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LEAD FIREFIGHTER (Title 5)

Department of the Air Force
Air National Guard Units
This job announcement has closed

Summary

THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 5 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION

This National Guard position is for a LEAD FIREFIGHTER (Title 5), Position Description Number T6308000and is part of the AR ANG 188 CEG SQ, National Guard.

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
06/23/2025 to 07/08/2025
Salary
$55,328 to - $71,932 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 8
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Fort Smith, AR
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
Excepted
Promotion potential
None
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Secret
Drug test
Yes
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
Yes
Announcement number
AF-25-229-12751892
Control number
839280900

Duties

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1. Leads a crew of three or more firefighters, including at least one firefighter (GS-07 or military equivalent) assigned to man a major piece of motorized firefighting equipment such as a pumper, aerial ladder truck, or Airport Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicle in firefighting and rescue operations. Studies field maps to become familiar with ground areas, specific locations, etc. Ensures that workload is balanced at the fire/rescue scene or in the station. Keeps in touch with the status and progress of work, makes day-to-day adjustments, and obtains assistance from supervisor on problems that arise. Approves leave for a few hours or for emergencies. Resolves simple informal complaints, referring the more serious problems to the supervisor. Informs supervisor on performance, progress, and training needs of crew members, and on disciplinary problems. Makes suggestions to supervisor as requested concerning promotions, reassignment, recognition of exemplary performance, and personnel needs. Instructs employees on specific tasks and firefighting techniques and provides written instructions and/or reference materials and supplies. Directs and participates in practice drills and training classes for assigned crew in all phases of firefighting techniques and equipment maintenance and use. Answers questions of employees on procedures, policies, directives, available services, employee activities, etc., and obtains directions from supervisor on problems. Prepares reports for the supervisor concerning fire runs, training, maintenance, inspections, or other topics. Performs special assignments/projects as required by the supervisor. Directs and participates in the DoD Fire and Emergency Services Firefighter Certification System for the assigned crew.

2. Directs firefighting crew in the operation of firefighting vehicles and equipment. Directs driver-operator or drives to the scene of the fire following a predetermined route or selecting an alternate when necessary, and positions vehicle considering factors, such as wind direction, sources of water, and hazards from falling structures. Ensures vehicle is maneuvered to keep the fire in optimum range while ensuring that backflash or flashover will not occur. When arriving first at the scene, takes charge of all firefighting activities until relieved by a more senior firefighter. Leads a crew in the operation of pumps, extended waterways, turrets, boom, and ground sweep nozzles, and other similar equipment. Determines proper pressures, the number of lines, and relays requirements to the booster pumper. Maintains constant awareness of levels in self-contained breathing apparatus and warns other firefighters when tanks are close to empty. Assists in training other firefighters on driving vehicles and operating equipment.

3. Directs assigned crew in the performance of crash/rescue and firefighting duties at airfields handling complex (e.g., bombers, cargo, and passenger) aircraft; the performance of structural firefighting duties for a variety of facilities which may include research and/or large industrial complexes; and the performance of hazardous material (HAZMAT) containment and control and/or Basic Life Support duties. Performs firefighting duties at airfields handling aircraft carrying large volumes of fuel, conventional and sometimes nuclear weapons, or highly flammable or explosive cargo; or handling a large number of air moves, or a moderate number involving pilot training, or other air moves with high crash or fire potential. Hazardous airfield conditions are such that the expectancy for fire is high and potential for becoming destructive is great. Applies constant awareness of the frequent changes in cockpit design, ordnance placement, and cabin layouts to direct rescue and firefighting operations. Support operations involve extensive flight line repair work, hot pit refueling, or the storage or movement of large quantities of gasoline and other fuels. Performs standby duty during aircraft refueling and defueling, engine maintenance and testing, welding, and burning on fueled and/or armed aircraft, ammunition handling or other special circumstances. Maintains an up-to-date knowledge of the frequent changes in cockpit design, ordnance placement, and cabin layouts to determine how they affect the difficulty of rescue and firefighting. Directs water through turrets, extended waterways, and handlines to cool weapons and ammunition during rescue. Operates or deactivates specialized mechanisms and systems, such as hatch or canopy release mechanisms, ejection seat mechanisms, or oxygen supply systems. Sometimes uses special tools developed for the particular mechanism. Performs standby duty during aircraft refueling and defueling, engine maintenance and testing, welding, and burning on fueled and/or armed aircraft, ammunition handling, or other special circumstances. Participates in regular training and exercises as required.

DUTIES CONTINUED UNDER EDUCATION:

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
Information Assurance Certification is a condition of employment. Per DoD 8570.01-M, the incumbent must achieve the appropriate IA certification within six months of assignment of these duties.
Must be able to obtain/maintain appropriate security clearance

Qualifications

GENERAL EXPERIENCE:
Experience that demonstrated the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to perform successfully the duties of the position. Such duties may include (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; (6) developing, implementing, or providing training in fire protection and prevention; (7) firefighting and fire prevention theory and techniques; (8) fixed and mobile firefighting equipment operation; (9) planning, directing, or carrying out fire protection and prevention programs and operations and/or (10) performing emergency medical services.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:

Must have at least 18 months experience, education, or training in one or more of the following areas: Controlling or extinguishing fires as a member of an organized military, industrial, volunteer, or governmental fire department or brigade. Rescue operations. Detection, reduction, or elimination of potential fire hazards. Operation of fire communications equipment. Controlling hazardous materials incidents. Developing, implementing, or providing training in fire protection and prevention; Firefighting and fire prevention theory and techniques; Fixed and mobile firefighting equipment operation. Planning, directing, or carrying out fire protection and prevention programs and operations and/or performing emergency medical services.

Education

DUTIES CONTINUED:

4. Leads assigned crew and performs emergency rescue of personnel and a variety of first aid measures to alleviate further injury and prepare the victim(s) for transport to a medical facility. Uses direct pressure and/or tourniquets to stop bleeding, checks windpipe for obstructions, performs CPR, and/or provides other appropriate assistance. Frequently serves as the prime rescuer in rescue operations. Participates in regular training and exercises as required.

5. Assigns crew members to perform maintenance of firefighting equipment and fire station facilities. Performs functional tests and inspections. Performs preventive maintenance on equipment and housekeeping duties associated with assigned facilities.

6. Complies with health, safety, and environmental rules and procedures and performs work in a manner that enhances the safety of the work environment. Ensures federal, state, and local protection/prevention ordinances and building codes concerning health, safety, and the environment are strictly adhered to. Uses and assures proper fit of required safety equipment and clothing.

7. Performs other duties as assigned.

Additional information

Veteran Preference may apply if the first area of consideration are not met.

Veterans Information: Veterans' information must be validated by formal submissions including all necessary supporting documentation. You must provide acceptable documents for eligibility. Acceptable documentation may be:

1. A copy of your DD-214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions.
2. A "certification" that is a written document from the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is signed.
3. You may obtain a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs reflecting your level of disability for preference eligibility by visiting a VA Regional Office, contacting a VA call center or online. If claiming over 30% disability a SF-15 is required to be submitted with your letter.

NOTE: Prior to appointment, an agency will require the service member to provide a copy of the DD-214.

If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).

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, general and specialized experience):

  • Knowledge of the operation of firefighting vehicles and associated equipment of significant complexity.
  • Knowledge of HAZMAT containment and control.-- Thorough knowledge of the latest changes in aircraft cockpit design, ordnance placement, and cabin layouts to include the operation of hatch or canopy release mechanisms, ejection seat mechanisms, and/or oxygen supply systems.
  • Thorough knowledge of the physical configuration of a variety of aircraft and the operation characteristics of associated systems and mechanisms.
  • Detailed knowledge of design, construction, utilization, and contents of aircraft.
  • Specialized knowledge of firefighting techniques for fire hazards peculiar to airfields, such as aircraft, special weapons, hazardous materials, etc.
  • Thorough knowledge of facility layouts (including research and/or industrial complexes) and the location and operation of alarm/suppression control panels, hydrants, utility shutoffs, and suppression systems (including special extinguishing agents and systems).
  • Practical knowledge of emergency first aid techniques.
  • Practical knowledge of hydraulic principles as they pertain to water flow, water pressure, water levels, line (friction) losses, etc.
  • Working knowledge of pumping equipment to maintain and correct mechanical problems.
  • Knowledge of Basic Life Support procedures.
  • Ability to direct the operation of firefighting vehicles and associated equipment of significant complexity.
  • Ability to determine route, approach, and position of vehicle in relation to the fire scene.

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