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Firefighter (Basic Life Support)

Department of the Army
United States Army Installation Management Command
Directorate of Emergency Services, Fire Protection & Prevention Divison. Fort Leavenworth, KS.

Summary

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

About the Position: This position is included under the provisions of Special Retirement Coverage (SRC) and may have both a maximum entry age and a mandatory retirement date.

Click here for more information on SRC for Firefighters (Primary/Rigorous

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
01/08/2026 to 01/22/2026
Salary
$37,003 to - $66,670 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 4 - 7
Location
2 vacancies in the following location:
Fort Leavenworth, KS
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
Competitive
Promotion potential
7 - May be selected at any grade level with non-competitive promotion potential to target grade based on time-in-grade requirements, demonstrated ability to perform the higher graded duties and completion of required certificates
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
Yes
Announcement number
MCFS-26-12861423-DHA
Control number
853897200

Duties

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  • As a Firefighter (Basic Life Support), you will perform the following duties:
  • Respond to alarms and combats fires involving structures, equipment, facilities, manufacturing areas, chemical and brush fires.
  • Alternate as hose, ladder, hydrant, rescue or hand lineman.
  • Serve as Driver/Operator of motorized fire apparatus.
  • Perform fire protection inspections, checks fire alarm systems, prepares reports of unsafe conditions, coordinates with the Fire Protection Inspector; and conducts follow up inspections.
  • Operate apparatus fire pumps and aerial devices.
  • Determine and apply adequate water pressure to firefighting hose lines.
  • Perform daily preventive maintenance inspection of apparatus and equipment.
  • Respond to medical emergencies and performs the duties of an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • This position requires the completion of pre-employment and periodic subsequent medical examination in accordance with DoDM 6055.06 to ensure continued, required level of physical health and ability or fitness to perform the duties of the position.
  • This position has a requirement to lift up to 50 lbs. in the regular performance of duties.
  • The duties of this position meet the criteria for compliance with Federal and Department of the Army Drug Free Workplace Programs. Detection of the presence of drugs is warranted.
  • This position is subject to a pre-employment screening, and random testing thereafter, to include testing based on reasonable suspicion and testing due to direct involvement with an on-duty accident.
  • This position has been designated Mission Essential. In the event of severe weather conditions or other such emergency type situations the incumbent is required to report to work or remain at work as scheduled to support mission operations.
  • This position requires the employee to use personal protective equipment provided by the employer.
  • This position requires the incumbent to wear the prescribed uniform and/or personal protective equipment while on duty.
  • This position requires shift work to provide coverage on evenings, weekends, holidays, or special situations. Employee shifts are rotated on a regularly scheduled basis; 48-hour rotating shifts with a work schedule of 144 hours per pay period.
  • Due to the nature of this position, employees are required to work both planned and unscheduled overtime. This position performs, as required, mutual aid support to local fire departments.
  • The duties of this position require the incumbent to possess or obtain and maintain a valid state Driver's License in one of the 50 U.S. states or possessions to operate vehicles.
  • This position requires successful completion of an annual Job Performance Test.
  • This position requires the incumbent to conform to the requirements set-forth in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1500, Fire Department Occupational Health and Safety Program.
  • This position requires participation in a cardiovascular physical fitness program.
  • The maximum entry age for primary firefighter positions is 37 years old. This age restriction may not apply to individuals who have previously served in a Federal Civilian (not military) firefighting position. See additional information section.
  • This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 5% of the time.
  • This position requires the incumbent to climb ladders up to 100 feet, climb in and over obstacles and move charged fire hose lines.
  • This position requires wearing a uniform and safety apparel in accordance with established policies and procedures.
  • Entry level Firefighter hired at the GS 4 level must complete any and all required training, to include being DoD certified at the Firefighter I and II, Airport Firefighter, HAZMAT Awareness, and Operation level within a maximum of 12 months.
  • Refer to Additional Information Section to review Other Requirements.

Qualifications

About the Position: THIS POSITION MAY BE FILLED AT THE GS 4, GS 5, GS 6, OR GS 7 LEVEL. The full performance level of GS-07 is received through the intervening grades of GS-05 and GS-06 level.

  • Estimated annual pay range based on 72-hour workweek is $ 57,200 - $ 102,500.
  • Position approved for Firefighter special retirement coverage. Maximum entry age is 37 years old.
Who May Apply: US Citizens

In order to qualify, you must meet the requirements described below. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.

To qualify for the GS-04 level: Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes controlling or extinguishing fires as a member of an organized military, industrial, volunteer or governmental fire department or brigade. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-03).
OR
Education: Two years of education above the high school level in an accredited college or university in Fire Training, Fire Science, or other related fields of study.
OR

Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of education by 60. Add the two percentages.

