Clarification from the agency

On Board Federal Employees of the Maryland National Guard/Current and Former members of the MDNG

The purpose of this position is to 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. This position performs the following duties:

As an Assistant Chief of Operations on a 24-hour duty shift, participates in the administration and planning of a comprehensive fire prevention and firefighting and rescue program of a sufficient magnitude at the installation. Responsible for planning, developing, implementing, reviewing, and evaluating the program. Receives new regulations or procedures from the Fire Chief and disseminates information to subordinates who assist in the carrying out of the program on a regular and recurring basis. Assures that procedures are affected; and station logs and other records pertinent to reports, activities, drills, inspections, responses to fires, etc., are maintained properly and submitted within time limits utilizing the automated civil engineer system (ACES) when required. Prepares, executes, and schedules assignments of assigned personnel to stations, duties, and equipment. Conducts no-notice and pre-briefed fire drills. Maintains current knowledge of the base, its structures, and all systems related to fire protection.

Serves as the on-scene commander of a fire/crash scene until relieved by the Fire Chief or Deputy Fire Chief. Determines the best course of action to minimize loss or damage from fires or explosions. Directs the placement of firefighting equipment and personnel to ensure maximum utilization in fire control or aircraft crash/rescue operations. Assesses the fire scene/emergency situation to facilitate fire/rescue operations and to brief the Fire Chief or Deputy Fire Chief upon arrival. Supervises safe and proper rescue operations of endangered persons. Ensures rescue operations are performed in accordance with established policies and procedures and minimize the risk of additional danger to firefighting personnel and endangered persons. Determines adequacy of measures taken to minimize the loss or damage as a result of fire or explosions. Responds to hazardous material incidents; initiates actions to establish control of the affected area with minimal risk to response personnel and the environment. Ensures that personnel are properly protected to handle hazardous material.

Supervises fire alarm communication center operations to ensure all firefighting equipment and personnel are dispatched as required. Ensures that the communications center is manned at all times during the shift. Oversees the checkout of communications equipment at the beginning of the shift. As necessary, details additional help in case of short staffing. Maintains constant contact with the center during real emergencies or fire drills.

Performs supervisory personnel management responsibilities. Advises and provides counsel to employees regarding policies, procedures, and directives of management. Selects or recommends selection of candidates for vacancies, promotions, details, and reassignment in consideration of skills, qualifications, and mission requirements. Develops, modifies, and/or interprets performance standards. Explains performance expectations to employees and provides regular feedback on strengths and weaknesses. Holds employees responsible for satisfactory completion of work assignments. Appraises subordinate workers' performance ensuring consistency and equity in rating techniques. Recommends awards when appropriate and approves within-grade increases. Hears and resolves employee complaints and refers serious unresolved complaints to higher-level management. Initiates action to correct performance or conduct problems. Effects minor disciplinary measures such as warnings and reprimands and recommends action in more serious disciplinary matters. Prepares documentation to support actions taken. Identifies employee development needs and provides or arranges for training (formal and on-the-job) to maintain and improve job performance. Encourages self-development. Approves leave and ensures that all necessary positions are manned at all times. Recognizes and takes action to correct situations posing a threat to the health or safety of subordinates.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Conditions of employment

Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation. May be required to successfully complete a trial period. Participation in direct deposit is mandatory. Work may require access to classified information. Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance of the position within one year of appointment.

This position will serve as a Supervisory Firefighter working a 144 hour pay period on a 48/72 schedule.

Additional Conditions of Employment:

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. This is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The employee is subject to random drug testing. Pre-employment drug testing and participation in random drug testing is a condition of employment.
5. Ability to implement firefighting/emergency response plans, as well as manage and direct fire suppression personnel and equipment under stressful and dangerous conditions.
6. Ability to plan, organize, direct functions, and to mentor, motivate, appraise, and supervise the staff of an organization.
7. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
8. This position requires the employee to work under adverse environmental conditions and falls under the respiratory protection program and hearing conservation program.
9. The work requires the employee to drive a motor vehicle. An appropriate, valid driver's license is required.
10. Position requires the ability to discern colors, contrast, and depth.
11. May be required to work the Fire Alarm and Communications Center (FACC).
12. May be required to participate on Hazardous Materials Teams (HAZMAT).
13. May be required to perform duties associated with the operation of aircraft arresting barrier equipment.

