Firefighter (Basic Life Support/Hazardous Materials Tech)

Duties

• This is being announced at multiple grade levels. Duties listed below will be performed in a developmental capacity at the GS-04/05/06 grade level. At the full performance, GS-07, the incumbent will:
• Respond to all fire emergencies to include those involving radioactive and/or hazardous materials, medical emergencies, rescue operations, wild land fires, hazardous material incidents and aircraft emergencies.
• Ventilate buildings, vehicles and aircraft of products of incomplete combustion, and smoke and gases as well as potential hazardous materials.
• Respond to emergencies which may include use of fire hydrants, hazardous material personal protective equipment, firefighting vehicles, and various emergency response equipment to control an incident.
• Analyze the hazardous incident and determine the magnitude of the problem. Serve as a first responder to medical emergencies and perform medical procedures that are noninvasive.
• Perform firefighting tasks involving structures, equipment, crashes, burning aircraft, wildland fires, vehicle fires and spilled or burning hazardous materials (HAZMAT).

Requirements

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.
• The duties of this position meet the criteria for compliance with Department of the Army Drug Free Workplace Programs, and is subject to a pre-employment, random, and reasonable suspicion testing due to direct involvement with an on-duty accident.
• In accordance with AR 690-11, this position has been designated as "Key" and shall not be vacated during a national emergency or mobilization as doing so would seriously impair the capability of the organization to function effectively.
• As a "Key" position, the incumbent must be exempted from recall to active duty and will receive training to ensure mission accomplishment of sustaining base operations during mobilization.
• This position requires you to wear a uniform and safety apparel in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• This position requires that you will work a 72-hour weekly tour and you will be required to work weekends and holidays.
• Due to incidental requirements to drive a government vehicle, you are required to possess and maintain a valid State driver's license.
• 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 has a requirement to lift up to 50 lbs. in the regular performance of duties
• Must be capable of checking out, driving, and operating (in emergency and non-emergency mode) all emergency vehicles and their related on-board equipment.
• Must participate in the department's wellness program to include a structured physical exercise program and annual physical examination.
• May be required to travel by air and/or ground 10%
• Must successfully complete an annual emergency vehicle operations course.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a secret security clearance.
• This is a mission essential position. The incumbent is required to report for duty during inclement weather or emergency conditions. The position is subject to recalls to duty in support of emergency operations.
• 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 11. While probationary the incumbent can be terminated with limited appeal rights.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens

In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or 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 .

Experience and/or Education Requirements:

For GS-04 grade level:

Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes controlling or extinguishing fires as a member of an organized military, industrial, volunteer, or governmental fire department or brigade and rescue operations. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-03).
OR
Education: Two years of education above the high school level in an accredited college or university in Fire Training, Fire Science, or other related fields of study.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of education by 60. Add the two percentages.

For the GS-05 grade level:

Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes controlling or extinguishing fires as a member of an organized military, industrial, volunteer, or governmental fire department or brigade; and rescue operations; and detection, reduction, or elimination of potential fire hazards. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-04).
OR
Education: Four years of education above the high school level in an accredited college or university in Fire Science, Fire Training, or other related fields of study.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of education by 120. Add the two percentages.

For the GS-06 grade level:

Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience assisting in the 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; and controlling hazardous material incidents. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-05).

NOTE: For the GS-06 grade level you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone -- no substitution of education for experience is permitted.

For the GS-07 grade level:

Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes 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; 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).

NOTE: For the GS-07 grade level you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone -- no substitution of education for experience is permitted.

In addition to meeting the experience requirements above, applicants must also possess the following certifications 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 Maryland State or National Registry EMT Certification Card indicating a future expiration date when applicable:

Certification Requirements:

GS-04:

1. None

Note: Within 12 months of appointment to the GS-04 grade level the following certifications must be obtained: - Firefighter I - Firefighter II - Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Operations - Airport Firefighter

GS-05:

1. Firefighter I
2. Firefighter II
3. Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Operations
4. Airport Firefighter

Note: Within 12 months of appointment to the GS-05 grade level the following certifications must be obtained:

- Driver Operator -Pumper
- Driver Operator - Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF)
- Driver Operator - Aerial
- Driver Operator - Mobile Water Supply

GS-06:

1. Firefighter I
2. Firefighter II
3. Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Operations
4. Airport Firefighter
5. Driver Operator - Pumper
6. Driver Operator - Aircraft Rescue & Firefighting (ARFF)
7. Driver Operator - Aerial
8. Driver Operator - Mobile Water Supply

Note: Within 12 months of appointment to the GS-06 grade level the following certifications must be obtained:

- State of Maryland or National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) - Basic
- Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Technician Certification.

GS-07:

1. Firefighter I
2. Firefighter II
3. Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Technician
4. Airport Firefighter
5. Driver Operator - Pumper
6. Driver Operator - Aircraft Rescue & Firefighting (ARFF)
7. Driver Operator - Aerial
8. Driver Operator - Mobile Water Supply
9. State of Maryland or National Registry Emergency Medical Technician Basic

NOTE: This position may be filled at the GS-04, GS-05, GS-06, or at the full-performance grade level, GS-07. If filled below the full performance grade level, you will have non-competitive promotion potential to the GS-07 (through the intervening grades) when all work can be performed at that level, and all other applicable requirements have been met. ***For eligibility for non-competitive promotion to the next grade level, you must be fully certified at the next higher grade level before being eligible for promotion to that grade. ***

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.

Education

Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you may qualify if your education meets the definitions above at the GS-04 and GS-05 level only.

GS-06 level: No education substitution.
GS-07 level: No education substitution.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit:

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.
• One year trial/probationary period may be required.
• 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 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 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.
• The following special programs/incentives MAY be offered if it is appropriate to the position being filled and in the best interest of the government:
  • Recruitment Incentives
  • Relocation Incentives
  • Student Loan Repayment
  • 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.