Clarification from the agency

This is an open continuous announcement. Initial cutoff will be 23 DECEMBER 2025. Recruitment will continue through the announcement closing date until the position is filled. Limited to current, onboard permanent and indefinite ILNG technicians/employees only.

As SUPERVISORY FIREFIGHTER (Title 5), GS-0081-10, you will serve as Assistant Chief of Operations in charge of the management and control one of two alternating 24-hour shifts, supervising all firefighters in fire ground situations as well as the performance of care and maintenance of apparatus and equipment.

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

• Plan, develop, implement, review, and evaluate a comprehensive fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue program for a 24-hour shift.
• Prepare, execute, and schedule assignments of personnel to stations, duties, and equipment to meet mission requirements.
• Advise and provide counsel to employees regarding policies, procedures, directives, performance expectations, and job assignments.
• Appraise employee performance, recommend awards, approve within-grade increases, and initiate corrective or disciplinary actions as required.
• Identify employee development needs and provide or arrange formal and on-the-job training to improve technical proficiency and job performance.
• Serve as the on-scene commander during fire, crash, rescue, or hazardous material incidents until relieved by higher authority.
• Determine the best course of action to minimize loss or damage from fires, explosions, or emergency situations.
• Direct the placement of firefighting equipment and personnel to ensure maximum utilization during emergency operations.
• Supervise and ensure safe rescue operations of endangered persons in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Initiate actions to control hazardous material incidents while minimizing risks to personnel and the environment.
• Maintain current knowledge of base structures, systems, and fire protection hazards to ensure compliance with fire prevention standards.
• Develop, review, and update aircraft and facility pre-fire plans when existing plans are outdated or inaccurate.
• Identify base fire deficiencies, review corrective actions, and coordinate with technical services to resolve issues within program constraints.
• Conduct no-notice and pre-briefed fire drills and evaluate the effectiveness of response procedures and readiness.
• Maintain proper station logs, inspection reports, drill records, and emergency response documentation, including entries in ACES when required.
• Perform required maintenance and tests on rescue tools, saws, ground ladders, fire hose, ropes, harnesses, and protective equipment.
• Conduct serviceability inspections of firefighters' protective clothing and ensure compliance with respiratory protection program requirements.
• Oversee the fire alarm communication center to ensure equipment is operational and all personnel and apparatus are properly dispatched.
• Review communication equipment at the start of each shift and detail additional personnel when staffing shortages occur.

Conditions of employment

• IAW the Fair Chance Act, criminal history may not be requested at initial application or interview. If an OF-306 is submitted prior to a conditional offer, background questions may not be asked.
• This position is covered by the Lautenberg Amendment. Individuals convicted of a qualifying misdemeanor crime of domestic violence may not perform the duties of this position.
• Acceptance of an excepted service position constitutes concurrence with these requirements as a condition of employment.
• Males born after 31 December 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Federal employment is subject to a suitability determination based on a background investigation. Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance.
• Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
• Recruitment and relocation incentives may be authorized.
• Drug testing may be required.
• Selectee may be required to serve a supervisory probationary period.
• Maximum entry age is 37. For exceptions and reentry provisions, see DoDI 1400.25, Vol. 336.
• Employee must participate in a mandatory physical fitness testing program.
• Must meet and maintain medical standards for Fire and Emergency Services personnel in accordance with OPM GS-0081 and DoD occupational medical requirements.
• This position is FLSA Non-Exempt. Overtime pay is determined in accordance with Fair Labor Standards Act provisions applicable to firefighters.
• Required to work a 24-hour shift schedule, which may include up to a 72-hour workweek (144-hour pay period). Tour of duty is subject to change pending higher-level approval. May be subject to recall.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and be able to operate emergency vehicles as required.
• May be required to work the Fire Alarm and Communications Center, participate on HAZMAT teams, and operate aircraft arresting barrier equipment, as mission-required.
• Must possess and maintain required DoD Fire and Emergency Services certifications or IFSAC/Pro Board equivalents, as applicable to the position.
• Position is designated as Essential Personnel and may be required to perform duties during emergencies or disaster declarations, not to exceed authorized limits.
• Position is covered under special retirement provisions for Federal firefighters under FERS or CSRS, as applicable. Coverage may be retroactive to the effective date of the personnel action.
• This announcement is limited to current on-board Illinois National Guard Federal technicians and is available when vacated by the incumbent.

Qualifications

MAXIMUM ENTRY AGE REQUIREMENT: The maximum entry age for DoD firefighters is 37. An individual not appointed by the last day of the month in which the individual becomes age 37 will not be originally appointed or assigned to these positions. For reentry requirements and exceptions to the maximum entry age, see DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 336, January 22, 2015, Incorporating Change 1, December 1, 2017, Enclosure 3, Sections 2 and 3.

REENTRY INTO A COVERED POSITION (excerpt from DoDI 1400.25)
Individuals who are past the maximum entry age limit of 37 but who previously served in a covered primary position may be reinstated to a covered primary position only if they:

• Meet the applicable qualification requirements for the position.
• Will be able to complete a total of 20 years of covered service as a firefighter or law enforcement officer by the last day of the month in which they become age 57.

• Fire Officer III (includes Fire Officer I and II)
• Fire Instructor II (includes Fire Instructor I)
• Fire Inspector II (includes Fire Inspector I)
• Hazardous Materials Incident Commander (includes Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations)
• Airport Firefighter (includes Firefighter I and II)

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):

• Ability to Lead or Supervise
• Emergency Response
• Fire Prevention, Inspection, and Code Compliance
• Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance