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Firefighter (Paramedic)

Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
Veterans Health Administration

Summary

Incumbent serves as a Firefighter (Paramedic) for the VAMC Martinsburg WV, adjacent Federal agencies, and designated mutual aid partners. Incumbent is required to respond to emergencies as directed by the Fire Chief, Supervisory Firefighters or designees. Also works within the scope of all Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs) and other applicable protocols.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$70,623 - $91,815 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 9
Promotion potential
None
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Not required
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
CBTF-13110811-27-JAH
Control number
892456300

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

Open to current permanent employees of the Martinsburg VAMC and VA, CTAP/ICTAP eligible, Family of Overseas Employees, Federal employees (Competitive and Excepted Service), Individuals with Disabilities, Land Management eligible, Military Spouses, Peace Corps/VISTA participants, Veterans, and individuals eligible under Special Hiring Authorities.

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Duties

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Major Duties:

  • Firefighter duties 60%
    • Performs firefighting and rescue operations using proper extinguishing solutions and methods of decontamination. Wears protective gear to prevent accidents, illness, or injury due to encounters with such agents as poisonous gases, radioactive materials, and/or hazardous biological products.
    • Performs crash/rescue (i.e. helicopters) and firefighting in environments wherein the existence of flammables and explosives mechanisms and systems, performs standby duty, and remains current on all developments which could impact upon the difficulty of rescue and fighting fires through participation in pre-fire planning and fire prevention exercises.
    • Fights fires and rescues personnel under circumstances of a very difficult and dangerous nature. Performs duties in small and restricted areas making movement while wearing bulky, protective equipment difficult. Performs firefighting complicated by the proximity of fuel, electrical cables, and miscellaneous high-pressure lines as well as the existence of such items as paint or volatile cleaning liquids.
    • Drive and operate ALS and BLS ambulances, firefighting apparatus of significant complexity, e.g., pumpers, aerial ladder trucks, and rescue trucks. The firefighter drives a vehicle to the scene of the fire following a predetermined route or selects an alternate route when necessary; positions the vehicle, considering factors such as wind direction, water sources, hazards from falling structures.
  • Paramedic duties 30%
    • Performs emergency procedures. Provides thorough physical examinations to assess the condition of patients and plans treatment methods. Administers electrocardiology methodology to include EKGs, defibrillation (manual), and use of transcutaneous external pacemakers.
    • Engages in advance/invasive airway proceedings such as needle or surgical cricothyrotomy, endotracheal intubation, nasal intubation, pleural decompression; and CPAP applications.
    • Assesses pediatric (including infant and neonatal) patient conditions through detailed, systematic physicals and provides high levels of treatment to include resuscitation. Performs childbirth in emergency situations and takes care of newborns.
    • Follows standing orders or those of a physician in administering medicines/solutions both orally and intravenously. Performs computations relative to medication doses for patients, records drugs given and documents the effects of the drugs on patients and provides pertinent information to medical providers both enroute and upon arrival at medical facility
  • Intermediate Life Support Duties
    • In addition to Basic Life Support duties, the incumbent provides an enhanced level of life support during emergency proceedings. Conducts through systematic evaluative processes to assess patient conditions.
    • Based upon appropriate certification and departmental protocols, performs and provides EKG interpretations. performs high level airway procedures using an esophageal or dual lumen airway device; performs oral intubation via laryngoscopy. Ensures the proper placement of emergency advanced airway devices.
    • Performs intravenous fluid start-ups and administers selected medications as protocols dictate.
  • Hazardous Materials Operations and Technician Duties 5%
    • In the presence of hazardous materials or in cases wherein release is possible, employee provides initial responses to the site in an effort to protect life, property, and the environment from the ill effects that hazardous material inflict.
    • Performs hazard risk assessments in the performance of initial incident evaluations. Attempts to learn the kind of materials, whether or not said materials have been released, and assesses the location involved.
  • Performs Miscellaneous Support Functions 5%
    • Maintains the fire station and keeps emergency response equipment in good condition. Checks connections and valves; cleans and drains hoses; makes minor repairs to vehicles; tests ladders, vehicles, and equipment; washes and polishes trucks, and cleans work and office areas.
    • Performs alarm desk watch duties to monitor and receive alarms and alert personnel. Maintains logbooks and receives and relays pertinent information.
    • Assists in the training of other firefighters. Inspects warehouses, shops, hospitals, offices, and living quarters for violations of fire regulations, and for conditions contributing to serious fire hazards.
    • Inspects fire extinguishers, egress lighting, sprinkler systems in accordance with NFPA standards.
    • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: 24 hour rotating shifts; 72 hour weeks.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#: Firefighter (Paramedic)/PD1703652
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized.
Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
  • To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.
  • All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
  • Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required.
  • Subject to background/security investigation
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
  • Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
  • your performance and conduct;
  • the needs and interests of the agency;
  • whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 11/13/2026.

Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-09 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-08. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade. Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment.

