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Emergency Management Specialist

Department of Health and Human Services
National Institutes of Health
The Office of Emergency Planning, Protection and Response/ORS, Division of Fire/Rescue Services
This job announcement has closed

Summary

The Division of Fire and Rescue Services provides response capabilities for all fire, rescue, and technological emergencies on the NIH campus. The Rocky Mountain Laboratories (RML) is the second-largest off-campus intramural research facility within NIH, located on 33 acres in Hamilton, Montana. The facility comprises more than 30 buildings and employs a diverse workforce across a variety of occupations. RML also operates a state-of-the-art Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4) Integrated Research Facility.

Overview

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Job canceled
Open & closing dates
09/02/2025 to 09/08/2025
Salary
$105,383 to - $137,000 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 13
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Hamilton, MT
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
13
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
No
Announcement number
NIH-ORS-DE-25-12789390
Control number
844634300

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

You must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National. Foreign nationals or legal permanent residents are not eligible for consideration. This job is also open to USPHS Commissioned Corps Officers and Call-To-Active Duty (CAD) Candidates.

Duties

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If selected for this position as a GS-0089-13 Emergency Management Specialist your duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Serves as the principal advisor to RML and NIH senior leadership on hazard mitigation strategies and risk reduction initiatives.
  • Provides expert consultation on BSL-4 lab emergency planning, integrated response strategies, and public health preparedness.
  • Designs and manages complex continuity of operations (COOP) and continuity of government (COG) plans tailored to RML's unique high-containment laboratory and research mission, ensuring uninterrupted operations during emergencies and compliance with HHS and NIH continuity standards. Oversees the development, execution, and evaluation of a comprehensive multi-year training and exercise program, in compliance with the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP), to test emergency response capabilities and ensure readiness across all functional areas.
  • Serves as the principal planner for DFRS at the RML facility and designs, conducts, and evaluates campus-wide tabletop and full-scale emergency response exercises in coordination with DEM, DIR, and local emergency services to validate RML emergency procedures and ensure staff preparedness in accordance with emergency frameworks (COOP, NIMS, etc.).
  • Advises scientific program managers and lab directors on the integration of emergency response procedures into ongoing research activities to ensure continuity of scientific operations during disruptive events and compliance with NIH Biosafety protocols.
  • Oversees and evaluates the effectiveness of emergency alert systems, mass notification procedures, and internal communication protocols to ensure timely dissemination of critical information to RML personnel during emergencies.
  • Serves as the RML HazMat and Emergency Medical Response Team Program Manager.
  • Operates within the National Incident Management System while functioning as the Incident Commander on incidents involving chemicals, biological agents, radiological agents, and specialized rescue emergencies.
  • Responds to HazMat emergencies as part of the RML HazMat Response Team.
  • Selects and uses proper specialized chemical personal protective suits, performs in-depth hazard and risk assessment of hazardous materials, and performs specialized control, containment, and/or confinement operations within the capabilities of the resources and personal protective equipment
  • Inspects, tests, and calibrates personal/chemical protective equipment, technical rescue equipment, hazardous materials analytical equipment.
  • Inspects and tests and maintains supplies for various suppression and emergency medical equipment utilized by the Division of Fire Rescue Services in accordance with DFRS Standard Operating Procedures and local medical direction.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship requirement or proof of being a U.S. National must be met by closing date.
  • Employment is subject to the successful completion of a background investigation, verification of qualifications, completion of onboarding forms, submission of required documents, and any other job-related requirement before or after appointment.
  • Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
  • Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
  • The National Institutes of Health participates in the USCIS Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify). E-Verify helps employers determine employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security numbers.
  • The NIH maintains a tobacco free work environment and campus. Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • Based on your appointment, a one or two-year trial/probationary period may be required. A decision regarding your continued employment with NIH will be made as you near the end of this period.
  • If selected, incumbent will be required travel to the NIH Bethesda Campus and will be subject to other duties as assigned.
  • If selected, incumbent will perform a variety of duties that require a high degree of public trust and confidence which requires the incumbent to be able to obtain and maintain a favorably adjudicated Tier 3 (SECRET) background investigation.
  • This is a Testing Designated Position. The incumbent must submit to and successfully pass a urinalysis drug screening prior to appointment. You will also be subject to unannounced random drug testing for the duration of their time in this position.
  • If selected, incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain a certification by the State of Montana or the National Registry as an Emergency Medical Technician within 6 months of appointment effective date.
  • If selected, incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain a current certification of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training, meeting American Heart Association standards within the first 6 months of appointment effective date.
  • If selected, incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain a current Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) certification with the first 6 months of appointment effective date.
  • If selected, incumbent must possess a valid state driver's license and must be able to obtain a government driver's license covering the apparatus currently utilized by the DFRS at RML.
  • If selected, incumbent must complete an Emergency Vehicle Operations Course within 6 months from appointment effective date.
  • If selected, incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain a current certification as a Hazmat Technician meeting the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration within the first year of your appointment effective date.
  • If selected, incumbent must successfully complete the annual Radiation Safety in the Laboratory training sponsored by the NIH Division of Safety, Office of Research Services within 6 months from your appointment effective date.
  • If selected, incumbent must successfully complete the annual Radiation Safety for Firefighters training sponsored by the NIH Division of Safety, Office of Research Services within 6 months from your appointment effective date.
  • If selected, incumbent must be able obtain and maintain NIMS ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700 and 800 certifications within 6 months from your appointment effective date.
  • The incumbent is subject to a pre-employment physical and annual medical examinations to determine fitness for continued performance of the duties of the position.

