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Firefighter (Basic Life Support/Hazmat Technician)

Department of the Army
Army Tank-Automotive and Armament Command (TACOM)
Watervliet Arsenal, Installation Management Directorate, Emergency Services 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.

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
Posted yesterday · Apply in 3 days
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on August 3, 2026
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$52,059 - $67,678 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 7
Promotion potential
None
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel 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
MCGM-26-13021943-DHA
Control number
878375900

Duties

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  • Provide medical care as emergency medical technician.
  • Drive fire fighting equipment to and from scene of fire; position vehicles so that maximum utilization may be made of its facilities and equipment.
  • Serve as a fully trained member of a fire fighting crew engaged in the protection of life and property.
  • Operate alarm room equipment including radio and fire reporting facilities.
  • Perform as a member of a team in controlling spills that may be of a hazardous and often times unknown substance.
  • Perform fire protection inspections.
  • Insure proper functioning of vehicle via routine check-ups and make minor emergency repairs during periods of dispatch.

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.
  • Incumbent is required to possess or obtain and maintain a NYS first Responder Certification within 18 months of hire.
  • Required to obtain and maintain a Government Driver's License within 6 months.
  • 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 has a mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination requirement and is subject to annual vaccination.
  • 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.
  • Incumbent must meet the certification requirements IAW Department of Defense Fire and Emergency Services Certification Program Manual, DOD Instruction 6055.6-M.
  • This position involves duties which are subject to Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulations regarding hazardous waste.
  • See "Qualifications" and "Additional Information" sections for additional requirements.

Qualifications

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.

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) Detection, reduction, or elimination of potential fire hazards; and (4) Controlling hazardous materials incidents and/or developing, implementing, or providing training in fire protection and prevention. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-06).

Additional Qualification Requirements: In addition to meeting the specialized experience requirement above, applicants must also possess required certifications and they must be within the DoD Fire and Emergency Services Fire Fighter Certification System, Fire Service Professional Qualifications System (FSPQS)/ProBoard or International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) certified:

  • Firefighter I
  • Firefighter II
  • Hazmat Technician
  • New York State EMT Certification - Basic (or equivalent or higher) certification such as a National Registry Emergency Medical Technician - Basic (NREMT-B) certification.
NOTE: You must attach a copy of the certification to your application.

Proof of Age: As this is a primary/rigorous firefighter position, your application package MUST include a government issued document indicating your date of birth. Failure to submit this document will result in your application being marked as incomplete and you WILL NOT receive further consideration for this position.

Maximum Entry Age (MEA)
The MEA for Firefighters is 37. Applicants not appointed by the last day of the month in which that individual reaches their 37th birthday shall not be appointed or assigned to these positions.

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 an Installation Career Field position.
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
  • Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
  • 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.

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.

Army Tank-Automotive and Armament Command (TACOM)


About the Position: The Watervliet Arsenal is an Army-owned and operated manufacturing center located in New York. It is the oldest, continuously active arsenal in the United States having begun operations in 1813. Today it is relied upon by U.S. and foreign militaries to produce the most advanced, high-powered weaponry for cannon, howitzer, and mortar systems. The Arsenal is the only location in the DoD that has a weapons research facility (Benet Laboratories) collocated with a manufacturing facility (Arsenal).

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
GM-W0K9AA US ARMY ARSENAL WATERVLIET
DO NOT MAIL
Watervliet, NY 12189
US

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