g., bombers, cargo, and passenger) aircraft; the performance of structural firefighting duties for a variety of facilities which may include research and/or large industrial complexes; and the performance of hazardous material (HAZMAT) containment and control and/or Basic Life Support duties. Performs firefighting duties at airfields handling aircraft 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. Hazardous airfield conditions are such that the expectancy for fire is high and potential for becoming destructive is great. Applies constant awareness of the frequent changes in cockpit design, ordnance placement, and cabin layouts to direct rescue and firefighting operations.
  • Leads assigned crew and performs emergency rescue of personnel and a variety of first aid measures to alleviate further injury and prepare the victim(s) for transport to a medical facility. Uses direct pressure and/or tourniquets to stop bleeding, checks windpipe for obstructions, performs CPR, and/or provides other appropriate assistance. Frequently serves as the prime rescuer in rescue operations. Participates in regular training and exercises as required.
  • Assigns crew members to perform maintenance of firefighting equipment and fire station facilities. Performs functional tests and inspections. Performs preventive maintenance on equipment and housekeeping duties associated with assigned facilities.
  • Complies with health, safety, and environmental rules and procedures and performs work in a manner that enhances the safety of the work environment. Ensures federal, state, and local protection/prevention ordinances and building codes concerning health, safety, and the environment are strictly adhered to. Uses and assures proper fit of required safety equipment and clothing.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

Appointment Factor(s): This is a Title 5 Excepted Service position.

Area(s) of Consideration: Category 1 - Open to Public (Nationwide) - US Citizens, Nationals, or individuals who owe allegiance to the United States.

Remarks:

  • This is a Bargaining Unit position.
  • Direct deposit is mandatory.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a secret security clearance within one year of appointment.
  • Employee is required to use all safety equipment and clothing provided by management.
  • Shift Firefighter will be working 72 hour work week, 144 hours per pay period.
  • The Texas National Guard is an Equal Opportunity employer.
  • May be required to successfully complete a trial period. (See additional information)
The incumbent of this position must be certified by the DoD Firefighter Certification System as Airport Firefighter (includes Firefighter I, II), Hazmat Operations (includes Hazmat Awareness), Apparatus Driver Operator- Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting, Apparatus Driver Operator- Pumper, Mobile Water Supply (MWS). National Registry Emergency Medical Responder (NREMR) OR Higher (e.g. NREMT). Fire Officer I.Fire Instructor I. Fire Inspector I

Qualifications

In describing your experience in your resume, please be clear and specific. Assumptions regarding your experience will not be made.

Specialized Experience:

Must have at least 18 months experience, education, or training in one or more of the following areas: (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. (6) Developing, implementing, or providing training in fire protection and prevention (7) Firefighting and fire prevention theory and techniques; (8) Fixed and mobile firefighting equipment operation. (9) Planning, directing, or carrying out fire protection and prevention programs and operations and/or (10) Performing emergency medical services.

Only experience gained by closing date of this position will be considered.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

Trial Period

As a condition of employment, you will be required to serve a 1- 2 trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

- your performance and conduct;

- the needs and interests of the agency;

- whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and

- whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.



CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT & NOTES:

1. Employee must participate in a mandatory physical fitness testing program.
2. Employee must meet medical standards IAW OPM GS-0081 Series and DoD Manual 6055.5.
3. Employee is required to use all safety equipment and clothing provided by management.
4. The employee is required to work a 72-hour week on a 24 hour on/24 hour off basis which includes weekends and holidays. May be subject to recall.
5. This is a Testing Designated Position. The employee is subject to random drug testing (IAW HQ-USAF letter dated 29 Jan 90).
6. This position requires the employee to work under adverse environmental conditions and falls under the respiratory protection program and hearing conservation program.
7. The work requires the employee to drive a motor vehicle. An appropriate, valid driver's license is required.
8. Position requires the ability to discern colors, contrast, and depth.
9. May be required to work the Fire Alarm and Communications Center (FACC).
10. May be required to participate on Hazardous Materials Teams (HAZMAT).
11. May be required to perform duties associated with the operation of aircraft arresting barrier equipment.
12. Employee is required to be certified by the DoD Firefighter Certification System as Airport Firefighter (includes Firefighter I, II), Hazmat Operations (includes Hazmat Awareness), Apparatus Driver Operator- Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting, Apparatus Driver Operator- Pumper, Apparatus Driver Apparatus Driver Operator- Mobile Water Supply (MWS)
13. Special Retirement Provisions Authority: One of the following apply:
-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.Note: Special retirement coverage is effective retroactive to the date of the personnel action of this SCPD.
14. The work may require the incumbent to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance.
15. This position is designated as Essential Personnel and may be subject to duty in preparation for, or in response to, a state emergency or disaster declaration. This designation will not exceed 14 calendar days per year unless otherwise approved in advance by the TAG.
16. The maximum entry age for this position is 37 years old.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

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

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

  • Emergency and Disaster Management
  • Firefighting Equipment
  • Health and Safety
  • Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance
  • Risk Management
  • Vehicle Operation

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. 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. 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. BASIS OF RATING: The assessments for this job will also measure

  • Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA) as listed under Qualifications are based on the extent to which the quality, depth, and complexity of your experience and education relate to the qualification requirements.

Your application will be rated in the appropriate numeric value group and ranked according to preference eligibility and non-preference eligibility. Veterans' preference points, as prescribed, are added to each veteran applicant's final numeric value score. All qualified preference eligibles are placed ahead of non-preference eligibles Veteran's Preference is considered where applicable. Highly Qualified Group ranges from 90-100 points: Candidates in this category possess exceptional skills and experience to exceed well above the minimum requirements Well Qualified Group ranges from 80-89 points: Candidates in this category possess good skills and experience above the minimum requirements. Qualified Group ranges from 70-79 points: Candidates in this category meet the minimum education and/or experience requirements. To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on the assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

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