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Firefighter (Paramedic)

Department of the Army
United States Army Installation Management Command
Directorate of Emergency Services - Fire Protection & Prevention Division

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: Position located with the DES - Fire Protection & Prevention Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Posted yesterday · Apply by 07/14/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on July 14, 2026
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$56,715 - $90,190 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 7 - 9
Promotion potential
9
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel 5% for this position.
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
Yes
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Not Required
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
MCFU-26-12996806-DHA
Control number
875571700

Duties

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  • Perform firefighting duties involving burning structures, equipment, facilities, crashes and burning aircraft, wildland fires, vehicles fires, and spilled or burning of hazardous materials.
  • Use firefighting chemicals to extinguish fires in building, vehicles and aircraft.
  • Perform emergency fuel and engine system shut down procedures on all types of aircrafts.
  • Assure site protection during and after firefighting operation for fire investigation and assist in determining origin and cause of fire.
  • Serve as driver/operator on all emergency firefighting, aircraft crash rescue, ladder, rescue, hazardous materials response and wildland firefighting vehicles.
  • Conduct a complete examination of the patient to determine the nature, extent, and seriousness of their condition and searches for alert symbols.
  • Make a preliminary assessment of the patient's conditions and selects from a variety of prescribed protocols the one which is in the best interest of the patient.

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 45 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 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 participation in a cardiovascular physical fitness program.
  • Signing of a DA Form 5019 acknowledging periodic random drug testing requirements is mandatory prior to being placed into this position.
  • Appointment to this position is subject to a one year probationary period unless the appointee has previously met the requirements as described in 5 CFR Part 315.
  • An appropriate, valid state and government driver's license is required as well as the appropriate Emergency Vehicle Operator’s certification to operate vehicles assigned to the Fire Protection and Prevention Division.
  • The incumbent must successfully complete an annual emergency vehicle operator’s course.
  • Incumbent must maintain a functioning telephone at their residence to aid in contact during recall/emergency situations.
  • Inclement weather position, required to report for duty during Natural Disasters, and other emergency situations as directed and may be required to remain on duty after the official shift ends, i.e., mandatory overtime; subject to recall to duty.

Qualifications

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)

Who May Apply: US Citizens

In order to qualify, you must meet the experience 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.

GS-07: Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience: 1) Controlling and extinguishing fires, operating hose lines, makes forced entries, ventilates structures; 2) Performing or assisting in rescue operations including administering first aid to injured victims; 3) Driving and operating firefighting apparatus of significant complexity; e.g., pumpers, aerial ladder trucks, and crash rescue trucks; and 4) Performing as an Emergency Medical Technician - Basic responding to onsite accidents and other emergencies. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-06).

GS-08: Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes: 1) Controlling and extinguishing fires, operating hose lines, makes forced entries, ventilates structures; 2) Performing or assisting in rescue operations including administering first aid to injured victims; 3) Driving and operating firefighting apparatus of significant complexity; e.g., pumpers, aerial ladder trucks, and/or crash rescue trucks; 4) Assisting in hazardous materials control and response; and 5) performing as an Emergency Medical Technician - Basic responding to onsite accidents and other emergencies. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-07).

GS-09: Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes: 1) Controlling and extinguishing fires, operating hose lines, makes forced entries, ventilates structures; 2) Performing rescue operations; 3) Driving and operating firefighting apparatus of significant complexity; e.g., pumpers, aerial ladder trucks, and/or crash rescue trucks; 4) Employing hazard materials spilled or release mitigation; 5) Maintaining care of emergency specialized equipment; and 6) Performing as an Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic responding to onsite accidents and other emergencies. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-08).

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENT

SPECIAL PLACEMENT FACTORS: In addition to meeting the education/experience requirement above, applicants must also possess the following below certified through DoD Fire and Emergency Services Certification System, International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC), or the Fire Service Professional Qualifications System (PRO-Board) in accordance with DoD 6055.06-M AND a State or National Registry EMT Certification indicating a future expiration date when applicable.

To occupy this position at the GS-07, at the time of appointment, you must possess and continue to maintain the following certification:

  • Firefighter I and II
  • HAZMAT Technician
  • Airport Firefighter
  • Driver Operator - Pumper
  • Driver Operator - Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF)
To occupy this position at the GS-08, at the time of appointment, you must possess and continue to maintain the following certification:
  • Firefighter I and II
  • HAZMAT Technician
  • Airport Firefighter
  • Driver Operator - Pumper
  • Driver Operator - Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF)
To occupy this position at the GS-09, at the time of appointment, you must possess and continue to maintain the following certification:
  • Firefighter I and II
  • HAZMAT Technician
  • Airport Firefighter
  • Paramedic (must meet state Paramedic certification requirements)
  • Driver Operator - Pumper
  • Driver Operator - Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF)

You MUST submit a copy of your certifications with your application package.

Maximum Entry Age (MEA) The MEA for Firefighters is 37. An employee originally hired into a covered position must be hired by the last day of the month he/she reaches 37.

Maximum Reentry Age An employee who previously served on a covered position may be rehired past the MEA as long as he/she is able to complete 20 years of covered service by his/her mandatory retirement age. The maximum re-entry age for the individual is calculated by determining the total amount of time he/she has served on a covered position and subtracting that from age 57 if a firefighter. The employee's current age is compared to the calculated maximum re-entry age to determine if he/she can be rehired into the covered position.

Waivers to Maximum Entry Age MEA may be waived, but only under specific circumstances and only if approved by the authorized entity: Waivers to MEA for firefighters must be approved by local Command.

Education

Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone -- no substitution of education for experience is permitted.

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.
  • This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
  • 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) Installations 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..
  • Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations and an agency determination that a PCS move is in the Government Interest.
  • Recruitment and relocation incentives may be authorized.
  • Student loan repayment may be authorized.
  • Salary negotiations for those candidates who are new to Federal service may be authorized.
  • Credit for Prior Non-Federal Work Experience and Certain Military Service for Determining Annual Leave Accrual Rate may be authorized.

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.

You may claim Priority Placement Program (PPP) preference.

DoD Priority Placement Program (PPP) Applicants will receive preference consideration at the full-performance grade level only.

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

United States Army Installation Management Command

Civilian employees serve a vital role in supporting the Army mission. They provide the skills that are not readily available in the military, but crucial to support military operations. The Army integrates the talents and skills of its military and civilian members to form a Total Army.

Agency contact information

Army Applicant Help Desk
Website
https://portal.chra.army.mil/hr_public?id=app_inq
Address
FU-W12KAA US ARMY IMCOM-USAG JBLM
DO NOT MAIL
Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA 98433
US

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