Qualifications

You qualify at the GS-13 level, if you meet one of the following qualification requirements:

You must demonstrate in your resume at least one (1) year of qualifying experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks:

1) developing, evaluating, and refining comprehensive emergency management programs (fire, hazardous materials, continuity of operations, biological/radiological incidents, and all-hazards plans) to ensure organizational preparedness and regulatory compliance.
2) representing the organization in high-level meetings, working groups, and emergency preparedness partnerships with federal, state, tribal, and local agencies.
3) managing large-scale emergency operations or complex incidents by applying National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS) principles.
4) serving as Incident Commander for multi-hazard emergencies requiring significant coordination and decision-making.
5) conducting advanced hazard and risk assessments of chemical, biological, radiological, and other threats.
6) ensuring organizational compliance with federal regulations, national standards, and internal directives governing fire protection, hazardous materials, emergency medical response, and continuity operations.

You will receive credit for all experience material to the position, including experience gained in religious, civic, welfare, service, and organizational activities, regardless of whether you received pay. Do not copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.

To determine your qualifications and referral status, we may review your resume and supporting documentation and compare it against your responses to the vacancy questionnaire. Ensure you support your self-ratings with the information you provide in your application.? We may verify or assess your qualifications at any time. Inflated or unsupported qualifications may affect your rating. Any misrepresentation or material omission of facts may be sufficient cause to end further consideration of your candidacy. Persons listed as knowing your past accomplishments or experience in your application may be contacted for verification purposes at any time. Verification may, but need not, begin before receiving an offer.

Preview application questionnaire before you apply: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12789390

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

  • This position is designated as an "emergency essential" position and the selected candidate will be considered an "emergency essential" employee and will be required to be available, ready, willing, and able to report for duty under all circumstances (e.g., inclement weather, government closings and holidays, lapses in appropriations, non-emergency and emergency situations) for operation 24 hours a day and 365 days per year coverage.
  • NIH may repay certain outstanding Federally insured student loans to facilitate the recruitment and retention of highly qualified people. Recipients will be determined on a case-by-case basis based on organizational need, specific case justification, and budget limitations.
  • This position may be assigned to work with, handle, receive, or store materials designated as Select Agents and Toxins by the Federal Select Agent Program, and is subject to the terms of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Biological Surety Program (BSP).
  • The NIH BSP requires successful completion of the following:
  • PHS Commissioned Officers interested in performing the duties of this position within the Commissioned Corps should apply online to this announcement to receive consideration.
  • Visit our Applicant FAQs page for helpful information on the application process.
  • Visit our Total Compensationpage and this sample for a detailed look into the benefits, awards, leave, retirement, and other incentives employees may receive as part of a rewarding work environment.
  • We may make additional selections for similar positions within the commuting area(s) of the locations listed through this vacancy announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with any interested selecting official(s). Clearance of CTAP/ICTAP will be applied for similar positions.
  • If selected, you may be eligible to receive a salary above the minimum based on superior qualifications and/or a special need of the Government for your services. This applies to employees paid under the General Schedule (GS) and Federal Wage System (FWS) pay systems and is at the discretion of the hiring manager. A salary above the minimum must be approved before the appointment.

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):

  • Attention to Detail
  • Customer Service
  • Decision Making
  • Flexibility
  • Influencing/Negotiating
  • Integrity/Honesty
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Learning
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Self-Management
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Teamwork

The USA Hire Assessment includes a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.


If you meet the minimum qualifications for this position, your application and responses to the online questionnaire will be evaluated under Category Rating and selection procedures for placement in one of the following categories:
  • Best Qualified - for those who are superior in the evaluation criteria
  • Well Qualified - for those who excel in the evaluation criteria
  • Qualified - for those who only meet the minimum qualification requirements
The Category Rating Process does not add veterans' preference points but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. Applicants determined to be Best Qualified will be referred for further consideration. Preference eligibles in the Best Qualified category are referred before all other applicants.

To be considered well qualified for the purposes of the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) and the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), you must be able to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry and substantively exceed the basic qualifications by scoring at least an 85 on the assessment and meet all eligibility, physical, medical, suitability, and all other requirements.

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