  • English Language Proficiency: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), No person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. You must be proficient in basic written and spoken English in order to meet the requirements of this position.
  • Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-8 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Controlling or extinguishing fires as a member of an organized military, industrial, volunteer, or governmental fire department or brigade; performing rescue operations, detection, reduction, or elimination of potential fire hazards; operating fire communications equipment; controlling hazardous materials incidents; developing, implementing, or providing training in fire protection and prevention; performing paramedic duties such as patient assessment, EKG, invasive procedures, airway procedures; and administering medications.
  • Maximum Entry Age Requirement: Maximum Entry Age Title 5 U.S.C. 3307 authorizes the head of any agency to establish a maximum entry age for the original appointment of individuals to the position of firefighter. Applicants cannot have reached their 37th birthday by the date of appointment. Applicants who have passed the designated entry age limit, but who have previously served as a federal employee in a covered position, may be eligible to re-enter the fire service provided that they:
    • (1) Meet all applicable qualifications for the position. and
    • (2) Will be able to complete a total of 20 years of covered and creditable Federal firefighter service by the time the firefighter reaches the age of 57. Prior service in covered positions and creditable towards retirement may be subtracted from the applicant's age to determine if the Federal firefighter meets the maximum entry age.
  • Drivers License: A Valid State motor vehicle operator's license is required. Applicant may be required to provide their license at the time of interview. NOTE: We cannot accept photographs, therefore; please do not submit a copy of your driver's license with your application package. If an interview is requested, you may be required to provide a copy of your current and valid state-issued driver's license.
In addition to the minimum requirements listed above, this position requires the following Selective Placement Factors be met: Selective Placement Factors are essential qualifications that are necessary for successful job performance and are a prerequisite to appointment. Applicants who do not meet the Selective Placement Factor(s) will be found ineligible for further consideration.

The Selective Placement Factors for this position are:
  • National Registry and/or West Virginia state Paramedic certification
  • Valid state motor vehicle operator's license with the ability to operate in all 50 states
  • IFSAC/Pro Board Driver Operator Pumper Certification or EVOC and Pumps
  • Firefighter I and Firefighter II Certification
  • Fire Inspector I
  • Fire Inspector II (must be obtained within 24 months after you begin employment)
  • Hazardous Materials Technician Level Certification
  • Confined Space Rescue Operation Certification
Preferred Certifications Upon Hire:
  • Rope Rescue Certification
  • Trench Rescue Certification
  • Aerial Apparatus Certification
  • Fire Inspector Level II
Note: you must submit copies of your current and valid certifications with your application to receive credit.

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; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

Physical Requirements: Moderate to heavy physical effort is required when reaching, bending, climbing, turning or moving hands, arms and feet in the performance of firefighting duties. Incumbent is required to participate in a physical fitness program. 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. (See 5 CFR 339.) 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.

Work Environment: Incumbent is required to work both inside and outside, frequently being exposed to adverse weather conditions and extreme heat while performing firefighting duties. Incumbent may be called upon to work in environments that are classified as immediately dangerous to life or health and, in some cases, may be required to work long hours under severe, stressful conditions.

Complexity: Incumbent must possess the ability to deal with diverse, complex issues during a workday. During fire suppression activities, incumbent must make on-the-spot decisions that could seriously affect the favorable outcome of the incident or jeopardize co-worker's safety and health. In some cases, the incumbent may be required to quickly gather detailed information, arrange it in a logical order and select a course of action.

For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

Education

There is no educational substitution at this grade level.

Additional information

"Whole Health is an approach to health care that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their life to the fullest. The VA is committed to Whole Health and values Veteran and Employee health and wellbeing. As a VA employee, you will practice Whole Health in an environment that supports personalized and proactive care."

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments.

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified: applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in most of the required competencies of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.

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.

Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following Competencies for this position:

  • Fire Response
  • Vehicle Operation
  • Hazardous Materials
  • Fire Management
  • Communications
  • Compliance Inspection


Your experience must be fully documented on your resume and must include job title, duties, month and year start/end dates AND hours worked per week. A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on the online assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

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; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

Veterans Health Administration

OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate whole health care to Veterans?

Located in the heart of West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle, the Martinsburg Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) can be found on 175 acres in historic Berkeley County and has a service area of more than 70,000 Veterans in West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. The Medical Center, part of the VA Capitol Health Care Network (VISN 5), offers a comprehensive range of services, including internal medicine, ambulatory surgery, audiology and speech pathology, dental, nursing home, nutrition, podiatry, prosthetics, women's health, mental health and rehabilitation medicine. Patient care is provided through an integrated primary care concept, and each veteran is assigned to a team of health care providers that follows the patient's care both as an inpatient and an outpatient. It is the mission of the Medical Center to honor America's Veterans as heroes by providing the highest quality health care. The employees of the Martinsburg VAMC are dedicated to improving the quality of life for eligible veterans through excellent health care.

Agency contact information

Joseph Hannan
Phone
304-263-0811 X7710
Email
Joseph.Hannan@va.gov
Address
Martinsburg VA Medical Center
510 Butler Avenue
Martinsburg, WV 25405
US

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