(Conditions of Employment continued in the "Qualifications" section of this vacancy announcement).

Qualifications

Areas of Consideration:

• On-Board Federal Employees of the Maryland National Guard
• Current or Former Members of the Maryland National Guard

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Must have at least one year of on-the-job experience at the GS-0081-09 level. Experience that demonstrates the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to perform successfully the duties of the position, as well as to lead others to perform duties such 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.

Mechanical Equipment Operator Qualifications: For those positions requiring the operation of specialized firefighting pumping equipment, mounted pressurized systems, dispensing devices, and/or rescue tools, applicants may be required to demonstrate the ability, before appointment, to operate the specific equipment to which they will be assigned, or similar related types of hydraulic equipment.

Medical Requirements: Applicants for positions that have duties of an arduous or hazardous nature must meet the medical standards described below. Employees in positions involving firefighting duties or other duties involving arduous physical exertion may be subject to periodic (e.g., annual) medical examinations following appointment to determine fitness for continued performance of the duties of the position. Any serious deviation from sound medical condition may be grounds for rejection of an applicant regardless of whether the condition is named below. Remediable defects or curable diseases will not exclude a person from consideration, but proof that such defects have been remedied or the disease cured must be received during the life of the eligible register before persons otherwise qualified may be considered for appointment under civil service rules.

• Eyes: Corrected distant vision must be at least 20/30 in one eye and 20/70 in the other eye. Uncorrected distant vision is required only if it is likely that corrective lenses may be lost or broken. If so, uncorrected distant vision must be at least 20/100 binocular. Ability to distinguish basic colors is required. Applicants must be free from acute or chronic eye disease.
• Ears: Using an audiometer for measurement, there should be no loss of 30 or more decibels in the unaided worst ear at the 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz levels.
• Nose, Mouth, and Throat: Applicants must be free from conditions that interfere with distinct speech, free breathing, or with the use of breathing apparatuses or protective equipment.
• Lungs: Applicants must be free from any pulmonary or chest wall disease or condition that results in not being able to perform the duties of the position.
• Heart and Blood Vessels: The following conditions may be cause for rejection: organic heart disease, valvular or vascular diseases, coronary heart disease, angina pectoris, recurrent syncope, or history of myocardial infarction.
• Abdomen: Acute or chronic disease or inflammation of the abdominal viscera, hernia, or significant enlargement of the liver or spleen that interferes with the performance of the duties of the position will be cause for rejection.
• Spine, Pelvic, Sacroiliac and Lumbo-Sacral Joints: Applicants must have free movement of spine and pelvic joints.
• Neurological System: Degenerative neurological disease or disorder that results in documented evidence of neurological impairment that renders the applicant unable to perform the duties of the position will be cause for rejection. A history of serious mental disease may be disqualifying.
• Extremities: Individuals cannot have anomalies in the number, form, proportion, and movement of the extremities that interfere with function. This includes non-united fractures; nonreducible dislocations; united fractures and reduced dislocations with incomplete restoration of function; amputation of arm, hand, leg, or foot; loss of any skeletal portion of the thumb of either hand; loss of more than the two distal phalanges of the ring or little fingers of either hand; any lose joints; pes cavus, weak foot, or clubfoot; flatfoot with symptoms unresponsive to orthotics; loss or deformity of great toe or any two toes on the same foot; torn cartilage or loose foreign bodies within the knee joint; instability of the knee joint; or inadequately healed surgical procedure.

Length of time is not of itself qualifying. Candidates' experience should be evaluated on the basis of duties performed rather than strictly on the rank of the individual; however, established compatibility criteria/assignments must be followed. The applicant's record of experience and/or training must show possession of the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to fully perform the duties of the position.

Conditions of Employment (con't)
14. Employee must possess DoD and/or National Pro Board Certifications: Fire Officer I & II, Fire Instructor 1, Fire Inspector 1, Airport Firefighter (includes FFI and FFII), Hazmat Operations, Apparatus Driver/Operator ARFF, Apparatus Driver/Operator Pumper, Apparatus Driver/Operator Mobile Water Supply, and National Registry or Maryland Emergency Medical Technician or higher
15. Incumbent is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week unless TDY or on leave.
16. The incumbent may work a minimum of a 72 hour week with the supervisor's approval.
17. 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.

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 Supervise
• Fire Management