To qualify for the GS-05 level: Specialized Experience:One year of specialized experience which includes (1) controlling or extinguishing fires as a member of an organized military, industrial, volunteer, or governmental fire department or brigade; and (2) rescue operations. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-04).
OR
Education: Four years of education above the high school level in an accredited college or university in Fire Science, Fire Training, or other related fields of study.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of education by 120. Add the two percentages.

Selective Placement Factor: In addition to the specialized experience and/or education required to qualify for the GS-05 level you must also possess and maintain ALL the following Department of Defense (or reciprocal equivalent) certifications:
  • Firefighter I and II,
  • HAZMAT Awareness,
  • HAZMAT Operations.
Driver/Operator Pumper and Driver/Operator Mobile Water Supply must be obtained within 12 months of assignment to position.NOTE: You MUST attach a copy of ALL the required certificates to your application package.

To qualify for the GS-06 level:
Specialized Experience:
One year of specialized experience which includes (1) controlling or extinguishing fires as a member of an organized military, industrial, volunteer, or governmental fire department or brigade; (2) rescue operations; (3) operation of fire communications equipment; (4) driving and operating emergency vehicle to an emergency scene. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-05). Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this grade level, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone -- no substitution of education for experience is permitted.

Selective Placement Factor: In addition to the specialized experience required to qualify for the GS-06 level you must also possess and maintain ALL the following Department of Defense (or reciprocal equivalent) certifications:
  • Firefighter I and II,
  • Hazmat Awareness,
  • Hazmat Operations,
  • Driver/Operator Pumper, and
  • Driver/Operator Mobile Water Supply.
HAZMAT Technician and EMT-Basic certification (or Higher) from the State of Kansas or National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians must be obtained within 12 months of assignment to position.
NOTE: You MUST attach a copy of ALL the required certifications to your application package.

To qualify for the GS-07 level:Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes (1) controlling or extinguishing fires as a member of an organized fire department or brigade; (2) rescue operations; (3) inspections for detection, reduction, or elimination of potential fire hazards; (4) operation of fire communications equipment; and driving and operating firefighting apparatus at an emergency scene. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-06). Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this grade level, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone -- no substitution of education for experience is permitted.

Selective Placement Factor: In addition to the specialized experience required to qualify for the GS-07 level you must also possess and maintain ALL the following Department of Defense (or reciprocal equivalent) certifications:
  • Firefighter I and II,
  • HAZMAT Awareness,
  • HAZMAT Operations,
  • HAZMAT Technician,
  • Driver/Operator Pumper,
  • Driver/Operator Mobile Water Supply, and
  • Firefighting and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-Basic or higher) certification from the state of Kansas or National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT).
*Driver/Operator Aircraft Rescue Firefighter and Airport Firefighter must be obtained within 12 months of assignment to position.NOTE: You MUST attach a copy of ALL the required certifications to your application package.

Education

See Qualifications section above for education.

FOREIGN EDUCATION:
If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/

Additional information

  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
  • You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
  • One year trial/probationary period may be required.
  • Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
  • Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
  • If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
  • This is a(n) Installation Career Field position.
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
  • Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
  • When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit https://www.dfas.mil/civilianemployees/civrelo/Civilian-Moving-Expenses-Tax-Deduction/ for more information.
  • Relocation/Recruitment Incentive may be authorized.
  • Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest.
  • This position has been identified as a primary position for Firefighter Special Retirement Coverage.
  • Applicants initial appointment to a covered primary Firefighter Special Retirement Coverage position must be appointed by the last day of the month he/she reaches 37.
  • The maximum entry age for positions covered under this retirement is 37 years old. Retirement from this position is mandatory at age 57 with 20 years of SRC service. The maximum entry age may be waived under certain circumstances. Individuals who are past the maximum entry age limit, but previously served in a primary position, MAY be reinstated.
  • For more information on provisions of Special Retirement Coverage (SRC), please follow this link:
  • https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/140025/140025_vol336.pdf?ver=2017-12-01-105458-707

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.

Once the announcement has closed, a review of your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position.

Veterans and Military Spouses will be considered along with all other candidates.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP). If you are a Federal employee in the competitive service and your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority for this position. To receive selection priority, you must: (1) meet ICTAP eligibility criteria (2) be rated well-qualified for the position and; (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your ICTAP eligibility. To be considered well-qualified and receive selection priority applicants must satisfy all qualification requirements for the position and receive a score of 90 or above. Additional information about the program is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website

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